Pilgrim River Watershed Project Launched
Steering Group Formed - Seeking Additional Members
A recent change in ownership of a 1360 acre commercial forest property in the Pilgrim River watershed has created the opportunity for a project supporting sustainable forestry, watershed protection, public recreation and education. The property includes over 2 miles of the Pilgrim River, including a good portion of the River's headwaters. The land is currently enrolled in the Michigan Commercial Forest program and is enjoyed by the public for hunting and fishing. The new owners support these goals for forestry, conservation and expanded public recreation and encourage the community to develop approaches to accomplish a project that permanently achieves these land uses. Several local groups have come together to form the Pilgrim River Watershed Steering Group to gather information, engage the broader community, and explore options to accomplish a successful project. Initial Steering Group members include representatives from:
- Keweenaw Land Trust
- Western Upper Peninsula Planning & Development Region
- Copper Country Chapter of Trout Unlimited
- Keweenaw Trails Alliance
- Houghton-Keweenaw Conservation District
- Center for Water and Society - Michigan Technological University
- Copper Country Audubon
- North Woods Alliance
- Partners in Forestry
Portage Township is invited to join the Steering Group to bring the ideas and concerns of local residents. Area hunting and angling clubs are encouraged to participate in the Steering Group and pursue the interests of hunters and anglers. Several neighboring landowners who are interested in the project have been participating, including some who are considering conservation opportunities for their own land as a way to contribute to the larger project.
We welcome all individuals and groups who would like to participate in this effort!
The Steering Group is currently working to identify funding sources, both public and private, to support this project and to explore different strategies to accomplish our goals. A current priority for the Steering Group is to contact local landowners in the Pilgrim River Watershed to inform them about this project and learn their ideas and concerns to develop the most effective and positive project strategy.
A website for the Pilgrim River Watershed Project is in development and will be launched in early 2010 as a public information source and communication tool for the Steering Group.
