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News from the Keweenaw Peninsula Posted May 4, 2003 Text © 2003 North Woods Conservancy Press Release. Photos © 2003 John Griffith.

North Woods Conservancy acquires property for public use

ALLOUEZ TOWNSHIP -- The North Woods Conservancy (NWC) has purchased Gratiot River North using a three-year, $1.7 million loan. Gratiot River North is a parcel of land adjacent to the Gratiot River County Park in Allouez Township on the north shore of Keweenaw County. The 495-acre property includes miles of hiking and biking trails and nearly a mile of Lake Superior shoreline famous for its beauty, serenity and agate-rich cobble beach.

This photo is of the shoreline of the Gratiot River North property, looking southwest along the Lake Superior coast toward the mouth of the Gratiot River. (Photo by John Griffith)

The purchase ends a decade-long legal battle, eliminates a proposed bridge across the Gratiot River through the county park, and keeps the property open for public use 365 days a year.

“So much lakeshore has been subdivided, developed and put off-limits to the public,” NWC President John Griffith said. “It’s incredible that we have a chance to save this property for future generations to enjoy.” 

Gratiot River North can be accessed either from the county road and park at the mouth of the Gratiot River, or from a parking area and trail easement beginning at the terminus of South Farmer’s Block Road.

The North Woods Conservancy, in partnership with several local entities, is applying to a variety of sources to obtain grant funds to retire the $1.7 million debt. The NWC also must raise about $25,000 per quarter to cover annual interest payments on the loan; the first payment is due June 10.

If funding is not obtained within three years, all or part of the parcel will be sold to retire the debt. Public support is crucial.

Contributions and letters of support may be sent to: NWC, PO Box 124, Calumet, MI 49913.

For more information, please call the NWC at (906) 337-0782, or visit the NWC Web site.

Editor's Note: See also the Jan. 30, 2003, article, "Conservancy plans purchase of Gratiot River North" for background on this issue.

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