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		Points of View July 4, 2003 Guest Column: Text © 2003 Save Bete Grise Fundraising Committee. Reprinted with permission.  Aerial Photos © 2003 Michael Jordan. Reprinted with Permission.

The Chance of a Life Time: SAVE BETE GRISE SOUTH

LAC LA BELLE -- As many Keweenaw landowners, residents and visitors know, land in the area is being sold and subdivided at an unprecedented rate. After 150 years of ownership, first by the mining companies and now the paper companies, these corporations are divesting their large land holdings. Fragmentation and development destroy the viability of these unique habitats. Along the southern shore of the Keweenaw Peninsula adjacent to Lake Superior lies a large, relatively intact stretch of both shoreline and near shoreline wetland communities. 

This aerial photo shows the wetland and beach at Bete Grise South.  According to Michigan Department of Environmental Quality documents, "This wetland is one of two of the highest quality Lake Superior wetlands ranked by the Michigan Natural Features Inventory, and is the best example of this type of wetland known from Michigan due to its size, diversity, and hydrological intactness." (Photo by Michael Jordan. Reprinted with permission.)

This area has been identified as the single most important estuarine Great Lakes Marsh remaining in the Upper Great Lakes by The Nature Conservancy, the Michigan Department of Natural Resources and the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality. A coalition of partners has formed to preserve and manage this unique wetland complex. This striking dune and swale wetland system, beginning on the south shore of Lac La Belle and extending south along the shores of Lake Superior towards Point Isabelle, collectively referred to as Bete Grise South, is deserving of long term, immediate protection. Right now is your opportunity of a lifetime to help preserve Bete Grise South for generations to come.

Loons and eagles frequent this high quality marsh area and four state-listed rare species are found in the wetlands. A scenic coastal roadway along the perimeter offers breathtaking views of Lake Superior, the Huron Mountains and the rugged bluffs and coast northeast towards Keweenaw Point. The owner, Lake Superior Land Company, has agreed to work with The Nature Conservancy and others to sell the 1000 plus acre property for a purchase price that is likely to exceed $1,000,000. In the interim, the owner is requesting that $100,000 be paid to secure an option for Bete Grise South by the end of 2003. The first phase acquisition contains the highest quality wetland portion of the project and will protect nearly two miles of lakeshore including developable acreage. Bete Grise South is slated for immediate subdivision and development unless The Nature Conservancy and partners accomplish this acquisition plan.

Aerial view of Bete Grise South and wetlands. (Photo by Michael Jordan. Reprinted with permission.)

The fund raising goal is $100,000 by December, 2003. Please consider contributing to this chance of a lifetime to put a significant piece of Keweenaw wilderness in reserve for future generations. We will keep you informed on fundraising progress throughout the year. Contributions and pledges should be labeled "Bete Grise South" and sent in care of:

Jeff Knoop -- Director, Land Protection
The Nature Conservancy 
125 W. Washington St., Suite 6
Marquette, MI 49855 
(906) 225-0399 
Your contributions are tax deductible.
Pledges are due by December 1, 2003.
Thank You!

See Page Two for Map of Bete Grise South

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Note: Views expressed by our guest columnists are not necessarily the views of Keweenaw Now.