Ottawa Celebrates Acquisition of Sturgeon River Gorge Wilderness In-holding

The Ottawa NF acquired nearly 2,000 acres of land within the SRG Wilderness area through cooperative efforts of TPL and We Energies.

The Ottawa National Forest, Trust for Public Land (TPL), We Energies, and other partners gathered on August 15, 2008, to announce that the Forest Service has purchased 2,000 acres of land along the Sturgeon River. This property, located in Michigan's Upper Peninsula, includes undeveloped and pristine forest within the boundaries of the Sturgeon River Gorge Wilderness Area and Wild & Scenic River.

In addition to this unprecedented addition to the Wilderness, 6.6 miles of the Sturgeon River will remain preserved and protected as a Wild & Scenic River, thanks to the enactment of the Wild & Scenic Rivers Act, which celebrates its 40th Anniversary in 2008. The property has now been added as part of the Forest for permanent protection.

The event was held at Bear's Den Overlook, which overlooks the newly protected property and the Sturgeon National Wild and Scenic River.

U.S. Senators Carl Levin and Debbie Stabenow and U.S. Representative Bart Stupak sent representatives to the event on their behalf. The congressional delegation worked to secure federal funding from the Land and Water Conservation Fund so that the Ottawa National Forest could acquire the land.

In August 2006, the integrity of the Wilderness area and the Wild & Scenic River corridor were in jeopardy due to the pending sale of 11,000 acres owned by We Energies in Michigan's Upper Peninsula and northern Wisconsin. Rather than sell the privately owned 2,000 acres to developers, We Energies sought to protect and add the property to the Ottawa National Forest. TPL secured the property from We Energies and held it until the Forest Service was able to acquire the land in its entirety.

The Sturgeon River Gorge is a distinctive landform and its unique geologic features are unduplicated elsewhere in the Lake States. Throughout this rugged, steep Wilderness, the Sturgeon and Little Silver Rivers and their tributaries have carved falls, ponds, oxbows, and terraces. With its rugged terrain, mature forests, and remote location, the Sturgeon River Gorge Wilderness, offers outstanding recreational opportunities including hiking, primitive camping, canoeing, whitewater kayaking, hunting, and fishing. A ten mile portion of the North Country National Scenic Trail runs immediately adjacent to the wilderness and its eastern boundary.

"Wilderness plays such an important role in our ecosystems, communities, and hearts," said Susan J. Spear, Forest Supervisor for the Ottawa National Forest. "The opportunity for the Forest Service to work with our Michigan congressional delegation and partners such as We Energies and The Trust for Public Land to preserve this area is an honor. Not only does this acquisition preserve the unique character of the Sturgeon River Gorge Wilderness, but it also provides for nearly 7 miles of the Sturgeon River to remain preserved and protected a s Wild and Scenic River. We are excited that this area will now be available for future generations to enjoy."

The day's events were a huge success, thanks to the support from the many partners who worked tirelessly to make this happen.