Safeguarding the Headwaters of the Inland Waterway

The Little Traverse Conservancy has secured an option to purchase one of the largest undeveloped blocks ofland remaining between Petoskey and Harbor Springs. The 243 acres on Round Lake include a stream that forms the headwaters of the Inland Waterway, a 40-mile navigable waterway that courses from Round Lake through Crooked, Pickerel, Burt, and Mullet Lakes and into Lake Huron in Cheboygan.

"This is an exceptional opportunity for land protection in our region," said Tom Bailey, executive director for the Conservancy. "Not only is the size of the land impressive, but the land’s relationship to our local watersheds is enormously important. What happens to this land will have a huge bearing on many aspects of water quality in Emmet and Cheboygan counties."

Owned by Fochtman Realty, the 243 acres includes a quarter mile of frontage on Round Lake, shoreline that is used for feeding by a pair of nesting loons. This portion of Round Lake frontage is the last undeveloped parcel on the entire lake. The property also includes one-half mile of scenic US-31 frontage. The inland portion of the property is largely wetland and provides important breeding grounds for fish in Crooked Lake.

"This property, with its undeveloped shoreline on Round Lake, mile of stream frontage, and numerous acres of wetlands is truly a diverse landscape from a wildlife standpoint," said Scott McEwen, Water Resource Program Director for the Tip of the Mitt Watershed Council. "It is also a critical part of the Inland Waterway’s water filtration system."

The landowners agreed to sell to the Conservancy at a price below fair market value. The acquisition will cost $1.625 million — which includes a purchase price of $1.5 million and $125,000 in interest and expenses. Of the $1.625 million that needs to be raised, $1.1 million has been pledged, leaving $525,000 yet to be raised.

Once acquired, the property will be protected as a nature preserve with low-impact uses permitted to protect the wildlife habitat. Loons, which nest on the lake, are especially sensitive to disturbance and use the undeveloped land for feeding grounds (see below).

"We have owned this property since 1929," said Dave Fochtman. "The Fochtman family wanted to show their appreciation to the community for years of working together."

Please call our office for more information.