The protection of this remarkable area began in 1985 when the Colonial Point Memorial Forest was purchased by a sawmill and slated for heavy logging. The local community voiced great concern over this threat to the treasured area which is home to one of the most extraordinary red oak forests in the midwest.
In response, the Little Traverse Conservancy coordinated an effort to purchase the property with a significant grant from the Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund. Many partners, including the University of Mich-igan Biological Station, the Michigan chapter of The Nature Conservancy, local property owners and other caring citizens joined forces to successfully raise the additional funds needed to complete the purchase. The Colonial Point Memorial Forest is now owned by the Biological Station.
In 1993, the 175 acres adjacent to the Colonial Point Memorial Forest was listed for sale. The Little Traverse Conservancy considered this property to be of high priority for protection because of its proximity to the Colonial Point Forest, its diversity of habitats, and sensitive wetlands. The Conservancy was able to purchase the property using donated funds.
Thankfully, both of these magnificent natural areas will now remain in their natural condition, in perpetuity.