Key Tracts Protected Along US-31 Corridor

Fueled by support from local foundations and the Michigan Department of Transportation, the Conservancy’s US-31 Corridor Protection Project recently protected two priority projects within this scenic stretch of highway.

A 45-acre tract at the corner of Burgess Road and US-31 was purchased for protection, in part, using a grant from the Michigan Department of Transportation’s TEA-21 Program. The land lies directly across from the State of Michigan’s roadside pullout on the Lake Michigan side of the road. “This parcel is the cornerstone of a stretch of undeveloped roadside land in northern Charlevoix County,” said land protection specialist Ty Ratliff. “The development potential of the land was as high as its gets; we knew we had to get this piece protected.”

With a quarter mile of US-31 frontage, the property consists of a mix of high quality wetland, upland, forested, and meadow habitat. Its protection further enhances the scenic qualities enjoyed by those who use the scenic pullout across the road, and the public access boat ramp, located just down the road.

“I am pleased to see that the property will stay in its natural state,” said Hubert Lietz, the former owner. For many years, Lietz and his brother Paul ran Lietz Industries, a tool and die business, from the site. One building still remains and the Conservancy plans to remove it to fully reclaim the site as early as this summer.

The property is now a Conservancy nature preserve and will be maintained for habitat preservation.

Further up the highway…
At the southern end of Emmet County, the Conservancy also recently purchased a second 40-acre tract that includes a half-mile of US-31 frontage. The scenic protection runs parallel to another ½ mile of scenic roadside protected by a conservation easement.

Purchased from Robert and Marie Stolt, the land includes sensitive wetlands which, if developed, would greatly alter the local watershed.

“We and our children are happy that the Conservancy respects this property for its natural value,” Marie said. “We had opportunities to make other choices with this land, but we feel really good about choosing to have it protected.”

The Conservancy gratefully acknowledges the Herbert H. and Grace A. Dow Foundation, the Offield Foundation, the Americana Foundation, and the Frey Foundation for their contributions toward the protection of these and future lands within the US-31 Corridor.

“The protection of this corridor continues to be a high priority for our organization,” said Tom Bailey, the Conservancy’s executive director. “The scenic beauty of this highway is one of the great attractions of living in or visiting northwest lower Michigan."