THANK YOU! Your response to Calls to Action over the last three years has mobilized the State of Michigan in dedicating resources to acquire and expand public lands at the northern end of Keweenaw County. But that land is still at risk of fragmentation. The time to let officials know how important it is to protect and expand the Keweenaw Recreation Area is NOW! Taking two simple steps could make the difference in just how much at-risk land is acquired by the DNR and put into the public trust, forever.
Make your voice heard!
Download. Sign. Send.
STEP ONE
Email your letter to DNR Director Scott Bowen. The sample letter is in the PDF attachment and also below to copy and paste easily.
Copy these officials on your email to Director Bowen:
DNR-ParksAndRecreation@Michigan.gov, olsonr@michigan.gov, GregMarkkanen@house.mi.gov, senemcbroom@senate.michigan.gov, whitcombs@michigan.gov, MayesJ@michigan.gov,
NOTE: Attach the completed MNRTF Nomination Form which includes the Call to Action map. To complete the Nomination Form, fill out your contact information in Section 1 and sign and date at the bottom of the second page.
Sample letter:
Director Scott Bowen
Department of Natural Resources
Executive Division
P.O. Box 30028
Lansing, MI 48909
Dear Director Bowen,
The DNR has a once-in-a-century opportunity to acquire 25,600 acres of the Keweenaw Recreation Area that is currently under temporary ownership and at risk for fragmentation. This land is adjacent to Fort Wilkins and the DNR-owned Keweenaw Tip.
The purpose of this letter is to request your leadership in acquiring this irreplaceable 25,600 acres for posterity. Please see the enclosed map.
The sender might want to add something about themselves here such as: I am a resident of Michigan, or I am from ______ and love to vacation in Keweenaw with my family every year, or I love to ride the trails every winter, etc. OR skip this paragraph.
The Keweenaw Peninsula is globally significant for its geology, location on Lake Superior, unique mosaic of habitats, abundance of game and nongame species, importance as part of a hemispheric migratory bird corridor, fisheries, native and mining cultural heritage, scenic beauty, unfragmented terrain, and potential for the broadest range of outdoor recreation experiences in all seasons. Keweenaw has become an outdoor recreation destination. Tourism is the backbone of the area’s current and future outdoor experiential and public wellness economy, having evolved from the extractive mining and logging industries of the past. Adding this 25,600 acres to DNR holdings is essential for the local economy and brings revenue from other states and countries to Michigan.
We know that the DNR understands how important this area is for outdoor recreation and has already begun to raise funds through the Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund (MNRTF) and the Land and Water Conservation Fund. We know significantly more resources are needed and that is why I am sending the enclosed citizen request form to the MNRTF today.
We believe the State of Michigan is the best permanent owner for this land. The local community is ready to help the DNR with long-term stewardship. The Keweenaw Outdoor Recreation Coalition (KORC) consists of over a thousand members who love the Keweenaw, and represents a coalition of motorized and non-motorized trail clubs, businesses, land trusts, and conservation groups who are ready and willing to continue working with the State to make the Keweenaw Recreation Area a reality.
Please provide the leadership necessary to expand the Keweenaw Recreation Area by 25,600 acres now! Thank you for your consideration.
Sincerely,
Your name
Your contact information
STEP TWO
The more emails and letters sent to decision makers, the better chance we have of protecting Keweenaw — Access for Everyone – Forever!
If possible, please also print copies of your letter and mail to the following people:
Director Scott Bowen
Department of Natural Resources
Executive Division
P.O. Box 30028
Lansing, MI 48909
Ron Olson, Chief, Parks and Recreation Division
Department of Natural Resources
Executive Division
P.O. Box 30028
Lansing, MI 48909
Deputy Director Shannon Lott
Department of Natural Resources
Executive Division
P.O. Box 30028
Lansing, MI 48909
Scott Whitcomb, Office of Public Lands
Department of Natural Resources
Executive Division
P.O. Box 30028
Lansing, MI 48909
Governor Gretchen Whitmer
P.O. Box 30013
Lansing, MI 48909
Lt. Governor Garlin Gilchrist II
P.O. Box 30013
Lansing, MI 48909
Representative Greg Markkanen
P.O. Box 30014
Lansing, MI 48909-7514
Senator Ed McBroom
820 Farnum Building
P.O. Box 30036
Lansing, MI 48909-7840
NOTE: The following officials do not have public email addresses.
Governor Whitmer — Please submit your letter with attachments at this link:
https://somgovweb.state.mi.us/GovRelations/ContactGovernor.aspx