LANSING, Mich. (WZMQ) – Governor Gretchen Whitmer has signed a bipartisan package of bills creating a new recreational authority for Keweenaw County, paving the way for local management of the Keweenaw Heartlands project.
The legislation allows smaller counties to independently form recreational authorities, a change supporters say is necessary for Keweenaw County, which has a population of roughly 2,000 residents but could soon oversee more than 30,000 acres of public forestland.
The land, known as the Keweenaw Heartlands, was purchased by The Nature Conservancy in 2022 after concerns the property could be sold off for private development. The organization has spent the past several years working with local officials, residents, and the Michigan Department of Natural Resources to create a long-term governance plan focused on conservation, recreation, and public access.
State Rep. Greg Markkanen said the newly signed legislation creates the legal framework needed for Keweenaw County residents to eventually manage the land locally.
“the governor signed three of the three bills that create a recreational authority for Keweenaw County for the 32,000 acres up there,” Markkanen said. “And it’ll allow better management for the property.”
Under the proposal, much of the land would eventually be transferred into local control through the new authority, while portions of the property would remain under state management through the Department of Natural Resources.
“the property was secured by the Nature Conservancy and then is going to be turned over to the county now under the recreational authority,” Markkanen said.
Supporters say the project is important not only for conservation but also for the Upper Peninsula’s recreation economy. The Heartlands include major ATV and snowmobile trail systems connecting popular tourism destinations like Copper Harbor, Eagle River, and Eagle Harbor.
“the main snowmobile trail and ATV trail up to Copper Harbor and Eagle River, Eagle Harbor goes through this property,” Markkanen said. “So it’s important for the economy of Keweenaw County and the UP as well.”
The project has been in development for nearly three years and has included extensive public meetings and planning sessions with community members. A locally elected board is expected to oversee future management decisions involving recreation, conservation, forestry, and public access.
“it’s going to be controlled locally and by residents of Keweenaw County,” Markkanen said. “I think that’s very important.”
The legislation also comes as lawmakers negotiate the next state budget. Governor Whitmer’s proposed budget includes $6.5 million for the Keweenaw Heartlands project to help support the transition to local management and future operations.
Markkanen said the project represents a major opportunity for Keweenaw County and the broader Upper Peninsula.
“Keweenaw County is really leading the way, I mean, with their mountain bike trails and everything else,” he said. “And the scenery up there is just breathtaking. So, It’s going to be a win-win for the community and for the county and for the whole UP.”
