BETE GRISE COASTAL WETLANDS ACQUISITION II
NATIONAL COASTAL WETLAND CONSERVATION
GRANT PROPOSAL FOR THE PERIOD: JUNE 1, 2008 –SEPTEMBER 30, 2009
MICHIGAN DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES
SUBMITTED: FRIDAY, JUNE 27, 2008 IN PARTNERSHIP WITH: THE NATURE CONSERVANCY IN MICHIGAN KEWEENAW LAND TRUST HOUGHTON/KEWEENAW CONSERVATION DISTRICT TABLE OF CONTENTS PROJECT STATEMENT:...... 3
SUMMARY: 3
PROJECT AREA:...... 4
NEED:...... 5
OBJECTIVES:...... 7 Objective 1. Coastal Wetland Acquisition and Protection ...... 7 Objective 2. Management Plan / Outreach and Education...... 7
EXPECTED RESULTS OR BENEFITS: ...... 7 1. Wetlands conservation...... 7 2. Maritime forests on coastal barriers ...... 9 3. Long-term conservation...... 10 4. Coastal watershed management ...... 10 5. Conservation of threatened and endangered species ...... 10 6. Benefits to fish...... 11 7. Benefits to coastal-dependent or migratory birds ...... 12 8. Prevent or reduce contamination...... 12 9. Catalyst for future conservation ...... 13 10. Partners in conservation...... 13 11. Federal share reduced ...... 13 12. Education/outreach program or wildlife-oriented recreation...... 13 13. Other factors ...... 14
APPROACH: ...... 15 Approach 1. Coastal Wetland Acquisition and Protection ...... 15 Approach 2. Management Plan / Outreach and Education...... 17
LOCATION:...... 17
ESTIMATED COST:...... 17
PROJECT PERSONNEL: ...... 18
APPENDIX A: Summary Information for Ranking National Coastal Wetlands Conservation Grant Program Proposals ...... 20
APPENDIX B: Partner Letters of Support...... 37
Bete Grise Coastal Wetlands Acquisition II, MDNR Page 2 of 37 PROJECT STATEMENT:
The Bete Grise coastal wetland acquisition, a cooperative effort between the Michigan Chapter of the Nature Conservancy (TNC) and the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (MDNR) with additional governmental agency and non-profit organization partners.
SUMMARY:
Bete Grise Bay of Lake Superior lies off the southern coast of Michigan’s Keweenaw Peninsula. An inland lake, and former embayment, of Lake Superior known as Lac La Belle is directly connected to Bete Grise Bay. Surrounding the eastern and southern shores of Lac La Belle and running south along the Lake Superior coastline is a vast Great Lakes Coastal Wetlands complex totaling over 5,000 acres. The Michigan Natural Features Inventory (MNFI) has identified this pristine coastal wetland as the only A-ranked occurrence of this type remaining in the United States’ Upper Great Lakes.
The purpose of this proposal is to acquire the approximately 917 acres of wetlands and sand dune uplands as well as 3,500 feet of additional frontage on the Lac La Belle known as the Bete Grise Wetland. This parcel is directly adjacent to TNC’s Bete Grise Preserve, established in 2005. Securing the Bete Grise Wetlands is the next step in ensuring that the over 5,000 acre landscape level Lake Superior coastal wetland complex is permanently protected.
Bete Grise Coastal Wetlands Acquisition II, MDNR Page 3 of 37 PROJECT AREA:
Bete Grise Bay of Lake Superior lies off the southern coast of the Keweenaw Peninsula, in Keweenaw County of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. An inland lake and former embayment of Lake Superior known as Lac La Belle is directly connected to Bete Grise Bay. Surrounding the eastern and southern shores of Lac La Belle and running south along the Lake Superior coastline is a vast 5,000+ acre Great Lakes coastal wetland complex that is encompassed by the project area (Figure 1). The project area includes the lake Lac La Belle and stretches from the Lake Superior shore on the NWI Classification east, Deer Lake and Emergent the Little Gratiot Scrub-Shrub River on the west Forested Open Water LAC LA BELLE and south along the Lake Superior Bete Grise Bay shoreline past Oliver Lac La Belle of Lake Superior Bay. This project area was originally established to acquire coastal wetlands with Deer funds that included a Lake successful National Coastal Wetland Conservation (NCWC) grant in 2006.
Area of Detail The rugged, forested Keweenaw Peninsula extends into Lake Superior near the western end of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. 0.5 0 0.5 1 Miles N Keweenaw is Ojibwa for “place of the Figure 1: Project area locator map with National Wetlands Inventory delineated wetlands with false-color infrared Digital Orthoquad as background. crossing”, referring to the Portage Waterway that provides safe passage through, rather than around the peninsula. A unique combination of topography, geology and geography has produced a region of very rich biodiversity. Several globally rare natural communities and endemic species exist, and many of the boreal species reach the southern extent of their range on the Keweenaw.
As previously mentioned, MNFI has identified the wetland complex in the project area as the only A-ranked occurrence of this type remaining in the United States portion of the Upper Great Lakes. In addition, TNC and the Lake Superior Bi-National Forum have long since recognized the ecological significance of this area and the need for land protection. TNC has designated this
Bete Grise Coastal Wetlands Acquisition II, MDNR Page 4 of 37 pristine mosaic of wetlands, dunes, sloughs and shoreline as the best estuarine Great Lakes Marsh (The Nature Conservancy Site Conservation, 4/1/96).
NEED:
Two large parcels of the coastal wetland complex in the project area were acquired with funds from a previously successful NCWC grant. These parcels, identified in the previous grant as Bete Grise North and Bete Grise South, are now known collectively as the Bete Grise Preserve. The preserve is jointly managed and maintained by The Nature Conservancy in Michigan (TNC), Keweenaw Land Trust (KLT) and the Houghton-Keweenaw Conservation District along with technical assistance from MDNR. Additional acquisitions within this complex are needed to ensure the integrity of this complex. A willing seller has been identified for a large parcel, referred to in this proposal as Bete Grise Wetlands, which would add 917 acres to the preserve and protect lands particularly valuable for residential development along the southern shore of Lac La Belle (Figure 2).
LAC LA BELLE 763 Acres Bete Grise Bay Lac La Belle of Lake Superior
Bete Grise North
917 Acres Bete Grise South
Bete Grise Wetlands Deer Lake 1,040 Acres
0.2 0 0.2 0.4 Miles N Figure 2: Location map of proposed acquisition of Bete Grise Wetlands along with the existing two parcels now managed as the single Bete Grise Preserve.
The current owner has been attempting to sell these lands for more than two years. There is some virgin softwood timber remaining on more remote upland areas of this property and hardwoods that may include bird’s eye and curly maple. The seller’s original intention was to log any viable timber before selling the land. Additionally, the seller was interested in moving fill from the sand dune ridges to the wetlands on the Lac La Belle sloughs in the northeast corner
Bete Grise Coastal Wetlands Acquisition II, MDNR Page 5 of 37 of the property to create developable lots (Figure 3). Preliminary plans were to develop the uplands along the road running east-west in the northern portion of the property into a subdivision and then establish two large subdivision docks on Lac La Belle in order to “keyhole” more people into the area. The seller was also considering selling small lots across the road from existing subdivisions along Lac La Belle adjacent to the northwest corner of the property for extra garages and out buildings.
Lac La Belle
Planned Docks % Existing Subdivisions %
Planned Subdivisions Lac La Belle Sloughs
0.25 0 0.25 0.5 Miles N
Figure 3: Development threats to the proposed acquisition site (yellow outline). Background imagery is a Digital Orthoquad from false color infra-red photography. Picture taken leaf-off during winter of 1998-1999. Reds indicate presence of evergreen vegetation. Note the banding formations that developed the dune and swale communities of this parcel that extend along the road from Bete Grise South (red outline) through the northeast portion of the Bete Grise Wetlands. These dune and swale communities developed when Lac La Belle was an embayment of Lake Superior before the wetlands of Bete Grise South formed.
These development projects would destroy this peaceful, untouched area. It would increase the density of development in already congested areas along the shores of Lac La Belle. It would increase the number of septic fields and fertilized lawns and severely degrade the natural habitat of Bete Grise Wetlands. The more than half mile of frontage targeted for development is adjacent to Bete Grise Preserve and within a half mile of an active Bald Eagle nest. This slough area is also a nesting ground for Sandhill Cranes as well as many other water bird species.
In addition to the development, the Bete Grise Wetlands are threatened by recreational uses incompatible with maintaining and protecting coastal wetlands. There has been a marked increase in the popularity of all terrain vehicle (ATV) and off road vehicle (ORV) riding throughout the Keweenaw Peninsula. This increase in pressure has not coincided with an
Bete Grise Coastal Wetlands Acquisition II, MDNR Page 6 of 37 increase in education, legal riding venues and enforcement. Consequently, ATV and ORV damage is increasing throughout the project area’s wetlands except in Bete Grise Preserve, where signs, gates and stewardship have lead to a decrease in this type of damage.
The owner of Bete Grise Wetlands has kept this large parcel intact for 30 years and would like it to remain that way. As a result, the owner is willing to make the match for this grant through a bargain sale. Houghton Keweenaw Conservation District will hold the title to Bete Grise Wetlands. This property will become part of the Bete Grise Preserve and will be jointly managed by the Houghton Keweenaw Conservation District, TNC and the KLT along with technical assistance from MDNR. The conservation partners need to acquire this parcel to keep large forested wetlands intact and increase the size of the Bete Grise Preserve by nearly 50 percent.
OBJECTIVES:
The conservation partners in this proposal have a goal to protect, enhance and maintain the 5,000+ acre wetland complex in the project area. This proposal will contribute to that goal by addressing the following objectives:
Objective 1. Coastal Wetland Acquisition and Protection
To acquire in fee simple one parcel of land totaling 917 acres from a willing seller by the end of the grant period. This parcel will then become managed and maintained as part of the Bete Grise Preserve.
Objective 2. Management Plan / Outreach and Education
To revise the management plan for the Bete Grise Preserve to include the Bete Grise Wetlands and include actions necessary to maintain the preserve’s unique ecosystem and opportunities for outreach, education and public use by the end of the grant period.
EXPECTED RESULTS OR BENEFITS:
An explanation of how this project addresses the National Coastal Wetlands Conservation Grant Program’s fourteen ranking criteria established in 50 CFR 84 are provided as follows (additional information on the application of these ranking criteria to this proposal is provided in Appendix A):
1. Wetlands conservation
This proposal will protect coastal wetlands in perpetuity by acquiring Bete Grise Wetlands in fee simple. The flora and fauna of this large, diverse coastal plain wetland includes distinct vegetation zones representing a mix of emergent marsh, bog, poor fen, patterned fen and conifer swamp communities interspersed with spruce and northern hardwood forest. These vegetation zones are similar to those found on Bete Grise Preserve with the addition of higher, stable dune
Bete Grise Coastal Wetlands Acquisition II, MDNR Page 7 of 37 ridges dominated by white pine and birch. This area is described in A Summary of Important Habitat Conditions in the Lake Superior Basin prepared by the Lake Superior Bi-national Program in 1996. Thousands of animal and plant species take advantage of this rich assortment of habitats. A number of shrubs including blueberries, bilberries, cranberries and blackberries grow in the Bete Grise Wetlands and provide an important food source for many types of wildlife.
As a result of the development forces and land physiography, the Bete Grise wetland complex is significant and rare at this latitude. Consequently, this exemplary wetland system has been identified by the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality (MDEQ), TNC and MDNR as the single most important estuarine Great Lakes Marsh remaining in the Upper Great Lakes in the United States. The acquisition of the Bete Grise Wetland parcel will protect in perpetuity a significant acreage of nationally declining wetland types. Nearly 80% of the site is composed of wetlands comprised entirely of the following nationally declining types: palustrine forested, palustrine scrub-shrub and palustrine emergent (Figure 4). Bete Grise Wetland is a part of the Great Lakes Marsh, which TNC and MNFI long ago identified as a top priority site for protection. A summary of the wetland types that will be protected by this proposed acquisition is provided in the following table:
Bete Grise Wetlands Classification NWI Classification Percent Acres Status Palustrine Forested 52.8% 484 Nationally Declining Palustrine Scrub-Shrub 23.0% 211 Nationally Declining Palustrine Emergent 3.4% 31 Nationally Declining Uplands 26.0% 191 Stable or Other Totals 100.0% 917 Status Summary Percent Acres Nationally Declining 79.2% 726 Stable or Other 20.8% 191 Totals 100.0% 917
This site also contains Patterned Fen habitat that is rated as State imperiled (S2) by the MNFI. This habitat type may also be regionally imperiled based on the MNFI’s “Michigan’s Natural Communities Draft List and Descriptions” published in April 2006. MNFI describes a Patterned Fen as a minerotropic shrub-herb peat land characterized by sedge peat ridges (strings) and hollows (flarks) oriented across the slope and perpendicular to the flow of ground water. Characteristic species in the flarks are sundew (Drosera intermedia), bog buckbean (Menyanthes trifoliate), bladderwort (Utricularia comuta), pod-grass (Scheuchzeria palustris), twig-rush (Cladium mariscoides), brown beak-rush (Rhynchospora fusca) and Sphagnum moss. Typical string vegetation included Sphagnum spp., sedge (Carex exilis), rose pogonia (Pogonia ophioglossoides), pitcher plant (Sarracenia purpurea), sweetgale (Myrica gale), bog birch (Betula pumila), grass-pink (Calopogon tuberosus), twig-rush (Cladium mariscoides) and bog aster (Aster nemoralis). Pondweed (Potamogeton confervoides), a state listed species of special concern, is known at the Bete Grise Preserve and may also occur at the Bete Grise Wetlands.
Bete Grise Coastal Wetlands Acquisition II, MDNR Page 8 of 37 NWI Classification
Palustrine Emergent
Palustrine Scrub-Shrub
Palustrine Forested
Lac La Belle Bete Grise Bay of Lake Superior
Deer Lake
0.25 0 0.25 0.5 Miles N
Figure 4: National Wetlands Inventory (NWI) delineations of nationally declining wetland types in the Bete Grise Preserve (red outline) and the Bete Grise Wetlands (yellow outline)
At least two species of turtle and a variety of amphibians live and breed in Bete Grise Wetlands. Larger dunes in Bete Grise Wetlands isolate varied pockets of wetlands and vernal pools that serve as safe breeding areas for amphibians and invertebrates. Stable interior dunes provide desirable den sites for fox, wolf, coyotes as well as other animals. Black bear, white-tailed deer, beaver, otter, fishers and other furbearers are also resident in the area. Moose are occasionally observed in the wetlands at Bete Grise Preserve. A myriad of insects are also present, including the state endangered regal fritillary butterfly.
Bete Grise Wetlands is in excellent condition and the presence of exotic species is minimal. We have an opportunity to protect high quality habitats and prevent fragmentation of this ecosystem before degradation and loss occur. In the long term, this acquisition will provide a significant savings over attempting to restore these wetlands and ecosystem processes in the future. Additionally, there will be efficiencies in managing Bete Girse Wetlands as it is immediately adjacent to and will become part of the Bete Grise Preserve.
2. Maritime forests on coastal barriers
This project does not contain any maritime forests as defined for the purposes of this grant program in 50 CFR 84.11. The dune and swale formations that now protect Lac La Belle from Bete Grise Bay, however, certainly function in a similar fashion to maritime forests. Because Lac La Belle was historically an embayment of Lake Superior and is now protected by forested wetlands, marshes and sloughs, these areas could be considered costal barriers as defined in 50 CFR 84.11 as follows:
Bete Grise Coastal Wetlands Acquisition II, MDNR Page 9 of 37 “A depositional geologic feature that is subject to wave, tidal, and wind energies; protects landward aquatic habitats from direct wave attack; and includes all associated aquatic habitats such as adjacent wetlands, marshes, estuaries, inlets, and nearshore waters. These can include islands; spits of land connected to a mainland at one end; sand bars that connect two headlands and enclose aquatic habitat; broad, sandy, dune beaches; or fringing mangroves. Coastal barriers are found on coastlines including major embayments and the Great Lakes of the United States and its territories.”
The forested dune and swale ridges with other associated wetlands along the channel from Bete Grise Bay and extending west to Lac La Belle which are contained in the Bete Grise Preserve and continue into Bete Grise Wetlands share similar characteristics to those described in the above definition.
3. Long-term conservation
TNC and MDNR long ago identified the 5,000 + acre Great Lakes Marsh, of which Bete Grise Wetlands is a part, as a top priority site for protection. This proposal will protect coastal wetlands in perpetuity by acquiring the Bete Grise Wetlands in fee simple. This property will become part of the Bete Grise Preserve with the intended use to protect, manage and enhance coastal wetlands in perpetuity. A notice of property restriction will be recorded along with the title that restricts the property uses to only those that serve the intended purpose or do not interfere with the intended purpose.
4. Coastal watershed management
The significance of this wetland area is further noted by its inclusion in other conservation plans. This area is included in The Michigan Upper Peninsula Coastal Wetland Project, a cooperative NAWCA project by TNC, Keweenaw Land Trust, Houghton Keweenaw Conservation District and the South Shores Association. The Great Lakes Ecoregional Plan, a plan spear-headed by TNC in collaboration with private, State and Federal agencies has identified the area as a Phase- One Conservation Area of high biological importance. This area has also been identified as a “megasite” for its unique Lake Superior shoreline by the MNFI.
Water quality is a topic of key concern for constituents of the Houghton Keweenaw Conservation District. In 2005, the Houghton Keweenaw Conservation District wrote Clean Water Act 319 grant management plan proposals for both the Eagle River Watershed and the Bete Grise Watershed. The Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) selected Eagle River Watershed for 2006 funding as it is a 303(d) listed watershed with known impairments, but has encouraged the Houghton Keweenaw Conservation District to resubmit for funding to protect the Bete Grise Watershed. The 5,000 + acre wetland complex along Lac La Belle and Lake Superior is a major filter for the 64,000 acre Bete Grise Watershed. Protecting as much of the wetland system as possible is the best way to maintain water quality into the future.
5. Conservation of threatened and endangered species
The protection of the Bete Grise Wetland parcel will benefit a number of plant and animal species, many of which are listed as being of special concern, threatened or endangered at either the state or federal level. A rich diversity of aquatic, wetland and upland plant communities
Bete Grise Coastal Wetlands Acquisition II, MDNR Page 10 of 37 populate Bete Grise Wetlands. Among the multitude of species are three state threatened and special concern plants. These are Calypso bulbos (Calypso or fairy-slipper), Myriophyllum alterniflorum (alternate-leaved water milfoil) and Listera ariculata (auricled twayblade orchid).
Wetlands included in this parcel provide high quality habitat for a variety of birds. The recently delisted Bald Eagle has been sighted in the area. A Bald Eagle nest is immediately across the sloughs from the Bete Grise Wetlands shoreline and a new Bald Eagle nest, with confirmed activity in 2005, is less than two miles away. The state threatened Osprey has also been sighted at Bete Grise. An American Bittern, a Michigan species of special concern, was seen at nearby Deer Lake in 2006.
The lake sturgeon is a state threatened species in Michigan and is also protected in most Great Lakes states and in Canada. Michigan Technological University (MTU) Professor Nancy Auer has studied lake sturgeon in Lake Superior and has indicated that commercial fishermen have caught lake sturgeon in Bete Grise Bay. The lake sturgeon is an extremely ancient species, may live for more than 100 years and breeds infrequently. These characteristics combined with over- fishing and habitat degradation have been major factors in the population’s decline. Sturgeon feed on organisms produced in rich organic habitats. Therefore, clean coastal wetlands, like those in the Bete Grise Wetland parcel, are vitally important to their survival.
The regal fritillary butterfly, state endangered, is also present in the area. Regal fritillary butterflies are strong fliers and appear to require large areas to support a population. The state threatened gray wolf is also known to frequent the area. Wolf tracks and scat have been found near Deer Lake and on lands adjacent to Bete Grise Wetlands to the south and east in recent years. A wolf pack is known to run between Deer Lake and Smith Fishery Road to the north.
6. Benefits to fish
Bete Grise Bay and Lac La Belle contain important fisheries. Coastal wetlands are crucial to the reproduction and rearing of 75% of the fish species found in Lake Superior. The protected channels connecting Lac La Belle with Lake Superior provide nursery and foraging areas for large and smallmouth bass, yellow perch, bluegill, sunfish and a variety of minnows and other non-game fish species. These waters also provide spawning habitat for northern pike. Most importantly, these waters provide habitat for the development of plankton, on which larval fish depend. Lake trout, splake, whitefish and salmon are found in the Bete Grise Bay. The MDNR Fish Collection Reports indicate that northern pike, rock bass, smallmouth bass and walleye are some of the game fish found in Lac La Belle.
The coaster brook trout is another important fish species that may benefit from the coastal waters of Bete Grise Wetlands (Figure 4). Since 1998, the MDNR, US Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) and MTU have worked to restore the coaster brook trout to Keweenaw County’s Gratiot River. As a result of this program, tagged coasters have been found in other shallow waters surrounding the Keweenaw Peninsula. Protection of Bete Grise Wetlands and more areas in the Bete Grise Watershed may also contribute to the coaster brook trout’s recovery.
Bete Grise Coastal Wetlands Acquisition II, MDNR Page 11 of 37 7. Benefits to coastal-dependent or migratory birds
Bete Grise Wetlands includes prime habitat for a variety of migratory waterfowl, raptors and neo- tropical songbirds. Known nesters include Sandhill Cranes, Merlin (state threatened), Mallard and Black Ducks. In April 2006, the Houghton Keweenaw Conservation District participated in the International Crane Foundation Crane Count. Sandhill Cranes were identified at three sites: Bete Grise Preserve, Deer Lake and Bete Grise Wetlands. Golden Eagles, Sharp- shinned Hawks, Northern Harriers, Turkey Vultures, American Kestrel, Common Loons, Ring-necked Ducks, Canvasback Ducks, Redhead Ducks, Widgeon, Mergansers, Wood Ducks, Kingfishers and Blue Heron are also known to frequent this area. Several species of woodpeckers have left their marks on snags and trees in the area including Pileated Woodpeckers, Downy Woodpeckers, Hairy Woodpeckers, Red- bellied Woodpeckers and Northern Flickers. A Figure 4: Coaster brook trout, photo by number of passerine songbirds feed and nest in the Dave Richey / The Detroit News Bete Grise Wetlands area including the Sedge Wren, Golden-winged Warbler, Chestnut-sided Warbler, Nashville Warbler, Yellow-bellied Flycatcher, Connecticut Warbler, Blackburnian Warbler, Pine Warbler, American Redstart, Veery, Swainson Thrush, Hermit Thrush, Magnolia Warbler and Golden-crowned Kinglets.
8. Prevent or reduce contamination
Unlike most other Great Lakes coastal areas, this remote portion of Lake Superior has not suffered significant losses or degradation of coastal wetlands. This area has remained relatively pristine and unfragmented. Development pressure, however, is beginning to build. The same forces that have lead to the drastic loss and degradation of coastal wetlands throughout the Great Lakes are threatening this area. This project will prevent erosion, sedimentation, and nutrient runoff from residential landscapes and sewage treatment that would otherwise occur. The environmental impairments that will be prevented are reduced water quality due to suspended materials and increased nutrient loading that would result in changes to the composition and quality of the existing flora and fauna.
In addition to the habitat provisions provided by this parcel; the Bete Grise Wetlands offsets heavy residential development along Lac La Belle and contributes to preserving the entire 5,000+ acre wetland complex. By adding the Bete Grise Wetlands to the preserve, subdivision development with associated lake access will be avoided on these lands. Consequently, the attendant septic systems, fertilized lawns and additional motor boat use of the lake will be avoided.
Bete Grise Coastal Wetlands Acquisition II, MDNR Page 12 of 37 9. Catalyst for future conservation
A diverse conservation partnership was created under the previously successful NCWC grant that led to the establishment of the Bete Grise Preserve. This proposal builds on that momentum by adding partners and a significant amount of acres dominated by coastal wetlands to the preserve. This emerging partnership is committed to ensuring the integrity of the entire 5,000+ acres in the coastal wetland complex that encompasses the preserve. Through the addition of the conservation district as a partner, we have an increased ability to work with local citizens and efficiently distribute information on the importance of coastal wetlands.
10. Partners in conservation
The protection of lands in the project area began when partners including the TNC and the Keweenaw Land Trust worked together to obtain grant funding to create the 1,104 acre Bete Grise Preserve. The Bete Grise Preserve was established in 2005 through the award of two National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Coastal Wetlands grants and a U.S. Fish and Wildlife Coastal Wetlands grant with generous match support from the Great Lakes Fisheries Trust. All partners involved have a long-term goal to preserve and manage all 5,000 + acres of this outstanding Lake Superior coastal wetland habitat.
The Keweenaw Bay Indian Community has determined that an Asishinabe Indian Community presence existed in this area and the Tribal Community is supportive of this grant. The Copper County Chapter of Trout Unlimited has also expressed support of the land acquisition (see Appendix B). South Shore Association consists of several hundred landowners from nearby Lac La Belle, Bete Grise North and South Shore neighborhoods. South Shore Association was a contributor to the creation of Bete Grise Preserve and is also motivated to protect Bete Grise Wetlands.
The USFWS, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and MDEQ, along with the MDNR, have already demonstrated that this is an important coastal area for protection by the over $1.4 million they have provided to create the Bete Grise Preserve. TNC is focused on landscape level land preservation and as part of “Saving the Last Great Places” has a brochure titled: “Bete Grise in the Keweenaw - Saving Best Example of Great Lakes Marsh” (TNC, February 2005). Bete Grise Wetlands will expand the Bete Grise Preserve and increase its value as a landscape level habitat.
11. Federal share reduced
The State of Michigan has a qualified program for land acquisition and protection, namely the Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund. Consequently, this proposal only requires a 25% non- federal match. There is an additional 1.5% increase over the required match being provided in cash for this proposal. See Appendix A.
12. Education/outreach program or wildlife-oriented recreation
Recent education and outreach programs further demonstrate the value of preserving pristine natural areas. During the fall of 2005, a group of students from MTU’s Forestry and Environmental Science Department did their senior project on part of Bete Grise Preserve. MTU
Bete Grise Coastal Wetlands Acquisition II, MDNR Page 13 of 37 also owns land immediately adjacent to Bete Grise Wetlands that is used for wetland ecology courses. The university will also conduct water hydrology studies and a forestry and ecological student project at this site in 2007-2008.
In May 2005 and June 2006, an adult botany education class, sponsored by Gratiot Lake Conservancy, was conducted at sites at Bete Grise Preserve and Gratiot Lake. Gratiot Lake is part of the watershed which encompasses Bete Grise Preserve and Bete Grise Wetlands. During the summer of 2004, and adult education program, Reading the Landscape, conducted a natural science education session at the Preserve as well. In August 2006 this same program conducted an adult education class entitled “Forest Fruits” which was the most popular class of the 2006 season. This program also conducted an adult education program in the summer of 2007 focused on shorelines and Native Americans.
During July 2006, Keweenaw Land Trust sponsored a unique natural science and sailing course aboard the Denis Sullivan, a replica of a mid-1800’s Great Lakes schooner owned and operated by Pier Wisconsin as Wisconsin’s flagship. Pier Wisconsin conducts natural science and sailing education programs for youth and adults throughout the Great Lakes. The Denis Sullivan spent one day focusing on the ecology and natural features of Bete Grise and one night anchored off the Bete Grise Preserve.
Bete Grise Wetlands is also important for resident and tourist recreation year round as well as for research and education. Bete Grise Wetlands buffers the Bete Grise Preserve and provides additional acreage and waterfront for recreational activities including fishing, kayaking, canoeing, berry picking, bird watching, cross county skiing, hiking and mountain biking. Blueberry and cranberry picking are traditional pastimes in which young and old alike participate. The Bete Grise Preserve specifically allows berry picking for personal use and Bete Grise Wetlands would give roadside pickers additional area to pursue their favorite fruits.
Use of the Bete Grise Preserve is a good indicator of the popularity of this area. The July 9, 2005 dedication of the Preserve drew over 100 participants, in a county of 2,300 residents. Individuals came by land and water to join the celebration. The number of residents and tourists using the preserve has increased exponentially since the public dedication that year.
13. Other factors
Bete Grise and Lac La Belle are part of the historical tribal lands of the Anishinabe (Ojibwa) people. The lands surrounding Lac La Belle and Bete Grise Bay are rich with game, fish and soft mast crops and were used extensively by the Anishinabe and aboriginal people. In addition, this area includes the earliest examples of copper mining and tool formation. Several studies of ancient Native American artifacts have been done in the Lac La Belle and Bete Grise area.
Lands in the Keweenaw, including the area surrounding Bete Grise and Lac La Belle, were ancestral lands used by the Anishinabe. The Keweenaw Bay Indian Community is a strong supporter of protecting all of this area, including Bete Grise Preserve and Bete Grise Wetlands, for its cultural and historic significance. As part of the Bete Grise Preserve Dedication Ceremony, a traditional Anishinabe Pipe Ceremony was performed to bless the preserve.
Bete Grise Coastal Wetlands Acquisition II, MDNR Page 14 of 37 During the 1840’s, the Lac La Belle area became part of the Copper Boom and was once the site of several copper mines and stamp mills near what is now Haven Falls County Park. Lac La Belle was also a shipping port for other mines including the Delaware and Wyoming mines. Lac La Belle originally had a natural outlet into Lake Superior known as the Siby River. The Siby River snaked back and forth between Lac La Belle and its outlet into Bete Grise Bay just north of where the Keweenaw County public beach is today.
With the copper boom came the need to provide a safe harbor for ore boats and other ships. In 1866-67 the Mendota-Lac La Belle Company built a shipping canal connecting Lac La Belle directly with Bete Grise Bay. This shipping canal cut across the snaking path of the Siby River and blocked its natural outlet. This direct path to Lake Superior became known as the Mendota Channel. Its creation resulted in the formation of two islands and the sloughs on the north and south sides of Lac La Belle. Bete Grise Preserve and Bete Grise Wetlands’ northern border is on this historic channel.
Like much of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, extensive logging of old growth forests during the late 1800’s and early 1900’s altered Bete Grise Wetlands. Parts of the Keweenaw were clear-cut to provide timbers for the copper mines and lumber for homes, schools, stores and churches for the growing population of the mid to late 1800’s. Virgin white pine and hemlock stumps from more than 100 years ago are still scattered throughout upland areas of Bete Grise Wetlands. They are reminders of the past and nurse logs for the future. While the complete logging history of Bete Grise Wetlands is not known, timber cruise and ownership data from the 1950’s to 1970 was provided by a retired forester and MTU professor. Major upland species such as white spruce, white and yellow birch, cedar, balsam fir and white pine noted 50 years ago are still present.
During 2005, Keweenaw County was awarded a Scenic Byways designation for major roads including U.S. 41, M-26 and the Gay-Lac La Belle Road that traverses part of Bete Grise Wetlands in Section 4 and also part of Bete Grise Preserve in adjoining Sections 2, 3 and 11. Protecting Bete Grise Wetlands would maintain another mile and one-half of this beautiful wetland and conifer forest view for travelers and residents to enjoy. Beyond the paved road views that many people see, Bete Grise Wetlands has many beautiful interior views of varied marshes, bogs, wooded wetlands, stabilized sand dune ridges and northern hardwood forests.
Lac La Belle is also a very popular inland lake with access to Lake Superior. Its shoreline is being rapidly developed with a high density of residences and out buildings in suitable areas. Preserving Bete Grise Wetlands will maintain the natural, spectacularly beautiful view from the waters of the Lac La Bell as well as from the road.
APPROACH:
Approach 1. Coastal Wetland Acquisition and Protection
The Bete Grise Wetlands be acquired on a willing buyer/willing seller basis. The Houghton/Keweenaw Conservation District will act as a subrecipient under this proposal and will own the parcel in fee simple. The Houghton/Keweenaw Conservation District will have the
Bete Grise Coastal Wetlands Acquisition II, MDNR Page 15 of 37 primary responsibility of ensuring the acquired parcel serves its intended purpose of protecting and enhancing coastal wetlands in perpetuity. Should at any time the Houghton/Keweenaw Conservation District fail to maintain the parcel for the purposes for which it is acquired, ownership may revert to the DNR Wildlife Division. A signed subrecipient agreement between the Department and Houghton/Keweenaw Conservation District will stipulate these provisions and be a condition of receiving grant monies.
As a condition of this grant, the Department will protect the Federal interest in the lands acquired by ensuring that a Notice of Property Restriction as described below is recorded separate from, but referencing, the title. The Notice of Property Restriction will:
1. Identify that the United States Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) has an interest in the real property to which the Notice of Property Restriction applies and where the title to this interest is recorded.
2. Identify Houghton/Keweenaw Conservation District as holding fee title while noting the interest in the property by MDNR, including that MDNR may repossess the property should Houghton/Keweenaw Conservation District fail to maintain the property for its intended purpose.
3. Identify this grant by its federally assigned identifying number and name.
4. State the purpose of the project is to protect, manage and enhance coastal wetlands in perpetuity.
5. State that Houghton/Keweenaw Conservation District and/or MDNR will not convey or encumber the interest in real property, in whole or in part, without USFWS' consent and will manage the interest in real property for the project’s authorized purpose unless USFWS authorizes otherwise; and
6. State that the Notice of Property Restriction runs with the interest in the real property and none of the items may be changed or cease to be applicable unless USFWS provides written authorization, which Houghton/Keweenaw Conservation District, MDNRor other authorized titleholder must also record with reference to the title to the real property.
The process for acquiring land will conform to the guidelines set forth in the Federal Aid Handbook, namely:
1. The land is currently vacant, no moving expenses under The Uniform Relocation Assistance and Real Property Acquisition Policies Act of 1970 and the Government-wide regulations implementing this Act as published by the U.S. Department of Transportation in 49 CFR 24 will be required.
2. Minerals, oil, gas, timber, and grazing rights will be acquired with the land. Any use, sale, or easements must be approved by MDNR’s Wildlife Division. Any income derived from these rights will be used to manage and maintain the parcel for its intended use. If this option is not needed, funds will be treated as program income and used for
Bete Grise Coastal Wetlands Acquisition II, MDNR Page 16 of 37 similar operations and maintenance activities on Wildlife Division projects as stipulated in the Department’s W-145-L Land Acquisition Grant.
3. The fair market value of the parcel will be estimated by a State-licensed or certified appraiser, as provided by the Uniform Appraisal Standards for Federal Land Acquisitions guidance provided in the “Yellow Book.” The appraisal must be reviewed by a certified Review Appraiser.
4. The acquisition planning process will be performed in coordination with any potentially affected public.
Approach 2. Management Plan / Outreach and Education
The Houghton/Keweenaw Conservation District along with KLT and TNC will jointly expand the management plan for the Bete Grise Preserve to include the lands acquired under this grant. The plan will include activities for public education and outreach on the importance of coastal wetlands. MDNR’s Wildlife Division will provide technical expertise in the development of the management plan, which will be completed by the end of the grant period. All management and educational activities will support and not conflict with the intended use of the area to protect and enhance coastal wetlands. Any revisions or changes to the management plan must be approved by MDNR’s Wildlife Division.
Once acquired, the parcel will be open to the public. Informational signs and interpretive displays will be developed on the importance of coastal wetlands and the role of this parcel in its ecosystem.
LOCATION:
Bete Grise Wetlands is a part of the larger Great Lakes coastal wetlands complex which lies along the southern and eastern shores of Lac La Belle. This parcel is mostly located in Sections 4, 5, 8 and 9 of T57N – R29W, with a small area in Section 33 of T58N – R29W, Grant Township, Keweenaw County, Michigan.
ESTIMATED COST:
Costs will vary over the two years of this project. This Grant Proposal covers salaries and wages, contractual services, supplies and travel. Estimated costs by objective are:
Objectives FY 2009 FY 2010 1. Coastal Wetland Acquisition and Protection $30,000 $1,310,000 2. Management Plan / Outreach and Education $0 $0 Totals $30,000 $1,310,000
The funding needs and sources of funds are as follows:
Bete Grise Coastal Wetlands Acquisition II, MDNR Page 17 of 37 Purchase Price $1,280,000 Transaction costs1 $25,000 CFR Withdrawal Penalty $35,000 Total Cash Needs $1,340,000 Federal Share (NCWC) Requested $1,000,000
Project Funding Detail Federal Share (NCWC) $1,000,000 TNC Contribution Cash $25,000 Keweenaw Land Trust Contribution Cash $500 Houghton/Keweenaw Conservation District In-kind services $9,500 Jim Tercha, Attorney In-kind services $5,000 Gene Arntsen (bargain sale) In-kind Match $300,000 Total Project Funding $1,340,000
Project Funding Summary % of NCWC Grant Federal Share (NCWC) $1,000,000 74.6% Total Cash Match $25,500 1.9% Total In-kind Match $314,500 23.5% Total Project Funding $1,340,000 100.0%
1Includes appraisals and closing costs.
PROJECT PERSONNEL:
Federal Aid Coordinator Eric Sink MDNR Federal Aid Coordinator Financial Services Division (517) 373-1052
Grant Coordinator Stephen Beyer Wildlife Division Federal Aid Coordinator Wildlife Division (517) 241-3450
Project Leaders Joseph Robison Acting Wetland Specialist Wildlife Division (734) 379-9692
Bete Grise Coastal Wetlands Acquisition II, MDNR Page 18 of 37 Sue Haralson Houghton Keweenaw Conservation District 600 E. Lakeshore Dr., Suite 2 Houghton, MI 49931 (906) 482-0214
Bete Grise Coastal Wetlands Acquisition II, MDNR Page 19 of 37 APPENDIX A: Summary Information for Ranking National Coastal Wetlands Conservation Grant Program Proposals
Title: Bete Grise Coastal Wetlands Acquisition II
Costs: Coastal Wetlands Program Request $1,000,000.00 State $0.00 Other (Federal) $0.00 Other (Non-Federal) $340,000.00 Total $1,340,000.00
Summary: Include a 2-5 sentence paragraph describing the project and its resource benefits. This proposal will support the acquisition of the Bete Grise Wetlands. This 917 acre parcel contains nearly 80% nationally declining wetland types that are adjacent to and contiguous with the 1,803 acre Bete Grise Preserve that was acquired with funds from a previously successful NCWC grant. The acquisition will ensure that pristine, intact wetlands are protected in perpetuity and will catalyze future efforts to protect and conserve the 5,000+ acre wetland complex that encompasses the Bete Grise Preserve and Bete Grise Wetlands.
(1) Wetlands Conservation: What is the breakdown by habitat type for the wetlands being conserved?
Habitat type Number of acres Percentage of total project area
Declining coastal wetlands 726.0 79.2%
Stable coastal wetlands 0.0 0.0%
Total wetlands 0.0 0.0%
Upland 191.0 20.8%
Total project acres 917.0 100.0%
(2) Maritime Forest on Coastal Barriers: What plant species are present that are indicative of maritime forest as defined in the criteria?
Common name Scientific name Prevalence (rare, common, predominant)
N/A N/A N/A
(3) Long-term conservation: How long will the habitat benefits be provided by the project?
Benefits in perpetuity Benefits for 26-99 years Benefits for 10-25 years (number of acres) (number of acres) (number of acres)
Easements 0.0 0.0 0.0 Fee-title (no restoration) 917.0 0.0 0.0 Fee-title (that will also be restored) 0.0 0.0 0.0
Bete Grise Coastal Wetlands Acquisition II, MDNR Page 20 of 37 Not acquired, Restored only 0.0 0.0 0.0 Not acquired, Enhanced only 0.0 0.0 0.0 Other (please explain) 0.0 0.0 0.0
Total 917.0 0.0 0.0
(4) Coastal watershed management: How will this project help achieve the goals of specific management plans and efforts?
Management plan or effort How this project helps implement its goals
Houghton Keweenaw Conservation District (HKCD) HKCD, TNC and KLT management plan for Bete Grise Management Plan for Bete Grise Preserve Preserve includes expanding the preserve to protect more of the great lakes marsh system and to protect more breeding and spawning areas along Lac La Belle sloughs.
Keweenaw Land Trust Strategic Land Conservation Advances goals of protecting habitat of high biological Plan, 2002 diversity and providing public access, along with protecting a key parcel in a conservation priority area.
MNFI/TNC Site Specific Management Plan Area listed as high priority for protection
Coaster brook trout restoration and habitat study in Help protect coastal foraging areas for adult fish partnership with Michigan Technological University, Michigan Department of Natural Resources, US Fish and Wildlife Service
The Michigan Upper Peninsula Coastal Wetland Project Help protect significant coastal wetlands
The Great Lakes Ecoregional Plan Protects area of high biological importance
The Nature Conservancy – Towards a New Conservation Vision for the Great Lakes Region 2000
(5a) Conservation of threatened and endangered species: What are the benefits to federally listed species, candidates, or recently delisted species?
Common name Scientific name Status Project benefits Does the project support goals of a Recovery Plan or HCP? List plan and goal. Bald Eagle Haliaeetus Recently Long established leucocephalus delisted nesting species at Bete Grise Piping Plover Charadrius melodus Endangered Provides shoreline habitat for migrants and protects possible breeding habitat.
Bete Grise Coastal Wetlands Acquisition II, MDNR Page 21 of 37 Common name Scientific name Status Project benefits Does the project support goals of a Recovery Plan or HCP? List plan and goal. Lake Sturgeon Acipenser fulvescens Species of concern for USFWS, American Fisheries Society lists as threatened in N. America Coaster Brook Salvelinus fontinalis Nominated as Protect coastal Trout Endangered, foraging areas for Species of adult fish. Concern for USFWS Gray Wolf Canis lupus Recently Provides habitat delisted Lynx Lynx canadensis Threatened Known from Keweenaw, provides habitat Algal-leaved Potamogeton Rare. Found Pondweed confervoides in Bete Grise Preserve
(5b) What are the benefits to State species of concern?
Common name Scientific name Status Project Does the project support goals of a benefits specific Recovery Plan? List plan and goal. Alternate-leaved Myriophyllum Threatened Protects Water Milfoil alternifolia habitat Auricled Listera ariculata Threatened Protects Twayblade Orchid habitat Calypso Orchid Calypso bulbosa Threatened Protects habitat Marsh Willow Epilobium palustre Threatened Protects Herb habitat Common Loon Gavia immer Threatened Provides stop-over habitat Osprey Pandion haliaetus Threatened Protects habitat Northern Harrier Circus cyaneus Special Protects Concern habitat Cooper’s Hawk Accipiter cooperii Special Protects Concern habitat Northern Accipiter gentiles Special Protects Goshawk Concern habitat Merlin Falco columbarius Threatened Protects Rare in Michigan; largest habitat, populations are in the Keweenaw documented and on Isle Royale. nesting
Bete Grise Coastal Wetlands Acquisition II, MDNR Page 22 of 37 Common name Scientific name Status Project Does the project support goals of a benefits specific Recovery Plan? List plan and goal. Peregrine Falcon Falco peregrinus Endangered Protects Re-introduced in 1990’s in habitat for Keweenaw migrants American Bittern Botaurus Species of Protects lentiginosus Special habitat Concern Caspian Tern Sterna caspia Threatened Protects habitat for migrants Common Tern Sterna hirundo Threatened Protects habitat for Wilson’s Phalaropus tricolor Special Protects Phalarope Concern habitat for migrants Black Tern Chlidonias niger Special Protects Concern habitat for migrants Black-backed Picoides arcticus Special Protects Woodpecker Concern habitat Regal Fritillary Speyeria idalia Endangered Protects Butterfly habitat Lake Sturgeon Acipenser fulvescens Threatened Protects habitat
(6) Benefits to fish: What are benefits to anadromous, interjuristictional, and other important species?
Common name Scientific name Project benefits Does the project help meet specific management goals? List plan and goal. Coaster Brook Trout Salvelinus fontinalis Help protect coastal foraging areas for adult fish Brown Trout Salmo trutta Protects near shore foraging areas Lake Trout Salvelinus namaycush Protects habitat for forage species of fish and macroinvertebrates Yellow Perch Perca flavescens Protects larval foraging habitat Largemouth Bass Micropterus salmoides Protects larval foraging habitat Smallmouth Bass Micropterus dolomieu Protects larval foraging habitat Bluegill Lepomis macrochirus Protects larval foraging habitat Sunfish Various spp. Protects larval foraging habitat Coho Salmon Oncorhynchus kisutch Protects near shore foraging areas
Bete Grise Coastal Wetlands Acquisition II, MDNR Page 23 of 37 Common name Scientific name Project benefits Does the project help meet specific management goals? List plan and goal. Chinook Salmon Oncorhynchus Protects near shore tshawytscha foraging areas Pike Esox lucius Spawning habitat, larval foraging habitat Walleye Stizostedion vitreum Protects near shore foraging areas Lake Whitefish Coregonus Protects habitat for clupeaformis forage species of fish and macroinvertebrates
(7) Coastal-dependent or migratory birds: What are the benefits to specific coastal-dependent or migratory species?
This project will protect a diversity of habitats in Bete Grise wetlands that provide prime nesting and foraging habitat for the following species of birds and waterfowl known to occur in or near the project area as indicated in the chart below (Benefit). Nesting is probable for many of the summer resident species. NAWCA – a priority species for North American Waterfowl Management Plan. Project advances goal of increasing populations of waterfowl and other wetland wildlife by protecting, restoring, and enhancing wetland and associated upland habitats within the region. NALCP – a species of continental importance to the North American Landbird Conservation Plan. Project advances the goal of maintaining the population by providing habitat. US Shorebird Plan – High priority species of the US Shorebird Conservation Plan, Upper Mississippi Valley/Great Lakes Region. Project advances goal of protecting and managing a variety of habitat types to insure availability of shorebird foraging and nesting sites.
Common name Scientific Name Project Benefits Does project help meet the goals of a specific management plan? List plan and goal. Pied-billed Grebe Podilymbus Common transient and podiceps summer resident American Bittern Botaurus Common transient and Michigan species of concern lentiginosus summer resident Great-blue Heron Ardea herodias Common summer resident
Green-backed Heron Butorides Confirmed nesting, protects virescens habitat Greater White-fronted Anser albifrons Rare transient Goose Snow Goose Anser Uncommon transient – mainly caerulescens in fall Cackling Goose Branta hutchinsii Fairly common transient
Canada Goose Branta Common transient and NAWCA canadensis summer resident Wood Duck Aix sponsa Common transient and NAWCA summer resident Gadwall Anas strepera Fairly common transient and rare summer (breeding records) resident
Bete Grise Coastal Wetlands Acquisition II, MDNR Page 24 of 37 Common name Scientific Name Project Benefits Does project help meet the goals of a specific management plan? List plan and goal. American Wigeon Anas americana Common transient and rare NAWCA summer (breeding records) resident American Black Duck Anas rubripes Common resident NAWCA
Mallard Anas Common resident NAWCA platyrhnchos Blue-winged Teal Anas discors Common transient and summer resident Northern Shoveler Anas clypeata Common transient and uncommon summer resident Northern Pintail Anas acuta Fairly common transient and NAWCA rare summer (breeding records) resident Green-winged Teal Anas Common transient and fairly carolinensis common summer resident Canvasback Aythya Uncommon transient NAWCA valisineria Redhead Aythya Common transient NAWCA americana Ring-necked Duck Aythya collaris Common transient and NAWCA summer resident Greater Scaup Aythya marila Common transient NAWCA Lesser Scaup Aythya affinis Common transient NAWCA Surf Scoter Melanitta Uncommon but regular perspicillata transient White-winged Scoter Melanitta Fairly common transient and deglandi uncommon winter resident Black Scoter Melanitta Uncommon transient and rare americana winter resident Oldsquaw Clangula Common transient hyemalis Bufflehead Bucephala Common transient and early albeola winter resident Common Goldeneye Bucephala Common transient and winter clangula resident , uncommon summer resident Hooded Merganser Lophodytes Common transient and fairly cucullatus common summer resident Common Merganser Mergus Common transient and merganser resident Red-breasted Merganser Mergus serrator Common transient and resident Common Loon Gavia immer Common spring and fall Threatened in Michigan transient – Summer Resident Horned Grebe Podiceps auritus Fairly common transient and uncommon winter resident Red-necked Grebe Podiceps Very common transient and grisegena early winter resident
Bete Grise Coastal Wetlands Acquisition II, MDNR Page 25 of 37 Common name Scientific Name Project Benefits Does project help meet the goals of a specific management plan? List plan and goal. Osprey Pandion Transient and summer Threatened in Michigan haliaetus resident Bald Eagle Haliaeetus Common resident Threatened federally and in leucocephalus Michigan. Northern Harrier Circus cyaneus Common summer resident Michigan species of concern
Sharp-shinned Hawk Accipiter striatus Common transient and summer resident Cooper’s Hawk Accipiter coperii Uncommon transient and Michigan species of concern summer resident Northern Goshawk Accipiter gentilis Rare resident Michigan species of concern
Broad-winged Hawk Buteo Common transient and platypterus summer resident American Kestrel Falco sparverius Common transient and summer resident Merlin Falco Common transient and Threatened in Michigan columbarius summer resident – confirmed nesting Peregrine Falcon Falco peregrinus Fairly common transient Endangered in Michigan Sora Porzana Fairly common summer carolina resident American Coot Fulica Fairly common transient americana Sandhill Crane Grus Common summer resident – canadensis confirmed nesting Pluvialis Fairly common transient Black-bellied Plover squatarola Pluvialis Fairly common transient American Golden-Plover dominica Piping Plover Charadrius Rare transient Documented in Keweenaw Bay in melodus spring 2005 and 2006. Killdeer Charadrius Very common summer vociferus resident Greater Yellowlegs Tringa Common transient melanoleuca Lesser Yellowlegs Tringa flavipes Common transient Solitary Sandpiper Tringa solitaria Common transient Willet Tringa Rare transient semipalmata Spotted Sandpiper Actitis macularia Common transient and summer resident Whimbrel Numenius Rare spring transient US Shorebird Plan phaeopus Hudsonian Godwit Limosa Uncommon transient haemastica Marbled Godwit Limosa fedoa Rare transient US Shorebird Plan Ruddy Turnstone Arenaria Uncommon transient interpres
Bete Grise Coastal Wetlands Acquisition II, MDNR Page 26 of 37 Common name Scientific Name Project Benefits Does project help meet the goals of a specific management plan? List plan and goal. Red Knot Calidris canutus Rare transient Sanderling Calidris alba Uncommon transient Semipalmated Sandpiper Calidris pusilla Fairly common transient Least Sandpiper Calidris minutilla Common Transient White-rumped Sandpiper Calidris Fairly common transient fuscicollis Baird’s Sandpiper Calidris bairdii Common fall transient Pectoral Sandpiper Calidris Common transient melanotos Dunlin Calidris alpina Common transient Purple Sandpiper Calidris maritima Possible vagrant – one unconfirmed report Stilt Sandpiper Calidris Fairly common fall transient – himantopus rare in spring Buff-breasted Sandpiper Tryngites Uncommon fall transient US Shorebird Plan subruficollis Short-billed Dowitcher Limnodromus Fairly common transient US Shorebird Plan griseus Common Snipe Gallinago Common summer resident gallinago American Woodcock Scolopax minor B, F, SU, Nesting US Shorebird Plan Bonaparte’s Gull Larus Fairly common transient philadelphia Glaucous Gull Larus Rare winter transient hyperboreus Great Black-backed Gull Larus marinus Rare transient Sabine’s Gull, Larus sabini Very rear fall transient Keweenaw Bay Ring-billed Gull Larus delawarensis Herring Gull Larus Common resident argentatus Caspian Tern Sterna caspia Uncommon transient Threatened in Michigan Common Tern Sterna hirundo Fairly common transient Threatened in Michigan Forster’s Tern Sterna forsteri Uncommon transient Black Tern Chlidonias niger Rare transient Michigan species of concern Mourning Dove Zenadia Fairly common resident macroura Black-billed Cuckoo Coccyzus Fairly common summer erythropthalmus resident Snowy Owl Bubo Uncommon transient and scandiacus winter resident Northern Saw-whet Owl Aegolius Fairly common summer acadicus resident Common Nighthawk Chordeiles Common transient minor Chimney Swift Chaetura Common summer resident pelagica
Bete Grise Coastal Wetlands Acquisition II, MDNR Page 27 of 37 Common name Scientific Name Project Benefits Does project help meet the goals of a specific management plan? List plan and goal. Ruby-throated Archilochus Common summer resident Hummingbird colubris Belted Kingfisher Megaceryle Common summer resident alcyon Yellow-bellied Sapsucker Sphyrapicus Common summer resident NALCP varius Black-backed Picoides Uncommon to rare resident Michigan species of concern Woodpecker arcticus Northern Flicker Colaptes Common summer resident auratus Olive-sided Flycatcher Contopus Uncommon transient and cooperi summer resident Eastern Wood Pewee Contopus virens Common summer resident Yellow-bellied Flycatcher Empidonax Uncommon and local summer NALCP flaviventris resident Alder Flycatcher Empidonax Common summer resident NALCP alnorum Least Flycatcher Empidonax Common summer resident minimus Eastern Phoebe Sayornis Common summer resident phoebe Great-crested Flycatcher Myiarchus Common summer resident crinitus Eastern Kingbird Tyrannus Common summer resident tyrannus Tree Swallow Tachycineta Common summer resident bicolor Northern Rough-winged Stelgidopteryx Fairly common summer Swallow serripennis resident Bank Swallow Riparia riparia Fairly common summer resident Cliff Swallow Petrochelidon Fairly common summer pyrrhonota resident Barn Swallow Hirundo rustica Common summer resident Brown Creeper Certhia Common summer resident americana Winter Wren Troglodytes Common summer resident NALCP troglodytes Sedge Wren Cistothorus Local summer resident – Partners in Flight ‘Watch List’ platensis confirmed nesting species of continental importance. The goal is to increase the population 50%. Eastern Bluebird Sialia sialis Common summer resident Veery Catharus Common summer resident fuscescens Swainson’s Thrush Catharus Uncommon summer resident ustulatus Hermit Thrush Catharus Common summer resident guttatus
Bete Grise Coastal Wetlands Acquisition II, MDNR Page 28 of 37 Common name Scientific Name Project Benefits Does project help meet the goals of a specific management plan? List plan and goal. American Robin Turdus Common summer resident migratorius Gray Catbird Dumetella Common summer resident carolinensis Cedar Waxwing Bombycilla Common summer resident cedrorum Solitary Vireo Vireo solitarius Fairly common summer resident Warbling Vireo Vireo gilvus Uncommon summer resident Philadelphia Vireo Vireo Fairly common transient and NALCP philadelphicus local summer resident Red-eyed Vireo Vireo olivaceus Common summer resident Golden-winged Warbler Vermivora Uncommon and local summer Partners in Flight ‘Watch List’ chrysoptera resident species of continental importance. The goal is to increase the population 50%. Nashville Warbler Vermivora Common summer resident NALCP ruficapilla Northern Parula Parula Fairly common summer americana resident Yellow Warbler Dendroica Common summer resident petechia Chesnut-sided Warbler Dendroica Common summer resident NALCP pensylvanica Magnolia Warbler Dendroica Common summer resident NALCP magnolia Cape May Warbler Dendroica Common transient and rare tigrina summer resident Black-throated Blue Dendroica Uncommon transient and Warbler caerulescens summer resident, nesting Yellow-rumped Warbler Dendroica Common summer resident coronata Black-throated Green Dendroica Common summer resident, NALCP Warbler virens nesting Blackburnian Warbler Dendroica fusca Fairly common summer NALCP resident Pine Warbler Dendroica pinus Fairly common summer NALCP Many resident Palm Warbler Dendroica Common transient uncommon palmarum summer resident Bay-breasted Warbler Dendroica Fairly common transient and castanea rare summer resident Black-and-white Warbler Mniotilta varia Common summer resident American Redstart Setophaga Common summer resident ruticilla Ovenbird Seiurus Common summer resident aurocapillus
Bete Grise Coastal Wetlands Acquisition II, MDNR Page 29 of 37 Common name Scientific Name Project Benefits Does project help meet the goals of a specific management plan? List plan and goal. Northern Waterthrush Seiurus Uncommon summer resident noveboracensis Connecticut Warbler Oporornis agilis Uncommon transient and rare Partners in Flight ‘Watch List’ summer resident species of continental importance. The goal is to increase the population 50%. Mourning Warbler Oporornis Common summer resident NALCP philadelphia Common Yellowthroat Geothlypis Common summer resident trichas Canada Warbler Wilsonia Uncommon summer resident Partners in Flight ‘Watch List’ canadensis species of continental importance. The goal is to increase the population 50%. American Tree Sparrow Spizella arborea Common transient Chipping Sparrow Spizella Common summer resident passerina Savannah Sparrow Passerculus Common summer resident sandwichensis Le Conte’s Sparrow Ammodramus Local summer resident – leconteii confirmed nesting Song Sparrow Melospiza Common summer resident melodia Lincoln’s Sparrow Melospiza Common transient lincolnii Swamp Sparrow Melospiza Common summer resident NALCP georgiana White-throated Sparrow Zonotrichia Common summer resident NALCP albicollis Dark-eyed Junco Junco hyemalis Common transient Snow Bunting Plectrophenax Common transient nivalis Scarlet Tanager Piranga olivacea Fairly common summer resident Rose-breasted Grosbeak Pheucticus Common summer resident Partners in Flight ‘Watch List’ ludovicianus species of continental importance. The goal is to increase the population 50%. Indigo Bunting Passerina Common summer resident NALCP. cyanea Bobolink Dolichonyx Fairly common transient and oryzivorus local summer resident Red-winged Blackbird Agelaius Common summer resident phoeniceus Rusty Blackbird Euphagus Fairly common transient carolinus Brown-headed Cowbird Molothrus ater Common summer resident Baltimore Oriole Icterus galbula Common summer resident
Bete Grise Coastal Wetlands Acquisition II, MDNR Page 30 of 37 Common name Scientific Name Project Benefits Does project help meet the goals of a specific management plan? List plan and goal. Purple Finch Carpodacus Common resident purpureus Red Crossbill Loxia curvirostra Uncommon to rare resident White-winged Crossbill Loxia leucoptera Fairly common but irregular winter resident Common Redpoll Carduelis Common winter resident flammea Pine Siskin Carduelis pinus Common resident American Goldfinch Carduelis tristis Common resident Species status and habitat use taken from Brewer et al 1991, Binford 2004, and direct observations and surveys by wildlife biologists and experienced birders.
Bete Grise Coastal Wetlands Acquisition II, MDNR Page 31 of 37 (8) Prevent or reduce contamination: What are the contaminants benefits?
Contaminant Benefits Does project help meet the goals of a specific management plan? List plan and goal. Sediment Will eliminate erosion potential from develpment Reduce the potential for Chemicals and nutrient nutrient loading of the loading sensitive wetland community by eliminating development potential.
ATV’s
Dumping
(9) Catalyst for future conservation: What other conservation efforts that would benefit from this project?
Projects Benefits
Bi-national Program to Restore and Protect Lake “The crucial importance of nearshore, shoreline, and Superior wetland aquatic habitats in the Lake Superior basin need to be addressed through continuing efforts to identify, protect and restore key sites for reproduction and rearing of fish species (such as the coaster brook trout), waterbirds, mammals and other associated wildlife and plants” (USFWS Regional Wetlands Concept Plan, 1990). Cooperative land acquisition and management Bete Grise Wetlands is located in an area where significant land acquisition has taken place over the past 2 years through both private (The Nature Conservancy) and public (the State Of Michigan) efforts. Within the general area more than 8,000 acres of land have been protected. This area contains an extraordinary complex of glacial lakes, wetlands and mixed conifer/hardwood upland forest. These lands include several large glacial lakes, most notably Schallter Lake at 550 acres; several large complexes of patterned peatlands, a unique wetland system; thirteen miles of rugged Lake Superior shoreline containing cliffs, stacks and bluffs and nearly five miles of frontage along the cascading Montreal River all cloaked in some of the finest remaining hardwood/boreal forest communities remaining in the Keweenaw. Other lands within the interior parts of the Peninsula will be retained by International Paper Company and managed under their Sustainable Forestry Initiative (SFIsm). The protection of Bete Grise Wetlands will augment these efforts, adding diversity and additional protected acreage within the Keweenaw Peninsula.
Bete Grise Coastal Wetlands Acquisition II, MDNR Page 32 of 37 Projects Benefits
Lake Superior Land Trust Partnership Initiated in 2002, the LSLTP represents the desire of private land conservation organizations to identify, discuss, and address the threats, conservation needs and issues in preserving and restoring the Lake Superior Watershed. Keweenaw Land Trust (KLT) is one of 22 member organizations that have individually adopted goals that enable all partners to work strategically within their own service area, and collaboratively to leverage resources, and engage public agencies and stakeholders to strengthen member organizations and to meet the needs of underserved areas. Success with this project will demonstrate the capacity KLT has grown through LSLTP involvement and foster greater future success in implementing KLT’s strategic goals and those of the partnership at large throughout the basin.
(10) Partners in conservation: What are the sources and amounts of financial support being provided by partners?
Organizations/individuals providing match Monetary value of support
The Nature Conservancy $25,000.00
Keweenaw Land Trust $500.00
Houghton/Keweenaw Conservation District $9,500.00
Jim Tercha, Attorney $5,000.00
Gene Arntsen (bargin sale) $300,000.00
(11) Federal share reduced: Is the Federal match share reduced by contributions from State and other non- Federal sources? To what extent?
Total project costs $1,340,000.00
Required State match $335,000.00
Additional cash contribution $5,000.00
Percent increase over required match (see 1.9% instructions)
(12) Education/outreach or wildlife-oriented recreation: What site-specific educational or outreach programs or wildlife-oriented recreation programs or products are made possible b y this project?
Site-specific programs or products Audience/Participants Estimated size of audience/participants Informational Kiosks and Site visitors 100s-1000s per year interpretive materials
Bete Grise Coastal Wetlands Acquisition II, MDNR Page 33 of 37 Availability of protected area as Site visitors/School and community 10s-100s per year outdoor classroom for Michigan groups Technological University (MTU) courses, MTU Land Trust and Conservancy Student Group activities, and local schools or organizations Outreach at marinas, boat launches Boaters and anglers 10s-100s per year and bait shops to address invasive species risks and control measures Reading the Landscape Area residents and visitors 20-25 per workshop Educational Workshop Botany Workshops Area residents and visitors 20-25 per workshop
(13) Other factors: What other benefits does the project provide?
Other factors How the project addresses them
Single most important estuarine Great Lakes Marsh Designation from TNC, MDNR and MDEQ reports, remaining in the Upper Great Lakes project will protect this unique feature in perpetuity. Invasive species are widely recognized for the threat Invasive species they pose to native species and ecosystem integrity.
Rare recreational opportunities Public access to Lake Superior shoreline is declining rapidly in this area and in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula as a whole. The opportunity to intimately experience an expansive, non-commercial, intact, natural, coastal wetland setting and stay in a rustic cabin represents a rare and affordable recreational opportunity. Innovative approaches that combine conservation and sustainable multiple-uses may increase the range of viable strategies for effective conservation. Increase conservation partnerships and develop strategic prioritized plan to protect natural resources and unique biodiversity.
Bete Grise Coastal Wetlands Acquisition II, MDNR Page 34 of 37 Other considerations/tie-breakers:
1) Is the habitat imminently threatened?
Yes No
Threat(s) Severity High, Seller potentially moving fill from sand dunes to create subdivision lots. Parcels are zoned Resort/Residential and development pressure is Development escalating in region. Medium, but expanding, Increased ORV and ATV riding Habitat Damage / Destruction in the area.
2. Does the site have unique and significant diversity?
Yes No
Unique biodiversity Supportive evidence Northern Great lakes Marsh From MNFI and TNC Surveys and community classification, Globally Imperiled (G2)
Wooded Dune and Swale Community From MNFI and TNC Surveys and community classification, Globally Threatened (G3)
Poorly Drained Sandy Lake Plain From MNFI and TNC Surveys and community classification, Globally Threatened (G3)
Sand/Cobblestone Beach Community From MNFI and TNC Surveys and community classification, Globally Threatened (G3)
Slough and island frontage
Patterned Ferns
3) What are the costs per acre? (Lesser costs would be preferable, all other factors being equal).
Habitat conservation approach Costs per acre
Acquisition $1,461.00
Easements $0.00
Restoration $0.00
4a) Are there new sources of funds, lands, or services being applied to this project? (As opposed to lands already owned by the State or third party that are being offered as match).
Bete Grise Coastal Wetlands Acquisition II, MDNR Page 35 of 37 Yes No
(4b) What percentage of the funds, lands, or services is new? 25.4% percent.
Bete Grise Coastal Wetlands Acquisition II, MDNR Page 36 of 37 APPENDIX B: Partner Letters of Support
The following letters in support of this project, but not qualifying as partners for ranking purposes are attached:
• Trout Unlimited
• MDNR Fisheries Division
The following letters in material support for this project as partners for ranking purposes are attached:
• The Nature Conservancy – Michigan
• The Houghton/Keweenaw Conservation District
• Keweenaw Land Trust
The following letters in material support for this project as partners for ranking purposes were not ready at the time of submittal for the following parties for the reasons listed below. These letters will be provided to the ranking committee by September 26, 2008:
• Mr. Jim Tercha, Attorney providing in-kind match – Mr. Tercha is out of the country and will not return until early August.
• Mr. Gen Arnsten, Landowner selling the land at a bargain price – Mr. Arnsten is recovering from back surgery and will not be available until early August.
Both of these individuals are committed to the project and have already agreed to provide letters in support as soon as they are able.
Bete Grise Coastal Wetlands Acquisition II, MDNR Page 37 of 37
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Stephen Beyer - Bete Grise Wetlands grant application
From: George Madison To: sue haralson Date: 07/03/2008 10:53 AM Subject: Bete Grise Wetlands grant application CC: Stephen Beyer
Colleagues,
Your request for a letter of support for your application for a National Coastal Wetlands Conservation program grant was received by my office. Unfortunately I have been busy with spring field season activities and have been out of the office a lot during this past spring season, therefore I have not been able to respond to your request until now.
While I am late in responding to your request, by CC: of this note to Steven Beyer I am documenting our Fisheries Division support for your proposal. Michigan DNR Fisheries Division agrees that the Bete Grise Wetlands would provide valuable habitat for wetland obligate species such as fish, migratory birds, reptiles, amphibians, and other animals, as well the hydrologic attributes that wetlands are so important for. The fact that these lands would be open to the public for fishing, hiking, kayaking, bird watching, and other non-invasive recreations, makes this acquisition even more valuable given the likely human growth patterns of the Keweenaw Peninsula.
We wish you the best with your request and we will be supportive of your efforts as you proceed with this endeavor.
Respectfully,
George Madison, Fisheries Supervisor Michigan Department of Natural Resources West Lake Superior Management Unit Baraga, Michigan 49908
Phone 906-353-6651
file://C:\Documents and Settings\BEYERSM\Local Settings\Temp\GW}00005.HTM 07/29/2008
July 29, 2008
Michigan Department of Natural Resources Mr. Stephen Beyer, Federal Aid Coordinator Wildlife Program Support Section Stevens T. Mason Building P.O. Box 30444 Lansing, MI 48909-7944
Re: National Coastal Wetland Conservation Act Grant (NCWC): Bete Grise Wetlands, Keweenaw County, Michigan
Dear Steve:
The purpose of this letter is to document Houghton Keweenaw Conservation District (HKCD) Board of Directors and staff support for National Coastal Wetland Conservation Act Grant (NCWC): Bete Grise Wetlands, Keweenaw County, Michigan. The HKCD Board passed a resolution supporting this grant application on June 11, 2008.
With our partners, The Nature Conservancy (TNC) and Keweenaw Land Trust (KLT), HKCD recognizes the great ecological significance of the Bete Grise Wetlands. Bete Grise Wetlands is immediately adjacent to the existing Bete Grise Preserve. Protecting Bete Grise Wetlands would bring more of this pristine dune swale wetland system, Lac La Belle sloughs frontage, patterned fen and other unique features under HKCD and partners' conservation stewardship.
Bete Grise Wetlands will be managed to preserve its pristine natural condition while allowing noninvasive public access and would become part of the existing Bete Grise Preserve complex. HKCD would continue to work with TNC and KLT to promote ecological research, educational programs and community stewardship at Bete Grise Wetlands in a manner similar to what is conducted at the existing Bete Grise Preserve.
HKCD fully supports your NCWC Grant Application for the Bete Grise Coastal Wetlands Acquisition II and will provide $9,500 of In-kind services to support the protection of this important area.
Yours truly,
Sue Haralson Administrator
Managing Our Natura{ Resources 801 North Lincoln Drive Suite 201A Hancock MI 49930 906-482-0820 a community partner protecting land, water and quality of life through conservation, stewardship and education
23 June 2008
Michigan Department of Natural Resources Mr. Stephen Beyer, Federal Aid Coordinator Wildlife Program Support Section Stevens T. Mason Building PO Box 30444 Lansing MI 48909-7944
Dear Mr. Beyer,
The Keweenaw Land Trust (Trust) is committed to furthering protection of the exemplary and pristine coastal wetlands at Bete Grise and to sustaining our effective conservation partnership with the Houghton-Keweenaw Conservation District (HKCD) and the Michigan Chapter of The Nature Conservancy (TNC). Partnerships such as this are essential to our success in advancing our mission of not only conservation of our natural heritage, but also of sustaining conservation through stewardship and educational efforts directed at fostering personal connections to this landscape for generations to come.
Bete Grise is the largest remaining intact Great Lakes coastal wetland and is clearly deserving of protection under the National Coastal Wetlands Conservation (NCWC) grant program as demonstrated in part by funds previously awarded to conserve this area. The Keweenaw Land Trust is a local organization with limited resources compared to the scale of conservation needs within our service region of the Western Upper Peninsula of Michigan. The Trust has a strong desire to conserve as much of the roughly 5,000 acres of critical wildlife habitat at Bete Grise as possible, and has played a role in the permanent protection of about 1,800 acres of this ecosystem. While the Trust can commit only a minor cash match of $500 towards this current request for federal acquisition funds, we can make a meaningful pledge of ongoing participation in the long-term stewardship of Bete Grise and other exemplary coastal wetlands in our region.
The Keweenaw Land Trust is currently executing acquisition, stewardship and outreach goals at the Lightfoot Bay Coastal Wetlands in a conservation partnership funded primarily with NCWC funds awarded in 2007. The Lightfoot Bay Preserve includes historic cabins to be used not only to facilitate on-site stewardship, but also to provide program income to be directed to the protection and enhancement of that and other coastal wetlands. Many parallels can be drawn between Bete Grise and Lightfoot Bay, which lie about 30 nautical miles apart across Lake Superior. It is the explicit intent of the Trust to remain a viable conservation partner and to broaden opportunities for appropriate educational outreach, research, low-impact recreation, and the aesthetic enjoyment and solitude of these beautiful natural areas.
An award of NCWC funds at this time would sustain critical fish and wildlife habitat at the Bete Grise wetlands with the opportunity provided by a willing seller, thus preventing development along Lac La Belle while solidifying a productive conservation partnership.
Sincerely,
Evan McDonald, Executive Director