ISSUE 2, 2020
CONSERVATION VS. RESTORATION: Stewarding our financial and natural resources effectively
BY LAURA JUSTIN, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR “Don’t it always seem to go, that you don’t know what you’ve got ‘til it’s gone.” Do you remember Joni Mitchell singing this song where she laments that “they paved paradise and put up a parking lot”? The song is Big Yellow Taxi and it is just as pertinent now as it was in 1970. When people ask me what we do and why it’s important, I can give them a dozen answers. Everything from protecting habitat for wildlife to limiting development along shorelines. There are so many good reasons but one of the most important is rarely discussed: the costs and benefits of conservation versus restoration.
There are only so many dollars available for that big, broad category of “environmental work.” I like to think of HeadWaters as using those resources proactively instead of reactively. By permanently protecting land and water resources at a small cost, we are remediating the need for restoration in the future. Costs for environmental restoration projects vary widely by location, habitat type, complexity, etc. But there is no doubt that restoration is always expensive. For example, to restore one acre of a typical salt marsh in the eastern US is a minimum of $16,000 per acre of work. On average, the costs associated with a conservation easement completed by HeadWaters Land Conservancy is roughly $100 per acre, which includes payment to a stewardship fund that will grow over time to address future enforcement needs.
No matter how noble or worthwhile an environmental restoration project may be, it will never be as effective as conservation. Simply stated, with your support and partnership, we are in the business of keeping things you love safe and intact. Think about how many resources, financial and otherwise, can be saved by protecting land and water in northeast Michigan BEFORE it gets developed and damaged.
We hope you see the value in our forward thinking actions that will protect the most beautiful, scenic and diverse places remaining in the “Up North” we all love.
HEADWATERS LAND CONSERVANCY
Roscommon County Priority Parcels for Permanent Land Protection Parcel Score Range
Parcel Count
Percent of Total Count
Total Acreage
Percent of Total Acreage
■ 0 - 6.25 (Very Low) ■ 6.26 - 21.25 (Low) ■ 21.26 - 38.00 (Medium) ■ 38.01 - 57.50 (High) ■ 57.51 - 100.00 (Very High) Total
6,290 2,085 731 388 176
65% 21.6% 7.6% 4% 1.8%
11,845 16,794 15,228 19,967 60,129
9.6% 13.5% 12.3% 16.1% 48.5%
9,670
100%
123,963
100%
Analysis Criteria (weights in parentheses): parcel acreage (.25), wetland acreage (.25), riparian frontage (.25), and proximity to other protected lands (.25). Data Sources: Parcel Data for Roscommon County, MI USA Aug 7 2020, Michigan GIS Open Data Hydrography Lines and Polygons, DEQ Final Wetlands Inventory, MDNR Open Data PLSS Public Lands, USGS GAP PAD-US, and Michigan Geographic Transportation Framework Date Exported: 9/16/2020 12:14 PM
ISSUE 2, 2020
Caveney CONSERVATION EASEMENT
A
s a forester in the Pigeon River Country State Forest for the Michigan Department of Natural Resources, Ned Caveney was responsible for managing tens of thousands of acres of forestland. At his 79.5 acre homestead in Ogemaw County near the Rifle River Recreation Area, Ned has been able to apply those same principles on a much finer scale. Ned has thoughtfully managed his “Famous Grouse Farm” since he purchased it in 1990. After five timber sales and thirty years, the property is composed of numerous forest types varied by age and species. With planning, hard work, and a little bit of luck, Ned was able to turn his property into a shining example of Michigan’s forest diversity. Ned decided to donate a Conservation Easement to prevent his property from future subdivision and development. The restrictions in the Conservation Easement ensure it will continue to be
managed as a diverse block of forestland adjacent to the larger matrix of state forest along the Rifle River. Walking the property, often on a daily basis with his bird dogs, Ned has watched the forest change and grow in real time. Join Ned for a walk on the shaded two-tracks and his intimate knowledge of the property is obvious. He points out the two Canada yew growing on the property, wire cages protecting their tender shoots from hungry deer, and the small sugar bush that produces enough maple syrup to share with friends and family. There is an intermittent stream on the property lined with ash and aspen saplings, a small pond frequented by wood ducks and great blue herons, a perfectly placed grouse drumming log, and a big cut stump for counting tree rings. Thank you, Ned, for deciding to permanently protect your land’s biodiversity by donating a Conservation Easement.
HEADWATERS LAND CONSERVANCY
Michi-Lu-Ca
FALL COLOR Walk
S
aturday, October 10th marked the first public event at Michi-Lu-Ca that HeadWaters was fortunate enough to host. Camp Michi-Lu-Ca was purchased by the J.A. Woollam Foundation in 2015. Since then the 340 acre property has been transitioning back to a more natural landscape, making it a grand location for our fall color walk. What an amazing day we had, we could not have asked for better weather! We led 25 people on a 1 3/4 mile guided walk through the sunshine and fall colors. Many visitors were able to reunite with a special place in their hearts, while others were experiencing the beauty of this property for the first time. Libby, HWLC’s Director of Conservation, led the way, stopping to point out trees, vernal pools, glacial formations, and making time for well-deserved photo opportunities. The walk wound through the heart of the property passing by Lake of the Woods, Spring Lake and New Lake. Along the route we saw (and caught) many wood frogs, as well as collected a plethora of leaves to press, and fossils to cherish. Afterwards the group headed back to the Red Pine Lodge and enjoyed some well-deserved cider and donuts, a perfect end to a glorious Michigan fall day. An event in October can always be a toss-up in Northern Michigan, but the stars aligned, and we were delighted with the turn out and everyone’s willingness to follow Covid-19 safety measures. A big THANK YOU goes out to those that attended and volunteered! For future events, including a snowshoe hike at Michi-Lu-Ca in 2021, please stay tuned to our website and Facebook. We hope to do many more events and programs at Michi-Lu-Ca in the future and would love your input! Contact Dianne at DFarner@ headwatersconservancy.org!
ISSUE 2, 2020
HWLC
welcomes
Bill Anderson, Frank Ruswick, and Dianne Farner BILL ANDERSON
joined the Board of Directors in 2019. He is retired from the insurance industry and he and his wife, Debi, spend much of their time at home in Chicago with their 6 lively grandchildren. “They keep us young and always bring smiles to our faces.” Bill’s true passion is for everything outdoors, which is why he enjoys being at his river cabin in Michigan so much. Bird hunting, fishing, golf, biking, and woodcutting, are just some of the activities he enjoys. “My time in Michigan rarely finds me indoors. When not pursuing hobbies, I enjoy volunteering for many projects protecting and enhancing our rivers.”
FRANK RUSWICK
joined the Headwaters Land Conservancy Board in August of this year. He is retired from the State of Michigan where he finished a career of over thirty years as a leader in natural resource and environmental policy. Frank is currently an Instructor for Great Lakes Leadership Academy where he focuses on group dynamics, organizational theory, and strategic thinking. He also recently assisted the Institute of Water Research at Michigan State University by providing strategic and policy advice for the Institute’s multidisciplinary programs addressing contemporary land and water resource issues. Frank and his wife of 39 years, Diane, moved to Gaylord this year. They have three grown sons in Colorado, California, and Kentucky. Frank is originally from Wisconsin where he grew up hunting and running.
Bill Anderson
DIANNE FARNER joined the HeadWaters staff in September 2020 as the new Stewardship & Program Coordinator. “I grew up in Gaylord and actually lived a summer in the Pigeon River Forest with my family in a small cabin near the Headquarters. I feel as though I have come full circle helping protect the wilderness that essentially bore my love of the outdoors. Of all the paths I have taken so far in life, this one is the most meaningful to me.” Dianne lives in Gaylord with her husband Zach, daughter Gwyn and their two Australian Cattle Dogs. In her free time she likes to mushroom pick, hike and camp all over Michigan. This summer she began renovating a 1956 Kamp King Trailer and hopes to road trip out west with it someday.
Frank Ruswick
Dianne Farner
HEADWATERS LAND CONSERVANCY
Volunteer [ vol-uhn-teer ]
A person who voluntarily offers himself or herself for a service or undertaking. MATCH GRANT
2020
We have exceeded our original Match Grant of $70,000! With your amazing support this is the 8th year in a row we have exceeded our goals! Each time you break records, the match grant has been extended. There is still time to donate and have your gift matched by the J.A. Woollam Foundation!
The following donation criteria are eligible for match:
• Donate more than you did
in 2019, even if it is by $1
• New Donor never having
donated to HWLC before
THANK YOU
to all of our wonderful volunteers! JIM KURBEL for his work on the Roscommon County Priority Parcel analysis. LAND AND STEWARDSHIP COMMITTEE: John Arevalo, Elaine
• All donations of
Carlson, Joe Jarecki, Keith Martell, Jerry Smith, Jim Supina.
• Lapsed donor-if you did
BOARD OF TRUSTEES: Jim
$500 or more
not donate in 2019 but have in previous years
Supina, Martha Eberly, Robb Smith, Virginia Pierce, John Dallas, Jeff Twyman, Keith Martell, Bill Anderson, Frank Ruswick.
LOWE’S CREW for their help with the office renovation.
VOLUNTEER LAND STEWARDS: Bill Anderson, Dave Nadolsky, Elaine Carlson, Gary Neuman, Glen Eberly, Jerry Smith, Jim and Barbara Kurbel, Jim Supina, Joe Jarecki, John Dallas, Mike and Annette Holbrook, Scot Egleston.
SAM CORNELIUS & KIDS OUTDOOR OTSEGO for helping with snowshoe hikes and sharing photos.
CURTIS JUSTIN for Thank You calls to all our members.
ISSUE 2, 2020
2020
LEADERSHIP
The following gifts were received between November 4, 2019 and November 5, 2020. Thank you for supporting HeadWaters Land Conservancy.
Watershed Guardians
Spring Guardians
Jeff and Carol Twyman Lanette Vanwagenen Woollam Foundation
Bill and Debi Anderson Carol Latsch Claudia Fischer and Roger Holliday Daniel and Mazie Havens David and Carol Bricker David Fivenson and Mara Miles Donald Baty Feeny Grayling Gregg and Jane Stecker James Knox and Jo Gallico Jeffress-Dyer, Inc. Keith and Cathy Martell Muriel Straight Neil and Mary Hodges Paul and Carol Rose Pete and Nancy Mutch Woodrow Anderson
($10,000 and up)
River Guardians ($5,000-$9,999)
David Cozad John and Jane Dallas Roseann Comstock Tom Schupbach
Stream Guardians ($1,000-$4,999)
Anthony and Margaret Feldhus AuSable Clean Foundation Beach and Marianne Hall Blue Sky Alpacas Community Foundation of NE Michigan David and MaryElaine Billmire Don Inman and Virginia Pierce Doug and Sandra Elser Harold and Alinda Wasner James and Barbara Kurbel James and Carolyn Schenden James and Linda Gregart James Shinners JoAnne Baron Kevin and Sue Townsend Meijer Michael and Lucy Mang Moritz and Barbara Ziegler Nancy Parmenter Rev. Brian and Elizabeth Chace Richard and Cookie Wimmer Robb and Christine Smith Stephen and Charlotte Qua
($500-$999)
Guardians ($250-$499)
Dave and Gloria Walker David and Barbara Eberly Dicran Haidostian Frank Proulx Glen and Martha Eberly Herbert Bensinger Karen Roy Lara Wasner LPL Financial Margaret Ward Mary and Peter Wellman Mike and Darcy Dombrowski Ned Caveney Pete and Ginny Gustafson Peter Amar and Mary Fox Simon Yoder Thomas Buhr Tom and Elaine Carlson William and Linda Stevens
Circle
Supporters
Alan Maag and Audrey Weis-Maag Allen Lavigne Amazon Smile Andrew Jazdzyk Anna Weiser Barry Hill Bennethum’s Northern Inn Beverly Benjamin Bill and Charity Steere Bill and Charyl Haelewyn Bill and Pat Duncanson Brady Borycki Bruce Pregler Casey Buckleitner Charles and Linda Mires Cutting Edge Computers Debra Stieneker Diane Navarre and Alan Stachowiak Dick and Marilyn Bachelor Don Rohrbach Donald and Dorothy Peacor Douglas and Julie Begick Douglas and Patrice Neal Dr. Eduardo and Maria Garcia Dr. George and Ursula Hess Dr. John Colwell Emmett’s Energy Frank and Diane Ruswick Gary Neumann George Haberer Great Lakes Endurance Herman Miller Hudson Holland Jr. and Margaret Holland James and Jennifer Russell James Claus Jan Chapman Janice Porter Jay and Peggy Heilman Jean Leonard Jerry and Francine Rucker Jerry and Linda Smith Jessica Geiger Jim Shiflett
Joe Hemming John Walker Kathleen Fay Kathlyn Maldegen Keith Krause Keith Petherick Ken and Elizabeth Gribble Kenneth Payette Kimberly Wright Larry Kassuba Laura Austin Lisa Anneberg Lisa Schleicher Lois Jones Loraine Becker Lori Beale Michael and Annette Holbrook Michael and Beth Benjamin Michael and Judith Sumeracki Michael and Sandra Clark Milton Nighswander Phil Truscott Rebecca Morley and Sam Morley Rev. Roland Schaedig Rex Schlaybaugh Rick and Anne Meeks Rick and Betsy Buist Robert and Dale Burnett Robert and June Hill Robert Andrus Robert Kruch Roland and Carol Bernbeck Ron Smith Shirley Lodewyk Stan Galehouse Tad Randolph Tom Lancaster Wes and Debra Hills William Kusey William Nash
We try hard to thank everyone, if we missed you please tell us so we can make a correction.
HEADWATERS LAND CONSERVANCY
HeadWaters Land Conservancy
Non-Profit Org. U.S. Postage Paid Petoskey, MI Permit No. 110
110 South Elm Avenue Gaylord, MI 49735 989-731-0573 www.headwatersconservancy.org land@headwatersconservancy.org
Recycle your newsletter ~ Pass it on! Printed on Recycled Paper with Vegetable-Based Inks
S TA F F Laura Justin Executive Director Libby Gunderson Director of Conservation Dianne Farner Stewardship & Program Coordinator
B OA R D
of Trustees Jim Supina Chairperson Martha Eberly Vice Chairperson/Secretary Robb Smith Treasurer Virginia Pierce
John Dallas
Jeff Twyman
Keith Martell
Bill Anderson
Frank Ruswick
Now Available at HeadWaters online store! headwatersconservancy.org/shop-for-conservation/
Since January 2020 the Sturgeon River Preserve has had 2,506 people and 181 dog visitors!