KEWEENAW COUNTY – The Nature Conservancy in Michigan (TNC) has scheduled a Keweenaw Heartlands Project Update for 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday at the Allouez Township Hall to share the latest project developments and answer community members’ questions. During the meeting, TNC will provide information about ongoing activities and community-based planning that will lead to the transition of the Keweenaw Heartlands forest into public ownership. TNC and the Keweenaw Community Foundation will also make an exciting announcement at this time.

“It’s going to be one of our typical updates,” Julia Petersen, Keweenaw Heartlands project manager, said. “We make sure that we keep the public informed on the project and there’s opportunity to ask questions and express any concerns.”

TNC will provide information about ongoing activities and community-based planning that will lead to the transition of the Keweenaw Heartlands forest into public ownership.

Petersen said there has been much progress recently with state legislation, which would enable the local governments in Keweenaw County – likely the Keweenaw County Board of Commissioners – to incorporate a new local forest authority.

“We’ll be chatting about that,” she said. “The DNR will be present, as well, to provide updates, and the Keweenaw Community Foundation will also be there.”

Although she cannot reveal it before the Tuesday update, Petersen said there will be a special announcement.

“We have some exciting news that we’re really happy about,” she said.