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AHMEEK — Randee Smith, Chair of American Songbird Management and Recovery, Tuesday, announced the purchase of 17,325 acres in Keweenaw County’s Allouez Township, nearly all (15,650 acres) from The Rohatyn Group (TRG). According to a press release, American Songbird is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization run by a five-member volunteer board with members from Alaska, California, Oregon, Michigan and Wisconsin. The press release states John Griffith, local conservation biologist, will serve as American Songbird’s Keweenaw Representative.

“This purchase includes nearly the entire Gratiot River Watershed east of Five Mile Point Road, including 11.5 miles of the main stem of the river” Smith said. “Look at that beautiful blue line on the map. It also includes nearly the entire 5.6 miles of the spectacular Phoenix Cliffs escarpment” she added. About half of the new acreage has already been acquired; the remainder is under contract to close by the end of 2026.

“American Songbird ownership will prevent fragmentation of the native Boreal Hardwood Transition Forest, protect native habitats and species, especially birds, accomplish carbon sequestration, support Dark Skies, and provide hiking trails and nature viewing opportunities to residents and visitors,” Griffith said. “Nature is our primary stakeholder, and every management and use decision will be made through that lens” he added.

“We are so appreciative that TRG sold this property in one piece,” said Griffith. “They certainly had other options, but they chose to convey this priceless gift to us all. We all know that the Keweenaw has been “discovered”; this truly is the last chance to acquire this property in one piece.”

“Our team at TRG is proud to have managed these lands for sustainable timber production and public recreation for nearly 20 years. American Songbird has been an exceptional partner to work with, and we’re excited to be able to support their vision for keeping these lands available for public recreation,” said Erik Kankainen, partner at The Rohatyn Group. “We look forward to continuing the next stage of our relationship with them as neighbors and partners in the Keweenaw.”

Griffith said, “In addition to protecting native habitats and species, the Gratiot River Watershed, the Phoenix Cliffs, pre- and post-European mining sites, the property will benefit Keweenaw residents by preserving the Keweenaw quality of life, which depends heavily on abundant open space, and offering healthy recreational opportunities, and will support the Keweenaw’s tourism-based economy by providing an intact recreation destination.”

“American Songbird plans hiking trails and hike-in campgrounds, and will work with local governmental units and other NGOs to establish the “Trans Keweenaw Trail” so that people can hike and camp or inn-hop on a trail that extends the length of Keweenaw County” Griffith added.

American Songbird also supports motorized activities in the Keweenaw, specifically keeping open State Trail 3 that runs through the property. “Snowmobiling and ATV riding are important to many residents and are a big part of our tourism-based economy” says Griffith. “With regard to economic impact, our focus is on adding constituencies, not subtracting. We intend to serve the 90% of people who don’t ride snowmobiles or ATVs, specifically birders and hikers” he added. “It’s not Either-Or, it’s Both-And.”

American Songbird will team with Superior Watershed Partnership (SWP), a 501c3 nonprofit based in Marquette, MI and serving the entire Upper Peninsula. “SWP has the staff and expertise to conduct the necessary field inventories and write a comprehensive Watershed Management Plan for the Gratiot River property, and our Great Lakes Conservation Corps (GLCC) will assist in designing and building a network of hiking and equestrian trails throughout the property,” said Carl Lindquist, SWP Executive Director.

American Songbird has until the end of 2026 to raise the balance of the funds needed to purchase the property. “We have already raised two-thirds of the $30 million needed” reports Griffith, “and considering the biological, environmental, economic, recreational, and scenic significance of this project, we are confident that the remaining $11 million will be secured by year’s end. All donations are tax deductible, and 100% go directly to this acquisition” he added.

“We believe there are more than enough people who love the Keweenaw and will support this effort for themselves and their kids and grandkids, or even to aid the local economy” he said. “I have no doubt that at the end of the year, we’ll be having a huge celebration.”