Released on 7/20/20  | View the Full Draft Plan

The 82 acre Laughing Whitefish Community Forest is located adjacent to Lake Superior in Alger County, Michigan. The Community Forest is dominated by forested uplands (including old growth white pine), forested and emergent coastal wetlands, the mouth/estuary of the Laughing Whitefish River, and Lake Superior sand beach (2,000 linear feet). Located in an area where costal development pressures are at an all-time high, the parcel will serve to preserve important coastal ecosystems and to provide educational and recreational opportunities for area residents and tourists. The Superior Watershed Partnership acquired the $1,000,000 parcel using $400,000 in funds provided by the Community Forest Program.

The Community Forest Program (CFP) is a competitive grant program that provides financial assistance to tribal entities, local governments, and qualified conservation non-profit organizations to acquire and establish community forests that provide community benefits. Community benefits can include economic benefits through active forest management, clean water, wildlife habitat, educational opportunities, and public access for recreation.

SWP has developed a DRAFT Community Forest Plan for the Laughing Whitefish Community Forest and is soliciting public input. Public comments regarding the plan will be accepted through email or mail at the following address until August 14th, 2020.