City of Marquette, MI - Heartwood Forestland Project

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Heartwood Forestland


The Marquette City Commission purchased the Heartwood Forestland property on March 17, 2005 for $5 million dollars. The City decided to purchase the property to preserve and foster permanent environmental stewardship; control development; maintain and develop motorized and non-motorized trail systems; enhance long-term prosperity for the City and region; enhance the quality of life for residents; and drive economic development. The property is comprised of approximately 2,400 acres of undeveloped, pristine property located in the City of Marquette and adjacent townships. This land includes two watersheds (Morgan Creek and the Carp River) and has an established network of motorized and non-motorized trails for hikers, bikers, snowmobile enthusiasts and others who enjoy the outdoors. On January 13, 2009, the Mayor and City Commission established the Heartwood Forestland Ad Hoc Committee and appointed ten members, who represent a broad diversity of experts and/or interests. On February 9, 2009, the City Commission also appointed the chairman of the Parks & Recreation Advisory Board to a seat on the Heartwood Forestland Ad Hoc Committee. This group works in an advisory capacity only and will make recommendations to the City Commission regarding the property’s future uses in the following areas: 1) Establishing areas to conserve for public recreation, 2) Establishing areas for potential commercial and residential development, and 3) Creating partnerships for development and maintenance of recreational properties.

The Marquette City Commission purchased the Heartwood Forestland property on March 17, 2005 for $5 million dollars. The City decided to purchase the property to preserve and foster permanent environmental stewardship; control development; maintain and develop motorized and non-motorized trail systems; enhance long-term prosperity for the City and region; enhance the quality of life for residents; and drive economic development.

The property is comprised of approximately 2,400 acres of undeveloped, pristine property located in the City of Marquette and adjacent townships. This land includes two watersheds (Morgan Creek and the Carp River) and has an established network of motorized and non-motorized trails for hikers, bikers, snowmobile enthusiasts and others who enjoy the outdoors.

On January 13, 2009, the Mayor and City Commission established the Heartwood Forestland Ad Hoc Committee and appointed ten members, who represent a broad diversity of experts and/or interests. On February 9, 2009, the City Commission also appointed the chairman of the Parks & Recreation Advisory Board to a seat on the Heartwood Forestland Ad Hoc Committee. This group works in an advisory capacity only and will make recommendations to the City Commission regarding the property’s future uses in the following areas: 1) Establishing areas to conserve for public recreation, 2) Establishing areas for potential commercial and residential development, and 3) Creating partnerships for development and maintenance of recreational properties.