Keweenaw Natural Areas

Keweenaw Natural Areas (KNA) is a bunch of like-minded people who have banded together to buy natural areas in the Keweenaw to keep them open for wildlife and people forever. Simply put, KNA cares about conserving scenic and natural resources and providing public access to special places in the Keweenaw.

The conservancy owns several natural areas that are open to the public for mammal-powered quiet recreation such as hiking, biking, horseback riding, cross-country skiing, and snowshoeing. Fires, camping, hunting, trapping, and motorized vehicles are not permitted unless otherwise noted. KNA Natural Areas include Dore Woods (1993), Gratiot River North (2003), Merganser Pond (2009), and Conglomerate Falls (2010-2015). In addition, the KNA was instrumental in the acquisition of Gratiot River County Park (2002/2008).

To learn more about the area please visit www.keweenawnaturalareas.org.

Keweenaw Natural Areas Announces Acquisition of Great Sand Bay Frontage

Keweenaw Natural Areas (KNA) has acquired 550’ of Great Sand Bay shoreline, adding to the adjacent Michigan Nature Association (MNA) Redwyn Dunes Preserve. The property has deeded access off M-26 and will be open to the public every day during daylight hours (no fee, no camping, no fires, enter and swim at your own risk). The purchase price was $342,000; 90% was donated by a long-time KNA member who chooses to remain anonymous. The remaining 10% ($34,200) must be raised over the next year.

“We are happy to add to the protected property in the area, and give the public new and better access to a beautiful sand beach” says John Griffith, KNA President.

KNA was recently forced to sell Lot 24 of the Seven Mile Point subdivision due to restricted access on a private road. It was a wonderful place people were able to visit for over 20 years. The KNA Board was relieved and happy that the buyer was another conservation organization so the habitats and species at Lot 24 are protected in perpetuity, but the public guest access KNA negotiated over the private road on weekends in season (24-32 days per year) was terminated with the sale. "KNA is extremely happy to be able to provide this new beach access at Great Sand Bay, located off a public road with no access restrictions” Griffith said.

Signage and a defined parking area and trail to the beach are planned for 2024. If you are interested in helping KNA complete these tasks, or to donate funds to raise the final 10% needed (all donations are gratefully accepted!), please visit www.KeweenawNaturalAreas.org, contact KNA at KeweenawNaturalAreas@gmail.com, or mail a check to KNA, PO Box 124, Calumet, MI 49913. All donations are tax deductible.

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By supporting the Keweenaw Natural Areas fund you help protect important natural spaces in the Keweenaw.

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