Preserving Drayton Plains, a Clinton River Natural Area

COOPERATIVE CONSERVATION CASE STUDY

Location: Northeastern/Mid-Atlantic

Project Summary: Through a conservation easement and partnership with a township and non-profit Nature Center, Oakland Land Conservancy helped preserve a 137-acre threatened natural area.

Oakland Land Conservancy

Resource Challenge

Drayton Plains Nature Center includes 137 acres of diverse habitat, including oak hickory woods, southern wet meadow and prairie along a mile in the Clinton River headwaters (one of four major southeast Michigan rivers). The property is listed as a priority natural area in a 2002 inventory of the southeast Michigan county of Oakland, a county subject to rapid development pressures. The property was acquired by the non-profit Nature Center some 40 years ago, depending on private donations for its upkeep. Recently the non-profit had struggled to make ends meet and it appeared they might have to sell it for development to meet their financial obligations.

Examples of Key Partners

Oakland Land Conservancy, Drayton Plains Nature Center, Charter Township of Waterford, Waterford School District, Michigan Department of Environmental Quality which provided a “Clean Michigan Initiative” Clean Water Fund grant

Results and Accomplishments

With assistance of a Clean Michigan Initiative grant, matched by Waterford Township funds and professional services of Oakland Land Conservancy staff and volunteers, the township purchased a conservation easement from the non-profit, helping them meet their financial obligations. The non-profit will “donate” the land to the township with the easement to Oakland Land Conservancy in place, protecting it in perpetuity, and the conservancy will assist in its resource management.

Innovation/Highlight

Oakland Land Conservancy brought diverse participants to the table to help break a stalemate in negotiations in seeking preservation solutions for this site.

Project Contact

Donna Folland
Executive Director
Oakland Land Conservancy
P.O. Box 80902, Rochester, MI 48308-0902
Rochester, MI 48308-0902
248-601-2816
folland@wwnet.net

Website: http://www.oaklandlandconservancy.org

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