The Eastern Upper Peninsula has been described as Michigan's playground and gateway to the Upper Peninsula. Thousands of recreation enthusiasts/tourist travel to the EUP every year to visit our abundant recreational opportunities. The economic benefit to our region is vital to our local economies. Keeping our natural resources pristine and sustainable for the recreational and tourist industry is a big priority to the Conservation District. 

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One of the most abundant recreational opportunities in the Conservation District is hunting and fishing. CLMCD is surrounded by three of the Five Great Lakes (Huron, Michigan, and Superior) and is all connected by the St. Mary's River. All three lakes offer spectacular fishing opportunities. CLMCD is also home to thousands of acres of public land open to hunting opportunities such as whitetail deer, black bear, upland birds, and small game. 

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Among other recreation opportunities ATV/UTV, snowmobiling, biking, cross country skiing, hiking, and even birding take advantage of the many trail systems throughout the District. Trail systems provide wonderful opportunities for all ages to enjoy the outdoors and take advantage of the natural beauty found in the EUP. 

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Combined with our many public recreation opportunities many private landowners manage their property for recreational purposes with many landowners purchasing parcels of property secondary to their homesteads. CLMCD offers many programs available to landowners who wish to mange their property for recreational purposes. 

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• Forestry Assistance Program (FAP)

FAP aims to help private landowners better manage their forested property by providing guidance and education. Healthier forests also contribute to better wildlife habitat. Our forester can assist landowners with all their objectives and help them achieve their goals when it comes to managing for wildlife habitat. ​​​

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• Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS)

NRCS offers technical and financial assistance to landowners through a variety of programs funded through the Farm Bill. CLMCD is happy to provide guidance and assistance navigating these programs as we share their resources and are co-located in their office. 

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• Three Shores Cooperative Invasive Species Management Area (CISMA)

Invasive species can effect wildlife habitat, degrade wildlife food sources, create poor water quality for wildlife, and put wildlife in danger. Invasive species management is a vital component for a healthy habitat. Three Shores CISMA works collaboratively with its partners to stop invasive species and protect native habitats.

 

• Deer Habitat Improvement Program Initiative (DHIPI)

CLMCD has partnered with the Michigan Department of Natural Resources over the years to provide the DHIPI program in the Eastern Upper Peninsula. Many landowners have participated by planting hard and soft mass food species for whitetail deer. These vital food sources provide food during the winter months when food sources are hard to find. DHIPI is a competitive grant CLMCD writes for every year. Announcements for future grants will be made via our home page.

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• Michigan State University Extension (MSUE)

MSUE offers state-wide programming for landowners with local offices in Chippewa County. Although financial assistance isn't generally offered through MSUE many other services are available for all landowners. CLMCD is a proud partner with MSUE in Chippewa, Luce, and Mackinac counties and we provide program support whenever possible. 

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