The Dead River
Community Forest
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The Upper Peninsula Land Conservancy, with the help of US Forest Service Community Forest Program, The Nature Conservancy, several foundations such as the Marquette Community Foundation,
local businesses, and hundreds of individuals like you,
raised $250,000 to purchase the 186.5-acre properties known collectively as
the Dead River Community Forest!
Discover the dead river community forest
The Forest provides habitat to migratory birds such as the American Woodcock,
American Coot, Black-throated Blue Warbler, and many more!
43 Bird Species
186 acres
This is a multi-partner collaboration that has ensured protection and public access to 186 acres of healthy, diverse riparian forest and critical floodplains!
The natural features of the forest provide a groundwater filtration system which plays a critical role in providing clean drinking water for the community of Marquette
and ensures clean waters flow
into Lake Superior.
3.5 miles of
Riverfront
Visit the Dead River Community Forest
​The Dead River Community Forest in Marquette is made up of two distinct areas: the Bridges parcel and the Bayous parcel, each offering unique ways to explore this evolving restoration landscape.​
The Bayous parcel can be accessed through the Vielmetti-Peters Reserve. Visitors can park in the reserve’s lot and follow the trail network into the forest. Please note that this trail system is still under construction. Only the "Proposed Upper Loop" in orange is available for limited access. Please use care and be mindful as you explore.
The Bridges parcel, located near the M-510 bridge, currently features a limited network of informal (social) trails that are being evaluated and redesigned for long-term sustainability. This area can be accessed by water, by parking along the road near the old 510 bridge, or in the designated lot near the new bridge.
Wherever you enter, we ask visitors to be respectful of nearby neighbors, use caution on unmarked or developing trails, and help us care for this shared community space.
Check out the Latest Student Research
Characterizing COMMUNITY COMPOSITION AND ESTIMATING
ABOVEGROUND BIOMASS
Thank you to Dr. Adam Naito and Sydney Chrome with the Northern Michigan University Department of Earth, Environmental, and Geographical Sciences Northern
GATHERING SPACE & EARLY SUCCESSIONAL FOREST RESTORATION planning
Thank you to Grace Carbeck and the University of Michigan for supporting UPLC's native plant restoration efforts at the DRCF
In addition to providing essential habitat for 16 avian species of concern and other native flora and fauna, DRCF will will also benefit the Upper Peninsula community via that many ecosystem services inherent in well managed forests. This includes, hydrological (e.g., water supply, flood control), atmospheric (e.g., air quality, carbon sequestration), and vegetation (e.g., habitat, esthetics)
Protected by you, for You
Learn about the Goals of the DRCF Project
goal 1
To ensure the permanent protection of 186 acres of riparian forest by acquiring two high-value conservation parcels in the Dead River Basin.
The proposed project will protect several tributaries to the Dead River, which provides drinking water, hydroelectric power, and recreation to the 27,000 year-round City of Marquette Residents. Protecting this area from development, deforestation, and damaging types of recreation will protect this amazing water resource.
Do you have input related to this goal that you would like to contribute for the Dead River Community Forest Management Plan? Send us an email at uplc@uplandconservancy.org
goal 2
To provide the opportunity for low-impact outdoor recreation and educational opportunities for the benefit of the public and local community.
The DRCF will enhance recreational opportunities for U.P residents, visitors, and tourists by providing low-impact trails that guide you through the towering forests, along cold-water streams, and past biodiverse ponds. UPLC is working with local partners to assess which areas of the preserve may be suitable for universally accessible trails as part of our goals!
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Provide feedback on what activities you think the Dead River Community Forest should emphasize by emailing us at uplc@uplandconservancy.org
goal 3
To actively engage the public in the land protection and management processes by forming genuine partnerships with diverse stakeholders throughout the acquisition, development, and ongoing management process;
By engaging the public in the land protection processes we can create a more informed community that can help us with their input.
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Take our survey above to add your input, or email us at uplc@uplandconservancy.org
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goal 4
To provide opportunities for the public to establish an emotional connection with the property, which will spur a sense of communal responsibility, by hosting informational meetings and active outings on the property prior to, during, and after establishing the properties;
The Dead River Community Forest will be a space designed to connect us to the land itself through community outings and opportunities to foster a love for this land to manifest itself years into the future.
If you would like to share your input on how to foster connections through community events email us at uplc@uplandconservancy.org
goal 5
To expand outdoor educational opportunities for students and landowners to experience hands-on learning about the sustainable management of various UP ecosystems/habitats throughout the acquisition, development, and ongoing management process;
The DRCF will provide ready access to natural and managed lands for study by all educational levels, from elementary to graduate school. Northern Michigan University have conducted research projects in topic such as biomass sequestration and cold water fisheries stock. Beyond formal education, the DRCF will become a unique educational resource for landowners and professional foresters via demonstration of silvicultural practices.
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If you would like to provide your vision based on this goal as we construct the Management Plan, please email uplc@uplanconservancy.org
goal 6
And to initiate a climate-change mitigation-focused and restoration-based Forest Management Plan for the proposed Dead River Community Forest in order to further prepare the area for the current and future effects of climate change in that area.
To be proactive against the effects of climate change, the Dead River Community Forest project has climate change mitigation tactics built into it's groundwork.
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To learn more about our DRCF Management Plan email us at uplc@uplandconservancy.org and take our survey above!
This land is protected
because of individuals like you
Thank you
We are so grateful for our partners
USDA- US Forest Service Community Forest Program
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Sustainability Hub for Innovation and the Environment ("SHINE")
at Northern Michigan University
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Marquette County Conservation District
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UP Resource Conservation & Development Council
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Green Timber Forestry Consultants
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Trout Unlimited- Fred Waara Chapter
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Chocolay Raptor Center
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Lake to Lake Cooperation Invasive Species Management Area
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NMU Classes including- Center for Native American Studies Community Engagement Class; EEGS Forest Biomass Project; Northern Museum of Zoology Field Students
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McClure Basin Association Inc.
Laughing Whitefish Bird Alliance
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North Country Trail Association
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Negaunee Township
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Upper Peninsula Environmental Coalition
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Community Foundation of Marquette County
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The Ray and Peg Hirvonen Foundation
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Check out this waterfall!
We’re working to build a trail so you can see it in person.
Midway creek winds its way around massive granite outcroppings on its way to the Dead River through the Community Forest
