Lerner Conservation Easement- A Role Model for Others

In 2021, Andy Lerner entered into a Conservation Easement with the UP Land Conservancy and committed to preserving the conservation values of his property in Marquette County in perpetuity. I've had the pleasure of getting to know Andy while building connections as I settled into my role as Executive Director at UPLC. Andy’s commitment to land protection in the UP is a testament to his values as a steward to the lands and watersheds in the Upper Great Lakes region. 

The Lerner property permanently protects 240 acres of forest and wetlands in Humboldt Township. The property’s cedar groves, diverse habitats, and intact wetlands play an important role in storing carbon, moderating seasonal water flows, and supporting climate-resilient ecosystems. The easement is also enrolled in the Commercial Forest Program, allowing public foot access for hunting and fishing. Since acquiring the land, Andy has been able to work with local foresters to implement a sustainable forest stewardship plan with an emphasis on carbon storage and creating a healthy composition of diverse species to improve the formerly harvested land's resiliency in the face of a changing climate.

Andy has supported the mission of UPLC in more ways than one. His protection of lands and annual donations through his donor advised fund ensure that his property and other priority areas in the UP gain the attention that they require for proper care. Andy shared with me that his main interests are land protection to minimize effects of a changing climate and supporting UPLC's capacity building initiatives including investing in our staff and programs. I agree that fostering the land and people are the key priorities to make a sustainable impact on UPLC’s mission.