Lost Lake Saved!!
The Land Conservancy of West Michigan, in cooperation with the Michigan Department of Natural Resources, has successfully completed the campaign to permanently protect Lost Lake and surrounding property. A $50,000 grant from the Alcoa Foundation put the campaign over the top. Thanks to over 350 donors raising over $230,000, 68-acres have been added to Muskegon State Park. An Ecological & Recreational Gem
Location: Laketon Township, Muskegon County
Size: 68 Acres
The Mierendorf property lies adjacent to Muskegon State Park and is one of the last undeveloped properties that could be acquired to expand the park.
On the western half of the 68-acre property is a beautiful small lake surrounded by an extensive emergent wetland. The so-called “Lost Lake” is the ecological jewel of the property, with rare plant and animal species. The southern half of the lake is within the State Park, but the northern half is owned by the Mierendorfs.
The Mierendorf property has a recreational connection with the State Park as well as an ecological relationship. The State’s heavily used cross-country ski & hiking trail runs along, and possibly within, the western boundary of the Mierendorf property, and hikers and cross-country skiers have created a trail that circles Lost Lake, including the portion owned by the Mierendorfs, to enjoy the scenic view and connect with other park trails.
The east half of the Mierendorf’s property is rolling upland with mixed hardwood-pine forest, mostly beech, oak, maple, and with small groves of hemlock. There are small ridges in the south and east portion of the parcel and a ravine with low-lying areas along a creek that flows into Muskegon Lake. In the spring these woods are filled with birds – migratory warblers and permanent residents such as nuthatches and woodpeckers.
Conservation Values
The preservation of land for outdoor recreation and education of the general public. This property has a very strong connection to the recreational and educational use of the natural habitats shared with the State Park. The ecological value of the Lost Lake wetland is documented by the many botanical and birding groups that have visited the area.
The protection of a relatively natural habitat for fish, wildlife, or plants. The property’s wetlands are exemplary and the uplands are characterized by maturing and multi-age forests that provide habitat for many bird species.
The preservation of open space. North Muskegon will continue to experience growth and residential development. Protection of Lost Lake and the Mierendorf property is an excellent opportunity to preserve the
“green corridor” along Lake Michigan.
The Property is Now Protected
The State Parks Division of the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) wanted to acquire the Mierendorf’s land, but for a long time were not able to reach an agreement with the family on price.
The Land Conservancy of West Michigan stepped in to help. The Land Conservancy assisted with negotiations between the Mierendorf family and the DNR and secured purchase options for the property.
The DNR provided funds to cover less than half the acquisition costs to purchase the entire Mierendorf Property. The Land Conservancy launched a campaign to raise the remaining funds needed to transfer the property to the State Park. Restrictions will be placed on the property by the Land Conservancy to ensure its preservation.
Project Goals
The Land Conservancy had until August 31, 2008 to successfully raise the money needed to protect Lost Lake and the Mierendorf property and transfer the land to Muskegon State Park.
Overall Project: Over $420,000
Committed State Funds (approx.) $190,000
Land Conservancy Raised Over $230,000*
*Fundraising goal included price of the land as well as other transaction costs.
To learn more about this wonderful natural area, please contact the Land Conservancy at 616-451-9476 or lcwm@naturenearby.org.
A special thanks to the following foundations and individuals for matching the first $90,000 in gifts to the campaign: Jerry & Linda Bakke, Carls Foundation, Community Foundation for Muskegon County, Crane Foundation, and the J.A. Woollam Foundation. Thank you to the Alcoa Foundation and the Frey Foundation for major gifts.