Michigan: Reclamation project will improve, restore Island Lake State Recreation Area
As a result of a mineral lease signed Tuesday with Spring Mill Reclamation, LLC, the Michigan Department of Natural Resources now can move forward on a long-awaited effort to improve and restore a significant portion of Island Lake State Recreation Area in Livingston County.
The reclamation project site involves a 540-acre former gravel mine in the state park south of Spring Mill Pond in Green Oak Township. The site consists of a large, open area scattered with old spoil piles and mining debris.
Ron Olson, chief of the DNR Parks and Recreation Division, said the 10-year lease will facilitate the restoration of the site’s native grassland habitat that will benefit grassland-dependent songbirds and other wildlife species. The project includes the removal of mining debris, sand and gravel to make way for the ultimate restoration of a mix of hilly and flat terrain, primarily planted for native prairie.
“This restoration project has been on the horizon since 2014 when we began looking into creative ways to fund this cleanup and enhancement at Island Lake State Recreation Area,” said Olson. “The DNR is proud to have the opportunity to improve and expand access to public outdoor recreation opportunities in southern Michigan through this agreement.” Read more