The Legacy Land Conservancy and the Michigan Department of Natural Resources yesterday sealed the deal on two property agreements that will add 109.6 acres to Waterloo Recreation Area, including one roughly-72-acre parcel near Chelsea.The DNR Natural Resources Commission paid $245,000 for 72.23 acres of the Klink property on Bush Road west of Pierce Road, right at the bend as you enter the park.
“Mr. Klink was visionary in understanding what a special place Waterloo is, and in wanting to make sure that his land benefited that place,” said Executive Director (and Chelsea-area resident) Susan Lackey. “That vision reminds me – and all of us – how fortunate we are to live surrounded by this beauty.”
The property includes almost all of the farm, minus the house and outbuildings. It was surrounded on three sides by parkland, and is a mix of agricultural fields and hardwood forest. It includes a stream and wetland. The map is at left; click for details.
The deed limits the use of the land to recreation and support facilities only moving forward.
(An interesting side note: study of historical maps in the area suggest that the house itself was once owned by the Bush family, for whom the road was presumably named.)
“One of our top conservation priorities is protecting land around the Waterloo and Pinckney Recreation Areas,” the Conservancy said in a statement.
“The Waterloo Recreation Area remains one of the largest parks in Michigan, with over 20,000 acres open for public recreation use. By protecting privately owned land located in and around the park, we can support vital habitats, natural beauty, and public recreation.”
The NRC also signed a $255,000 agreement for 37.4 acres on Race Road in Jackson County owned by the Furman family, which is also adjacent to the park. (Map below; click for details.) The property contains rolling upland, open water and shrub wetland. The current owners reserve the right to occupy the buildings at 5655 Race Road for 11 months, after which time the DNR will have them removed.
The money for both purchases comes from the Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund, Waterloo State Recreation Land Initiative, created by Act 23 of the Public Acts of 2009.
Tags: Chelsea, parks, Waterloo Recreation Area
