The 2,243 acre pristine property rests within Marquette City limits and neighboring townships. It contains environmentally fragile landscape and provides innumerable recreation activities, including hiking, running, snowshoeing, fishing, mountain biking. This property is an irreplaceable destination for residents and tourists and is part of the fabric of Marquette. Background:
The Heartwood Fores
tland was purchased by the City of Marquette in 2005 for 5 million dollars. The original intent for use of the property, as stated in a 2006 resolution, included preservation of the most environmentally fragile property, recreation opportunities and development of up to 350 acres within the incorporated city boundaries. The use of the property has been extensively deliberated, initially by an Ad Hoc Committee chosen by the Mayor. Their recommendations were finalized in early 2010 and have been refined by the Planning Commission. The Planning Commission will soon officially present their report to the City Commission for approval. Please reference the map within the photo album for details. Note that the parcels for potential sale are in red. The current document advises sale of parcels along the 553 corridor for potential development. In addition, roughly 600 acres within the Township has been deemed “surplus” and suitable for sale. This acreage contains parts of the Pioneer (red) and Morgan Creek (green) trails. Areas containing Morgan Creek and the Carp River have been labeled as potential conservation property and are listed in green. Other parcels in purple, such as those including the area around Mt Marquette, are listed as deferred development. The purple parcels will be part of a Future Planned Area and subject to public comment at some point.
