Project History

When Dow, Inc.’s operation was sold to Occidental Chemical in 2009, Dow retained over 300 acres of land, including property at the mouth of the Pere Marquette River, and along the shores of Pere Marquette Lake and Lake Michigan. Shortly after the plant sale was completed, Dow began working with Pere Marquette Township and the Land Conservancy of West Michigan to place those lands it had retained into public ownership. All three parties envisioned creating a protected public resource that can be enjoyed by and will benefit residents and visitors to the area forever.  

Pere Marquette Township’s acquisition of the property was generously supported by the Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund and was divided into two phases. The first phase is complete and encompasses 254 acres, protecting significant public open space, wildlife habitat and wetland resources adjoining the Pere Marquette State Game Area. The second phase covers the remaining 37 acres of the property, which required further environmental remediation to make it suitable for public use. Dow has completed this remediation, and now the partners are working to develop an urgently needed, safe, and high-quality access to the Pere Marquette River. This portion of the project will also permanently protect the river shoreline and restore native landscapes and wildlife habitat.

Plans for the Future

The master plan for the park illustrates the incredible potential of this property to become a regional destination for outdoor recreation with offerings in every season. Future visitors to the park will enjoy opportunities to kayak on Pere Marquette Lake, mountain bike the park’s rugged terrain, and walk, run, and bike on both paved and natural trails. There will be fields and courses for softball, beach volleyball, and disc golf, as well as a playground. In winter, visitors will be able to cross-country ski, sled and ice fish on the property, along with a suite of other winter sports. Beach days and world-class fishing opportunities are also a part of the plan, which includes developing a Lake Michigan beach access and pedestrian and watercraft fishing opportunities for Great Lakes fish at the mouth of the Pere Marquette River. Restrooms, boardwalks, bridges and interpretive and wayfinding signage will also be a part of the parks’ development.

The master plan includes the renovation of a formerly private day–use park, enhancement of the Lake Michigan Water Trail, and trails that lead to a regional trail system in conjunction with the City of Ludington, Ludington Micropolitan area and Mason County parks. With these developments, the Pere Marquette Conservation Park will be a hub for year-round recreation in Ludington, transforming the area into an accessible destination for nature exploration for visitors from near and far.

Conservation Value

The Pere Marquette River is a special place. It has been designated by the state as a Natural River and a Blue-Ribbon Trout Stream and federally designated as a National Wild and Scenic River. There are no dams on the main branch of the river, making it the only free-flowing river in the entire Lake Michigan watershed. With tributaries included, there are over 300 miles of stream. The watershed is home to many species of mammals, birds, fish, and other wildlife, including the endangered Karner blue butterfly.

The Land Conservancy has been extensively involved with efforts to protect the Pere Marquette upstream of Pere Marquette Conservation Park, and to date has protected over 4,400 acres with 31 miles of frontage in the watershed. The acquisition of the river mouth site by Pere Marquette Township from Dow, Inc. has now provided the path to ensuring protection of the lower portion of the river.

The restoration and conservation of natural habitats is a priority in the development of Pere Marquette Township Park. Today, much of the landscape is overtaken with invasive species like autumn olive, oriental bittersweet, garlic mustard and spotted knapweed. The Township has worked with the Mason-Lake Conservation District, the North Country Cooperative Invasive Species Management Area, and other conservation consultants to develop plans to remove these plants, discourage the further spread of invasive species, and plant and ensure the success of native wildflowers and grasses. Restored forests, wetlands and grasslands and improved wildlife habitat are all part of the park’s future.

What Happens Next

The Land Conservancy of West Michigan is dedicated protecting nature forever so that future generations can enjoy its gifts as we do today. To ensure the same for Pere Marquette Conservation Park, the Land Conservancy is raising funds to fortify the endowment that Pere Marquette Township has established for the park.

You can help make sure that Pere Marquette Conservation Park is maintained for generations to come. Make a donation to the Park Operations Endowment Fund today!