Working together to protect Hamlin Lake

Working together to protect Hamlin Lake

Sand dunes, forests, wetlands, and streams—all contribute to the character and appeal of Hamlin Lake. Located just north of Ludington, this 5,000 acre lake is fed by the Big Sable River. In recent months, two separate conservation projects collectively protected over 300 acres of the land around Hamlin Lake. Different in approach, the projects achieved the same goal and will ultimately work to benefit one another.

No matter how it is accomplished, the ripple effect of land conservation is felt well beyond its formal boundaries. Preserving both of these spaces ensures not only the health of the natural habitat within their borders, but that of the areas around them, including public recreation spots like Ludington State Park, Nordhouse Dunes, Lake Michigan Recreation Area and of course, scenic Hamlin Lake.

Read about each of the parts that make up this conservation success below.

Rednalis Conservation Agreement

On the northeastern shore of Hamlin Lake sits the Rednalis property—an expansive parcel that has belonged to the Silander family for over 100 years. In the years that have passed since patriarch Nancoe Nanninga acquired the land as part of a debt settlement, the parcel has changed in shape, size and character, but it has remained a host to a variety of natural habitats and waterways flowing into Hamlin Lake. In December 2018, its 209 acres were protected in perpetuity when the Silander family completed a conservation agreement with the Land Conservancy. The agreement keeps sacred a century of Silander family history, and it ensures the plants and wildlife who also call that land home can do so for generations to come.

100-acre addition to Ludington State Park

This past December, The Michigan DNR announced its purchase of 100 acres of critical sand dunes from Sargent Minerals-Ludington, a sand mining company commonly known as Sargent Sands. This property abuts and will become a part of Ludington State Park, one of the Michigan’s top 5 most popular state parks. The parcel includes pristine sand dunes, wetlands and forest—60 acres of which have never been altered. It further protects the Ludington Dune Ecosystem, which spans Ludington State Park, Nordhouse Dunes Wilderness Area and Lake Michigan Recreation Area and includes the largest area of freshwater interdunal wetlands in the world. It’s a gorgeous addition to an already beautiful piece of Lake Michigan coastal land, and it will now be enjoyed by the public and protected forever.

There’s more than one way to achieve a shared goal of conservation. Together, we can protect our wild places. The Land Conservancy is proud to play a role in the many different shapes this work takes, and we are so grateful for your support along the way.