IOSCO COUNTY- Explore the shoreline, forest, and wetlands of the Lake Huron Coastal Preserve during a public opening July 22 AT 1 p.m. Join Alabaster Township, Huron Pines, and US Gypsum to celebrate the grand opening of Lake Huron Coastal Preserve, a wooded 144-acre parcel of property along US 23 in Alabaster Township.
At the conclusion of the Grand Opening presentation, attendees are welcome to walk the Lake Huron Coastal Preserve trails. Friends of the LHCP and Committee Members will be stationed at different points in the preserve to guide and provide information.
Restrooms will be available on site along with some light refreshments. Dress for the weather, bring sun protection, and whatever else you may want for a little time to wander and enjoy the day. For more information, contact Alabaster Township, 989.362.3171.
Alabaster Township assumed ownership of the property in December 2022 from the nonprofit northern Michigan conservation group Huron Pines. Huron Pines purchased the parcel from US Gypsum and held it until Alabaster Township received the DNR Trust Fund grant.
The property is situated just south of Tawas City and includes nearly a mile of Lake Huron frontage. The preserve acreage is split between US 23, with the lakefront parcel about 68 acres and the remaining land sitting across from US 23.
The natural shoreline, mature hardwood forest and wetland ecosystem work together as a filter to help protect the water quality of Lake Huron and support diverse plant and wildlife species, according to Huron Pines.
The plan right now is that the Preserve will remain for relatively passive use, like hiking, walking trails, access to Lake Huron, according to Alabaster Township. The trailhead and parking area for the Alabaster Township Bike Path Arboretum are located on the property’s south side and there is potential for future walking trails and public access to Lake Huron. Rowe Engineering is working on a trail development plan.
