Independence Oaks is set to become the largest Oakland County park, pending purchase of a 186-acre parcel.
“We’re thrilled,” said President Sue Julian, president of North Oakland Headwaters Land Conservancy, which is contributing $16,000 to the purchase. “It’s been our number one target in Independence Township, and now it’s under protection and preservation. We couldn’t be happier.”
Also paying the property’s $2.836 million purchase price is $1.74 million from Oakland County Parks, $945,000 from a Michigan Department of Natural Resources Trust Fund grant, rental income from three residences on the site for the next six months, and potentially a grant to the Carls Foundation through a partnership with Ducks Unlimited.
The NOHLC donation comes from Independence Township residents, Julian said.
“It’s a special environment we wanted to to protect for the wildlife and water quality,” she said. “It at the top of the watershed ? it’s a very important piece of property.”
Transfer of the addition, expanding Independence Oaks to 1,274 acres, should be complete by the end of March, said Oakland County Parks Executive Officer Dan Stencil.
‘We are beyond pleased to add this jewel to our system and to be able to preserve it for generations to come,? Stencil said. ‘This acquisition has been of interest to the Oakland County Parks and Recreation Commission for a long time.”
The property on the Upper Bushman Lake is a priority 1 natural area for conservation, he said.
‘This acquisition will allow for the preservation of nearly 1,000 acres of contiguous habitat in the headwaters of the Clinton River,? Stencil said. ‘The Upper Bushman Lake property also has a hardwood-conifer swamp which is rare in the state. Walking this land, you really get the feel that you are in northern Michigan.?
The pristine property, including a 31-acre lake, is northeast of Independence Oaks, bordered by Sashabaw and Oak Hill roads.
Plans include trail use, fishing, kayaking, camping, trapping, cross-country skiing, and snowshoes, he said.
‘There is a lot of interest from the public in outdoor adventure programs and heritage sports such as fishing and hunting, backcountry camping, a high ropes course and archery, canoeing and kayaking. These programs need to be made accessible to people of all abilities,? he said.
‘We will welcome public input in our master planning process. Staff will also analyze the potential impact of proposed recreation opportunities on the natural resource base of this property.?
Public use should be available this fall. For more information about Oakland County Parks, check DestinationOakland.com.