Plan Started for East Point Nature Preserve

October 13, 2009

The Lake Erie Islands Chapter of the Black Swamp Conservancy is seeking pledges or donations to establish a public park/wildlife preserve on the far East Point of Middle Bass Island. The Trust for Public Land (TPL), Lake Erie Islands Chapter of the Black Swamp Conservancy (LEIC-BSC), and the Put-in-Bay Township Park District have been working together to secure approximately eight acres on the east point of Middle Bass Island for the establishment of a public park/ wildlife preserve.

We believe this is a worthwhile goal for the following reasons:

· Development on Middle Bass Island has occurred at a rapid pace and few “untouched” natural areas exist. Thus, we believe it is of critical importance to preserve this area, which contains spectacular Lake Erie shoreline, abundant wind-blown grasslands, and a variety of wooded habitat for thousands of migratory birds.

· This land could serve as an important area for research and education. For example, such a park could provide a staging area to host events for an Environmental Education Camp (i.e., Nature Camp).

· By making access primarily by kayak, it will decrease the amount of potential environmental impact that would occur to this ecologically sensitive area. In addition, a kayak park could be beneficial for island commerce. Kayak rentals are easily accessible on South Bass Island and it is very likely that there will be kayak rentals in the future at the Middle Bass Island State Park.

We have until the end of the year to purchase this parcel of land. Please note this is of critical importance and this is our last opportunity to make sure that this property remains in a natural state and is not split up and developed for more housing. Middle Bass residents should be receiving a pledge/donation form in the mail by mid October.

Reproduction without written permission is forbidden for any purposes other than personal use.

Revised: October 13, 2009