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Anne and Cameron Waterman Preserve at Mt. Benison

Lichens grow on clif facings alongside the Mink Run
UP Director of Land Protection, Jeff Knoop, studies lichens 
© Lisa Niemi
 

The Anne and Cameron Waterman Preserve at Mount Benison in the Huron Mountains area of Marquette County remains an undeveloped wilderness with no improved roads or residences. Features of the preserve include a series of granite knobs dominated by stunted white pine/red oak forest and one of the highest peaks in the area. In addition, the area protects two Class I trout streams, including nearly ninety percent of the Mink Run watershed and the Cliff River. The Mink Run watershed contains several hundred acres of old-growth hemlock and white pine forests. The land is dominated by granite gorges and knobs, making it very rugged and difficult to travel. The property is home to several wildlife species such as otter, osprey, bald eagles, and numerous species of woodland warblers and thrushes. The area also provides migration habitat for the eastern timber wolf.

Location
Marquette County, Upper Peninsula

Hours
Access to this preserve is limited to Conservancy staff-led field trips and volunteer workdays. Please contact Danielle Miller at our Marquette office if you are interested in participating or visit our volunteer webpage.

How to Prepare for Your Visit
Visiting this preserve is limited to special access only. Please see "Preserve Visitation Guidelines"

Why the Conservancy Selected This Site
The Conservancy chose this site to protect the undeveloped wilderness. The Nature Conservancy would like to thank the Waterman sisters for making the purchase of the area possible. The four sisters with their parents regularly hiked the Mink Run area in their youth and created lasting ties to that area. It means a lot to them all to give the same opportunity to others.
 

What the Conservancy Has Done/Is Doing
The Central Lake Superior Land Conservancy has a perpetual Conservation Easement over the Waterman Preserve to help maintain the biological integrity of the land for wildlife and plant habitat and retain its natural features.