History

Since 1992, Northwoods Wilderness Recovery (NWR) has been working to protect the Trap Hills. In 1997, the Forest Service proposed the Old M-64 Hardwoods Timber Sale. NWR and several others asked that the sale be withdrawn and the Trap Hills be included in the roadless area initiative. The Forest Service disregarded all public input and denied our appeal. Due to public support generated from this ongoing campaign, the sale was finally withdrawn. In an April 2, 2001 letter, former Ottawa Forest Supervisor Phyllis Green stated: "I have visited with District Ranger Marten who… has determined that further analysis is necessary and therefore has decided not to proceed with these sales." However, we expect the Forest Service to continue trying to push through logging plans in the future.
PROJECT MISSION:

Wilderness is the only answer to gain enduring protection for this truly special place.  Providing for low-impact recreation, research opportunities, and habitat for threatened and endangered species is the best alternative for Trap Hills.

WHY IS IT IMPORTANT?

--Research and field studies have proven that the Trap Hills harbor numerous threatened, endangered, and rare plants and animals. Eastern Timber Wolf, Peregrine Falcon, Fairy Bells, Braun’s Holly Fern, Male Fern, and many more all occur in the Trap Hills.

--The Trap Hills area contains over 200 acres of primary old-growth and nearly 4,000 acres of secondary old-growth, making it the largest contiguous tract of unprotected old-growth forest left in the Ottawa National Forest.

--Within the Trap Hills the North Country Trail passes along the Gogebic Ridge, offering one of the most spectacular vistas in the Midwest. The solitude one encounters in the Trap Hills is rare.

---Since the Trap Hills are designated as a semi-primitive non-motorized area and very few roads exist there, designation of the Trap Hills as a Wilderness would not affect motorized recreation.

--Since the area is small and the presence of endangered species limits logging, the timber industry would not be affected by the designation of the Trap Hills as Wilderness.

What Have We Done to Protect The Trap Hills?

We have been pushing hard for the Trap Hills to be designated as a Wilderness and have made many accomplishments:

--The Trap Hills Conservation Alliance was created between several environmental organizations. Also, many organizations have supported our proposal for Wilderness Designations.

--We have have been conducting a strong letter writing and petition campaign to gain the support of Bart Stupak, Debbie Stabenow, the Forest Service, and many others. PLEASE HELP US by writing a letter.

--We have begun to draft our proposal for wilderness designation and plan on having it completed by the end of the year.

--We have already made plans to push Wilderness options in the upcoming Forest Management Plan Revisions.

--We have been taking field trips out to the Trap Hills and showing people how wonderful they are. Come visit the Trap Hills.

--We have publicized the Trap Hills in Backpacker Magazine and many other news mediums.

--We have gained the support of local businesses around the UP who benefit from Wilderness areas.