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How land becomes an MNA Sanctuary
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Zucker MemorialEstivant Pines Showy lady's slipper

There is a procedure that MNA follows for acquiring land in order to ensure that the land meets the criteria that is in line with the goals and mission of the organization. This procedure is extensive and we ask each client to be patient in allowing us to process the information that we have received in order for us to accurately evaluate the land to make sure it is appropriate for MNA to acquire. Since MNA is a citizen-driven non-profit organization that has a board of trustees, committees, and staff, we use this time to ensure that all parties of the organization approve of the acquisition of the land in question.

We consider many types of land, but there are some priorities that weigh heavily over others. MNA is a nonprofit with finite resources and this contributes to the decisions we make about land acquisition. Below is a list of just a few of the many different kinds of property that is of interest to MNA.

Properties of Interest to MNA
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Generally, the Michigan Nature Association is looking for land that is consistent with our strategies as an organization. We are looking for land that demonstrates a natural habitat. Michigan’s landscape is made up of a variety of different types of habitats. Even though we look at many different kinds of land, there are certain areas or types of land that weigh heavily on our priority list. Below are types of land that rank high amongst our priorities:
Wetland
Wetlands
Adjacent Sanctuaries
Property adjacent to an existing MNA sanctuary
Dwarf Lake Iris
Property that houses endangered, threatened or special concern species
Karst landscape
Property that represents a habitat not currently protected by MNA
Lakefront Property
Lakefront or riverfront property with unique characteristics (outcropping, unique topographic features, etc...)
Endowments
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Once your land has been acquired by the Michigan Nature Association there is the issue of an endowment fund. An endowment fund is set up to ensure that the acquired land will be protected for years to come. Land conveyed to the MNA is preserved into perpetuity and will require various degrees of attention and care depending on its assets or vulnerabilities. Some of the work may include construction and maintenance of foot trails, foot bridges, vehicle or foot access, signage, preemptive suppression of invasive species, monitoring and control or elimination of invasive species, and habitat enhancement, all of which are generally managed through stewardship programs. On occasion issues involving trespass and encroachment may occur requiring stringent protective measures. These efforts are funded and supported through donor endowments made in conjunction with the acquisition of each parcel. Each year, approximately 5% of the endowment fund will be used to care for and protect the land. Investment income on the fund each year will offset the expense ensuring the principal is never used. Customarily an endowment equating to 30% of the land value is recommended.

If you believe that you have land that would be of interest to MNA please fill out
this land information form and send to:

Michigan Nature Association
326 East Grand River Avenue
Williamston, MI 48895

If you have any questions about land acquisition please contact
Barry Horney, our land acquisition specialist,
or call (517) 655-5655





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