The Robert Fergus Memorial Nature Preserve site analysis.

Abstract

In the summer of 2000, the Little Traverse Conservancy acquired 15 acres of land, nestled between Grandview Beach Road and South Straits Highway (US 27), adjacent to Interstate 75 (See Figure 1). The land was bought in memory of Robert Fergus by his family and designated as a nature preserve in his honor. The Little Traverse Conservancy purchases land and accepts land donations to protect the natural diversity and beauty of northern Michigan by preserving significant natural land and scenic areas, to foster appreciation and understanding of the environment website). Although the conservancy's role is not one of active management, descriptions of the site and a management plan are used as a database for the Conservancy and to monitor sensitive cases. The Conservancy performs a general assessment of the area purchased (see Publication 1). The same variables are examined for each site and volunteers often perform the evaluation. Our role with the Conservancy involved completing their standard assessment. We performed additional analyses in order to more completely understand the dynamics of the site. Quantitative data of the preserve was acquired so that more in depth classification and history of the wetland could be determined. Four distinct ecosystem types are present within the boundary of the preserve. They are classified as upland, marsh, swamp, and disturbed. Ecosystem site factors assessed include the climate, physiography, soil, vegetation and disturbance. The past history of the preserve will be examined using these site factors, aerial photographs, and verbal accounts. Possible natural historical events, the impacts of humans, and the future of the site will be hypothesized in an attempt to understand the site fully. The goal of the Little Traverse Conservancy management plan is to roughly assess the habitat and history of a site. This information is necessary to determine if the site provides opportunities for education or recreation. Creating a preserved site which can be enjoyed by the public is the main goal of the LTC. Assessing the site for biological or scientific value is a secondary concern. This approach has both negatives and positives. The lack of scientific information gathered at the site may be limiting the LTC's actual understanding of the habitats they acquire. The managment plan requires little scientific knowledge; none of which is in depth or based on quantitative data. The vegetation at the Fergus Preserve provides information regarding the present hydrology and nutrient inputs. Knowledge about the distribution and abundance of certain species would greatly increase their understanding of the preserve. There are a number of positives which result from the structure of the LTC management plan. The LTC runs an impressive program, however, they do not have an extensive staff. The simple structure allows the plan to be completed quickly so that energy may be spent acquiring, and therefore protecting, additional land. The scientific information which is included in the plan is not utilized for research by the LTC. However, the land is open to the public and therefore research may be conducted by outside parties.