MIDDLE BASS EAST POINT PRESERVE

 We are 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 (PBITPD) have been in partnership to secure approximately eight acres on the east point of Middle Bass Island.  The preservation and protection of this land is worthwhile for the following reasons:

·         A public wildlife preserve would be established on this land.

·         This preserve will mitigate rapid development on Middle Bass Island.

·         This park will protect a spectacular Lake Erie shoreline, abundant grasslands, and a variety of wooded habitat for hundreds of migratory birds.

·         This preserve will serve as an important area for research and education.

·         This preserve will be one of the few parks accessible only by foot or by kayak. Limited access by kayak or foot decreases environmental impact to this area. The property includes a small dock, ramp and sloped shoreline.

We have been awarded funds from the Clean Ohio Conservation Fund ($844,000), the Ohio Coastal Management Program ($50,000), the Land and Water conservation Fund ($70,000) as well as many private donations and pledges including the Firelands Audubon, Friends of Magee Marsh, Ohio Ornithological Society, and the Frost-Parker Foundation.

We only need an additional $24,500 to meet our fundraising goal to purchase the property.  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. Please consider making a pledge or donation  to the project using the form below. The flyer from the Trust for Public Lands and paragraph below should provide more information 

 Click here for more information and donation form

   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. Please make a donation or pledge to the project using the attached form.
   Concerning the establishment of the Middle Bass Island Nature Preservation and Education Committee, we will attempt to achieve a number of key objectives.  The goals of this committee would be to enhance protected wildlife areas on the islands, identify and work toward the protection of natural areas on the island that need preservation, support environmental education and research efforts, and to support island businesses. Please let us know if you are interested in this Committee by returning the attached form.
   The property we are attempting to purchase was formerly known as the Swartz property. We have pursued a number of grants for the purchase and have been successful in securing some funds from the Ohio Coastal Management Program so far. We would like to make application to the Clean Ohio Conservation Fund for the balance of the purchase price on November 20. We have a fundraising goal of $200,000 for the matching funds and expenses for a grant application.
   The Lake Erie Islands Chapter of the Black Swamp Conservancy (LEIC-BSC) was established in 2000 to preserve and protect our islands natural treasures and to educate residents and visitors about their significance. Our parent organization, the Black Swamp Conservancy, was set up in 1993 to protect natural and agricultural lands throughout northwest Ohio. The LEIC-BSC has been active in land preservation on Middle Bass with the purchase of Petersen Woods and the Lawrence-Evans property adjoining the Kuehnle State Wildlife Area.
   The Put-in-Bay Township Park District was formed in 2006 and was reaffirmed by the voters in 2007. The Park District has been involved in land preservation on the Bass Islands as the future owners of the Scheeff East Point Nature Preserve on South Bass Island.
   The Trust for Public Land is a 501(c) 3 nonprofit organization that works to conserve land for people to enjoy as parks, gardens, and other natural places ensuring livable communities for generations to come.  In Ohio, The Trust for Public Land has protected over 10,000 acres of land for conservation and public park purposes.

I WANT TO HELP PROTECT THE MIDDLE BASS EAST POINT PROPERTY!

Name:__________________________________________________________

Address:________________________________________________________

City, State, Zip:____________________________________________________

Phone:________________________________e-mail_____________________

I am interested in serving on the Middle Bass Nature Preservation and Education Committee to assist with this project. It is important to note that volunteering for the committee does not commit you to any specific service activities.  Even if you would just like to be kept informed about meeting dates and activities please fill in the information below!

I am interesting in making a pledge or donation towards the $200,000 goal.

Amount____________________ Pledge or Donation______________________

The Lake Erie Islands Chapter of the Black Swamp Conservancy is able to accept pledges towards the project and is a nonprofit organization recognized by the IRS code 501(c)(3). For more information please call or the LEIC-BSC at 419-285-5811 or TPL at (216) 928-7518, ext. 109.

Send pledge forms to LEIC-BSC, P. O. Box 461, Put-in-Bay, OH 43456