The Nature Conservancy (TNC) has been pivotal in preserving public use of 32,000-acre Heartlands. Ownership of a 20,000-acre portion will soon transition to a “Municipal Entity” governed by a five-person elected board. But parts of the Heartlands remain controlled by confidential corporate leases and are at risk of commercial exploitation.

According to TNC, Black Bear Inc. (BB) confidentially leases Heartlands parcels and has applied to rezone for commercial development. The application includes 1,000+/- feet of undeveloped Lac LaBelle shoreline owned by TNC. Rezoning would permit BB unlimited commercial development of soon-to-be publicly owned parcels. Development could include high-density clusters of RVs and Yurts, or luxury condominiums and marina with permanent docks and boat slips — “keyhole” waterfront development. Or a strip mall of hotels and retail stores on Sand Point Road. Rezoning would allow these uses “by right.”

Black Bear has not publicly disclosed plans, however, in 2023, prior to joining the PC, one commissioner cautioned the PC over Zoom, that “Lonnie” might want to put Yurts on Lac La Belle, suggesting potential “behind the scenes advocacy.” Full disclosure is necessary.

According to TNC, when Heartlands ownership is transitioned to The Municipal Entity, it will not be subject to local property taxes, exacerbating Keweenaw County’s already difficult financial position. The Municipal Entity’s legal structure is not currently known, and the disposition of private property constructed by BB or other undisclosed corporations on publicly owned Heartlands is equally uncertain. Consider that privately owned assets on federal installations, like military bases, are often not subject to local property taxes.

The public needs answers. Do confidential leases grant BB unlimited control over property they don’t own? Would the townships or county collect property taxes on very valuable assets constructed on soon-to-be publicly owned land? Would the leases entitle the Municipal Entity to collect revenue from operations of businesses developed by BB on Heartlands? Alternatively, could the Municipal Entity, develop the property as a revenue source, necessary for Heartlands management? If development is inevitable TNC might consider selling, putting the parcel back on the tax roll? Where are the Township Supervisors?

Black Bear, apparently has TNC over a barrel, but is the county beholden? At a minimum the Heartlands portion should be considered separately from the BB parcel–less than half the application area.

Planning Commission will Meet in Eagle River on Jan. 14 at 4 p.m. to decide this issue.

John W. Kern Ph.D

Houghton