September 26, 2003

Mackinac Island, Mich. - Susan Lundgren and Kristin and Paul Rossi of Petoskey, Mich., have donated an approximately 1.3-acre parcel of land on Mackinac Island to the Mackinac Island State Park Commission (MISPC).

The parcel is located adjacent to state park land at Brown's Brook and significantly enlarges the state-owned lands in that sensitive area of Mackinac Island.  The parcel is heavily wooded, contains sizable wetlands, and protects the state lands from nearby development.  The possibility exists for extending the Brown's Brook nature trail into this area in the future.

"We heartily thank Susan Lundgren and Kristin and Paul Rossi for this generous donation to Mackinac Island State Park and the people of Michigan," said MISPC Director Phil Porter.  "The land they have donated will now be protected from development and available for the enjoyment of the hundreds of thousands of visitors who come to Mackinac Island each year."

The MISPC completed the purchase of a 1.42-acre parcel in September of 2002 from Ms. Lundgren that included Sunset Rock, a scenic overlook that provides stunning views of the Mackinac Bridge.

Mackinac Island State Park began as the United States' second national park, from 1875 to 1895.  In 1895 it became Michigan's first state park, and at that time comprised a little over 50 percent of the island.  Through diligent effort, the Mackinac Island State Park Commission has added land and now the state park makes up over 80 percent of the island.  Mackinac Island State Park is open year round and is free to the public.

The Mackinac Island State Park Commission administers Mackinac State Historic Parks, a family of living history museums and parks in Northern Michigan's Straits of Mackinac region including Fort Mackinac and Mackinac Island State Park on Mackinac Island, as well as Colonial Michilimackinac and Historic Mill Creek in Mackinaw City.  The sites are accredited by the American Association of Museums.  Visitor information is available on the Web at www.MackinacParks.com and by phone at (906) 847-3328 or (231) 436-4100.

Mackinac State Historic Parks is an agency of the Department of History, Arts and Libraries, whose mission is to enrich the quality of life for Michigan residents by providing access to information, preserving and promoting Michigan's heritage and fostering cultural creativity.  The department also includes the Library of Michigan, the Michigan Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs, the Michigan Film Office and the Michigan Historical Center.  

Read more press releases from the Department of History, Arts and Libraries.