“Do unto those downstream as you would have those upstream do unto you.” ―
Ed and Kathy Knox know that their property has a special significance that extends beyond its boundary lines.
With a portion of the East Branch of the Paw Paw River running through it, their forward-thinking actions to protect their land will have a positive ripple effect that will travel downstream far into the future.
This past Saturday, we were able to thank the Knoxes for generously donating a conservation easement to Southwest Michigan Land Conservancy in late 2016 with a sign dedication event. About 20 people participated in the morning talk and walk. Ed shared some of his thoughts on protecting his land, which includes a historic private fish hatchery impoundment, then led a field trip around the property.
By placing a conservation easement on their land through Southwest Michigan Land Conservancy, the Knoxes now have the peace of mind of knowing that their property will be protected from development forever, no matter who owns it in the future.
The East Branch of the Paw Paw River is considered the highest quality stream in the entire Paw Paw River Watershed, containing some of the greatest biodiversity and highest quality waters in southwest Michigan.
This watershed has been an area of major focus for Southwest Michigan Land Conservancy, which has protected over 2 ½ square miles of land in the watershed over the past 15 years.
Thank you, Ed and Kathy, for protecting clean water and conserving wildlife habitat!
Are you (or someone you know) curious about land protection options? Call Bruce Howe, SWMLC Land Protection Specialist, or Emily Wilke, SWMLC Conservation Projects Manager, for a confidential conversation at 269-324-1600. For general information about land protection options for landowners, check the pages under the dropdown menu item Protect Your Land.