For the first time in its history, the Fremont Area Community Foundation (FACF) has awarded funds to purchase land for conservation. FACF awarded The Nature Conservancy (TNC) $570,000 in loans and grants to help purchase Camp Swampy, one of the largest intact private land holdings in Michigan's lower peninsula.

"We're thrilled to be a part of this!" said Libby Cherin, FACF President and CEO. "The Camp Swampy property is an important natural resource consisting of forests, wetlands, prairie remnants, and streams. Now it will be protected for the community to enjoy forever." Cherin added that TNC will make the property accessible to the public for hunting, hiking, and other recreational uses. The 1,017-acre parcel, located in the center of Newaygo County, is owned by Steelcase and will be purchased for approximately $2 million. Half of the funds are from FACF and the Wege Foundation in the form of no-interest loans called program related investments (PRI), which TNC plans to repay within four years. $155,000 in grants from FACF will cover expenses related to the acquisition of the land.

Four years ago, FACF's board of trustees made the environment a key priority area for grantmaking. In 2000, a committee was formed to identify environmental initiatives and recommend funding for priority projects. The nine-member committee consists of area experts with a passion for natural resources. Since its inception, the committee has recommended grants totaling more than $870,000 to support projects in Newaygo County such as erosion control, habitat restoration, water quality testing, and land use planning. In addition, three new environmental funds have been established, two with matching grants up to $10,000.

TNC will own and manage the property for up to four years. Thereafter, TNC anticipates transferring the property to the U.S. Forest Service. Pat Powell, Lands Program Manager for the U.S. Forest Service, said that the parcel has been made the number one priority for forest service acquisition in the eastern region, which includes approximately 20 states. "It's on top of the priority list," said Powell. "It has great potential because of the federally endangered species like the Karner Blue Butterfly and the diversity of the ecosystem."

"We recognize the importance of protecting our natural resources," said Lon Vredeveld, FACF chairman of the board. "The Camp Swampy deal took some innovative thinking on the part of our staff and board and we're happy it came together. It's a unique opportunity to protect a remarkable piece of property. It's been exciting working with TNC and the Wege Foundation, and this may open other opportunities in the future."