With mining gone, nature reclaimed the area. Rare species, including bald eagles and loons, have taken up residence in swamplands ringing Bete Gris Bay. Lake Superior Land Co., which owns 150,000 acres in Keweenaw County, is planning a housing development overlooking the bay. The Michigan Department of Environmental Quality in July denied a request for permits, saying the project would do excessive damage. Here's where salmon lay their eggs and whitefish come in.
Wolves pass through.
It's an incredibly special place. Lake Superior Land is appealing the DEQ ruling. In addition to the ski hill squabble at Mt. Bohemia, about three miles from Bete Gris, there's a land swap proposal. A Department of Natural Resources analysis raised doubts about the exchange. But the company hasn't given up on Bete Gris.