From Spring, 1999 newsletter

The Agnes S. Andreae Preserve
Koehler Township, Cheboygan County

Deppa Family Creates Preserves

Dr. and Mrs. W.A. Deppa and family have enjoyed their property on the north branch of the Boyne River and in the hills that look over the Boyne Valley for many years. Children and grandchildren have played in the creek. Family hikes have taken them through the hills at all times of year, friends have come and gone over the years, and many still return. Countless good times and many adventures have unfolded on the spectacular 200 acres.

With the passage of time, the family’s situation has changed. But all family members agree that there’s one thing that they don’t want to change – the natural character of their family land. That’s why the family protected the property with a conservation easement and also why they will be making a gift of the land to the Conservancy over a two-year period.

It is a wonderful thing to work with people who have loved and cared for the land for so long,” said Conservancy executive director Tom Bailey about working with the Deppas. “It becomes an even greater honor and privilege when the family decides that they want the Conservancy to be their partner in protecting the land forever.”

The riverfront land being given by the Deppa family is just off Thumb Lake Road and immediately east of the Conservancy’s Big Cedar Nature Preserve. Acquisition of the property increases the protected acreage by 200%. The new preserve includes an old railroad grade which makes a perfect location for a foot trail along the river.

The remaining property is located high in the hills overlooking the Boyne Valley. Through not itself accessible by road, the land adjoins state forest land to the east, and creates a significant area of protection around one of the highest points in the surrounding township.

“We can’t thank the Deppa Family enough for these wonderful gifts of land,” Bailey said. “The significance of this property to the natural character of the north branch of the Boyne and the scenic value of the protected hillside land cannot be over stated.”

The Conservancy thanks the Deppas for keeping this land in a beautiful natural state and for their wonderful gift to northern Michigan.

Year protected: 1998
Total acreage: 200 acres
Total shoreline: 1,300 feet creek frontage