Granted in 2006, a Conservation Easement exists on a majority of the property within the Drayton Plains Nature Center. This Conservation Easement was granted to the Six Rivers Land Conservancy and protects the land from being developed with formal park amenities like sports courts or fields.  The area under the Conservation Easement must remain a passive recreation space with passive recreation amenities to protect the existing natural resources.  A Management Plan exists that contains the conservation goals and a timeline of recommended management. This Plan is reviewed and updated every 5-years.

Helpful Links

Management Plan
Management Unit Features Map
Management Unit Map

What is the Conservation Easement at the Drayton Plains Nature Center? 
The Conservation Easement is a legal agreement between Waterford Township and Six Rivers Land Conservancy that permanently restricts the future activities on the land in order to protect its natural resources and conservation values.

Who enforces the terms of the Conservation Easement at the Drayton Plains Nature Center?
Six Rivers Land Conservancy is responsible for enforcing the Conservation Easement at the Drayton Plains Nature Center. This is done through annual monitoring visits to make sure that the property is in compliance with Conservation Easement terms.

What type of land can be protected by a conservation easement?
Any land that demonstrates a definite conservation purpose can be protected by a conservation easement. This includes woodlands, wetlands, meadows, farmland, endangered species habitat, scenic areas, natural areas, wild and scenic rivers, historic areas, and any other type of land that has a public benefit.

Why do land conservancies acquire conservation easements?
Conservation easements are an important tool in the field of land conservation. A conservation easement allows Six Rivers Land Conservancy to protect land without having to own the property and take on direct responsibilities related to the property.

How long does a conservation easement last?
A conservation easement protects the land in perpetuity. A conservation easement runs with the land and applies to all current and future owners of the protected property.

What activities do conservation easements prohibit?
Conservation easements typically prohibit any type of development or extraction of natural resources from the property. This is to ensure that the conservation value of property is protected.