IRONWOOD, MI - Monday, February 18, 2008 - "Interstate Falls is a scenic 18-foot waterfall on the Montreal River, near the edge of Ironwood and Hurley." Ironwood resident, Ian Shackford's fund-raising brochure begins, "Often known as Peterson Falls, the site is a popular attraction to locals and visitors of the Gogebic Range. The Michigan side of the falls is already closed to public access, and the Wisconsin side is now for sale."

"The Northwoods Land Trust, a local non-profit land-conservation organization," the flyer continues, "is interested in helping to preserve public access to this scenic piece of the Montreal River."

"To preserve public access to the river and the waterfall," the flyer explains, " we are trying to raise an estimated $50,000 to acquire a conservation easement covering the river corridor and trail to Interstate Falls. Help insure that future generations can visit our local waterfall." Ian pitches, "Make a pledge of support!

The current owner of the 39 acre property near the falls has been allowing visitors to use his land to access the falls. The problem is that the land is now up for sale. Shackford fears a new owner might not allow people to visit the falls and develop the property.

The asking price for the land is $250,000. Shackleford is hoping to raise $50,000 which would be matched by grants obtained through the non-profit Northwoods Land Trust, of Eagle River, Wisconsin, to purchase a permanent conservation easement on the land.

While Iron County and the Town of Kimball are sympathetic to preserving public access they do not want to lose the potential tax revenue from the half-mile of waterfront.

Few people realize we have such a magnificent natural treasure right here in our backyard. The area is poorly signed and very few people even know it is there. The entrance to the falls is just beyond Ero Nasi Construction west on U.S.-2, just on the outskirts of town.

The falls, with the proper promotion, could be a big tourist attraction for the Ironwood area. It's only about 40% as high as Superior Falls near Little Girl's Point, but it is definitely something worth seeing. How many communities can boast of having four natural waterfalls so near?

Shackleford is asking anybody and everybody to help with whatever they can. The goal is to preserve this natural site and insure that it will be here for future generations. Pledges can be sent to the Northwoods Land Trust, Post Office Box 321, Eagle River, WI 54521 or can be made by contacting Ian Shackleford at (906) 932-3779 or info@interstatefalls.org.  VIDEO

Jim Albert