As one travels about the Keweenaw Peninsula of Upper Michigan, one is struck by its beauty and "wildness." Small towns, mostly located on the primary routes, do not threaten the dominance and power of nature in this harsh environment. Indeed, for much of the year, some regions of the Peninsula are nearly abandoned by humans.
If one looks closer, however, most of this northern ecosystem, as wild as it may appear, is owned by businesses, permanent residents, seasonal residents or prospective residents. True nature preserves are relatively small and widely spaced. Privacy markers and address signs for vacant lots are everywhere and public beaches occupy a small percentage of the Peninsula's coastline.
Of course, this phenomenon is observed across the country, especially at tourist destinations and within attractive landscapes (mountains, sea shores, etc.) that appeal to wealthy citizens. Second or third homes and "play farms" cluster in these zones and even larger parcels of land are owned by investors who anticipate future development. While organizations such as the Nature Conservancy work to protect and restore natural ecosystems, their privatization is a relentless threat,
