History
This platted area also contains approximately 480 seasonal, part time and full time residences of varying values and size, all served by individual water wells and septic fields, and all along some 17 miles of private, predominately gravel roadways in natural wooded setting. The remainder of the vacant lots serve as membership lots, some of which are owned and reserved by the Association for future purchase by membership lot holders for construction, or have been bought back by the association and deemed environmentally sensitive and not fit for construction. The 3001 lots represent a population of approximately 1450 members, and their families. Total onsite population, during the varying holidays, can reach 5000 people with seasonal or weekday average of 500. The population is forever in transition from those who may only visit a week out of the year to full time residents with school age children, and many retirees. The social/economic diversity of this population and their individual interest makes for a great “Club” atmosphere and governance.
The platted area is separated from the remainder of property by Canada Creek, which is a Blue Ribbon Trout Stream and runs north and south through the middle of the property, flowing eventually into the Black River. The remainder of the property, referred to as the “hunting property” is a mixed, managed, northern Michigan forest, used for wildlife viewing, hunting, hiking, trail riding and fishing as it also contains one more lake which is planted with fish annually. A portion of this hunting area is leased and in production for natural gas wells in unitized agreements with the State, the Association and another family, which shares ownership of the mineral rights. The hunting area is home to the Archery and Shooting Sports facilities, but minus these two groupings and a couple of small picnic areas these lands are unimproved. Many sand to gravel vehicular trails, as well as cross-county skiing, and snowmobile trails dot this landscape and are maintained by the club. The forest herein is managed by a forest treatment plan and contracted consulting forester. As in many clubs of this nature, the management of such a large, natural, commonly owned landscape can represent a significant part of interest for members. It is considered to be the crowning jewel of this club.
Owning such a large piece of land, common elements and facilities, and having a density much like a small town, Canada Creek Ranch Association is and has been a large political and economic influence on the very rural region and maintains a certain stature in the community.