In an unprecedented move, millions of dollars will be put toward improving the health of almost 12,000 acres of non–industrial forest land across the Upper Great Lakes region.

$5 million, to be exact, will be used to conserve habitats across the U.P., Wisconsin and Minnesota. These habitats are crucial to threatened and endangered species.

Counties in the U.P. that will see habitat improvement include Marquette, Baraga, Iron, Dickinson and Menominee.

The investment comes as a result of the Regional Conservation Partnership Program, which was created by Senator Debbie Stabenow’s 2014 Farm Bill.

The American Bird Conservancy is leading the project, along with the along with the states of Michigan, Wisconsin and Minnesota.