After more than 100 years of trying, Michigan’s Upper Peninsula has announced that it will finally secede from the United States at the end of the year, due to long-standing frustration over being wedged between Canada and the lower part of Michigan. The move comes with hopes of ending decades of boredom in the remote location, and addressing the general lack of recognition from those in other parts of the continent.

The Upper Peninsula, or “U.P.” as it has been called by locals, so-called “Yoopers,” will become a sovereign commonwealth nation of the United States, the first of its kind. The new nation-state will be self-ruling, with its own constitution and political leadership, but will remain closely tied to the U.S., borrowing some federal government services as needed and sending truckloads of logs in return.

“It just seemed like the thing to do,” said Terry Urbanski, director of regional promotions for the U.P. “This should put us back on the map and get us some media attention for a while. And hopefully, some more tourist money.”

While no official name has been selected yet for the new territory, citizens have been asked to submit their entries to a panel of judges. Suggested names so far include “BackMichigan,” “Boondockistan,” and ”Yoopia.” The winning contributor will receive their choice of either a duck boat or a snowmobile trailer. Selection of the new name is expected to occur some time in February.

The commonwealth will endure a number of political, economic and logistical hurdles as it becomes a self-governing entity. Succession of power, drafting a constitution, engaging in trade agreements, and making an eventual switch from U.S. currency to beaver pelts will be just a few of the challenges the new country will face.

Unlike the secession of the Confederacy nearly 150 years ago which precipitated the Civil War, this latest breakaway from the U.S. has been all but unnoticed in the rest of the United States. State Department officials in Washington issued this press release:

“The government of the United States does not oppose nor will it interfere with the secession of the Upper Peninsula, or whatever the hell you plan to call it. If that’s what you really want to do, more power to you. We wish nothing but good luck and prosperity to our northern neighbors as you create your new nation. Let us know if you need any help. All the best!”