Project Roundup

Thanks to the incredible support of those who have shared their funds, time, land, and expertise, 2022 was a landmark year for conservation across northern Michigan.

As of January 1, the Conservancy and our family of supporters have protected 46,875 acres of scenic natural and farm lands. These lands encompass 153 miles of critical shoreline habitat and 121 miles of trails that enhance our experiences with nature.

With numerous priority land protection projects on the horizon and plans for another busy year stewarding previously preserved parcels, 2023 is shaping up to be a significant year for the region’s lands and waters. Read on to learn more about a few of these projects, and as always, head over to gtrlc.org for a complete list of active projects, their status and how you can support our work.

Hoffman Farm

With generous support from the landowner’s bargain sale, the USDA’s Regional Conservation Partnership Program and private donors, this 70-acre farm with a rich history and unique natural features has been permanently protected.

Featuring sweeping views of West Grand Traverse Bay, the farm neighbors the Old Mission Peninsula School and St. Joseph Catholic Church. It is in the viewshed of Bowers Harbor, with its forested ridge particularly visible from the vantage point of Neahtawanta. For nearly 150 years, the Hoffman family has produced cherries, apples, pumpkins, and other crops from the land’s unique and locally important agricultural soils.

In addition to its rich farming history and stunning scenery, the farm contains 20 acres of hardwood forest, a pond that originates from a spring, and a creek that flows directly into West Bay. It also features five acres of wetlands that provide habitat for sensitive species and serve the critical role of filtering water before it enters the bay.

The Conservancy placed a conservation easement on the farm to build on the protection of contiguous, previously protected farmland while preserving the property’s critical natural ecosystems and deep agricultural roots. Already, by making the land more affordable and preventing future development, the easement has made it possible for two neighboring growers to purchase the farm and sustain its agricultural heritage.

St. Clair Lake - Six Mile Lake Nature Preserve Addition

The Conservancy is actively fundraising for an important addition to the St. Clair Lake - Six Mile Lake Nature Preserve (pictured, left). Situated east of the existing preserve, this beautiful seven-acre property preserves habitat and safeguards water quality in the Elk River Chain of Lakes watershed–the largest sub-watershed of Grand Traverse Bay.

It includes 416 feet of frontage along St. Clair Lake, along with significant areas of high-quality riparian wetland that provide crucial habitat for aquatic invertebrates, fish, waterfowl, and mammals like muskrats.

The project builds on a decades-long effort between GTRLC, the Little Traverse Conservancy, and a dedicated group of landowners, volunteers, donors, and community leaders that have worked to protect rich, biodiverse habitat in this critical watershed.

Remaining Need: $61,434

Golden Days Loon Nature Sanctuary Addition

Fundraising has surpassed the halfway point to acquire this 28-acre addition (shown in red on the map) that connects the Golden Days Loon Nature Sanctuary to a large swath of previously protected land. The addition would establish a 350-acre tract of protected, contiguous high-quality land that includes nearly 1.75 miles of shoreline habitat on the North Arm of Lake Bellaire.

The lake is currently home to four pairs of nesting loons, which thrive in undisturbed habitat where they can build their nests and raise their young.

The proposed addition includes 650 feet of shoreline that provide critical habitat for waterfowl species and nesting loons. It also contains over 13 acres of undeveloped wetlands that serve a vital role in filtering runoff and protecting water quality in Lake Bellaire and the lower Chain of Lakes. The property would be managed as a nature sanctuary, meaning it would be left wild and undisturbed.

Remaining Need: $292,529

Birch Point Nature Preserve

Fundraising is ongoing for this 114-acre parcel that safeguards critical wildlife habitat and builds on previously protected land in Benzie County.

Surrounded by Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, state land and a privately held conservation easement on Rush Lake, this property protects an important migration corridor within the Platte River watershed. By establishing a permanent pathway for wildlife to move between high-quality habitats, the proposed preserve promotes species diversity and flow in an area known for having abundant wildlife.

The property also contains part of a globally rare, 2,600-acre dune and swale complex found near Lake Michigan’s Platte Bay, characterized by a mix of wetlands interspersed with ridges of drymesic forest. Its protection would safeguard critical habitat for the diverse plants, animals and insects that rely on this unique natural community. Plans also call for a short, sensitively designed trail for visitors to experience and learn about this property’s rare habitat.

Fundraising for the acquisition of this property received a boost last fall from a generous supporter who offered a dollar-for-dollar matching challenge of up to $100,000. The Conservancy has until the end of 2024 to raise the remaining dollars.

Remaining Need: $226,916

Pelizzari Natural Area Addition

GTRLC has an opportunity to assist Peninsula Township in acquiring a potential future 15-acre addition (pictured, above) to Pelizzari Natural Area, setting the stage for enhanced recreational opportunities and greenspace at the beloved 62-acre park.

The property consists entirely of northern hardwood forest with beautiful, rolling topography and mature trees. The addition would preserve excellent wildlife habitat, particularly for species that require extensive, mature, contiguous forests with open understories, like the state-threatened Red-shouldered Hawk and Northern Goshawk, a species of special concern.

Additionally, the property’s protection would safeguard against other harms associated with development, including impacts on water quality and the Old Mission Peninsula’s scenic viewshed. It could also secure a valuable asset for the community and potentially catalyze future land preservation.

While the parcel isn’t directly adjacent to the existing Natural Area, the long-range vision of connecting it is a definite possibility. Conservancy and Township representatives have been speaking with neighboring landowners about protecting adjacent properties that could connect this addition to the Natural Area and expand upon the much-loved three-mile network of trails.

Township Officials have agreed to execute a conservation easement so that even if the property cannot connect to the natural area in the future, development is prohibited, and its scenic character and natural features are permanently preserved. The landowner generously made the first gift to the project by agreeing to sell the property for less than its market value, and Peninsula Township has pledged $200,000 toward the total project cost. GTRLC is actively fundraising for this project and has until June 30, 2024, to raise the remaining funds.

Remaining Need: $363,988

Improvements at Pyatt Lake: The Bill Carls Nature Preserve

Construction of a new trail, trailhead, and parking area was completed last fall at Pyatt Lake: The Bill Carls Nature Preserve to improve access and enhance recreation at this fascinating and botanically rich property.

The project was made possible by GTRLC’s supporters and the Solomonson family’s generous bargain sale of their 18-acre parcel to the preserve’s northeast. The addition paved the way for a new trailhead and parking area off Peninsula Drive, which provides easier entry to the preserve and alleviates congestion at the original trailhead.

The addition also allowed for a half-mile aggregate trail to be constructed along the north side of Pyatt Lake. If starting from the new trailhead, hikers will be able to connect to the original trail system by walking a short distance along Pyatt Road. Meanwhile, GTRLC is applying for an EGLE permit to install a small footbridge over a seasonal stream. The enhancements improve access to the northern section of the preserve while protecting its sensitive ecological features.

Four Mile Swamp Nature Sanctuary

A new proposed sanctuary presents an opportunity to protect unspoiled habitat, safeguard water quality, and build on critical land protection efforts in the Grand Traverse Bay watershed.

The 26-acre parcel is situated near the heavily developed US-31 corridor in East Bay Township and offers an increasingly rare opportunity to protect undeveloped land in a growing urban area. A stone’s throw from the George & Ada Reffitt Nature Preserve and a short distance from Mitchell Creek Meadows: The Don and Jerry Oleson Nature Preserve, the property would also enhance conservation work in the Mitchell Creek watershed.

The parcel’s protection would have far-reaching benefits for the region’s water quality. Part of the Acme Creek watershed, the property contains nearly 1,400 feet of frontage on an unnamed creek that flows into East Bay–the source of Traverse City’s drinking water. It also encompasses high-quality wetlands and forests that serve the crucial role of filtering runoff before it enters the region’s precious waterways.

The vast majority of the property comprises high-quality rich conifer swamp, with approximately three acres of mesic northern forest perched atop a steep slope in the southeast corner. These habitats are listed as vulnerable by the State of Michigan and are critical to the survival of many sensitive flora and fauna species.

It is probable the parcel was originally part of the globally rare, wooded dune and swale complex habitat found on adjacent properties. However, it was likely disturbed by nearby development and has transitioned to its current state, which provides many ecosystem services and hosts a variety of native plants and animals like the Northern White Cedar (Thuja occidentalis) and Tamarack (Eastern larch).

Remaining Need: $110,759

Brown Bridge Quiet Area Addition

GTRLC is working with the City of Traverse City to acquire two properties adjacent to the Brown Bridge Quiet Area (BBQA), totaling 528 acres of land and a 43-acre lake. The addition includes a 300-acre wooded lot with existing trails (part of the former Camp Greilick) and a 228-acre property encompassing nearly all of Spring Lake.

The proposed addition provides spectacular wildlife habitat for rare species, including the state-threatened Trumpeter Swan, Red-shouldered Hawk, Osprey, Common Loon, and Bald Eagle, a state species of special concern. In addition to safeguarding this critical habitat, the acquisition would permanently establish a contiguous corridor of high-quality habitat from the BBQA to protected private land to the north and east.

The proposed addition would also protect the land surrounding a vital trail corridor connecting the Boardman River Trail to the Brown Bridge Quiet Area, Muncie Lake, and the North Country Trail, and provide an opportunity for expanded hiking trails in the future.

Additionally, the acquisition would enhance previous investments in a broad, community-supported plan to revitalize the Boardman River watershed. The project preserves critical wetlands to filter sediment and pollutants before they enter the river and provides a significant buffer from future development.

With positive support reflected through a public input session this spring, GTRLC is assisting the City of Traverse City with a land acquisition application to the Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund (MNRTF) to cover a portion of the project cost. The City will also seek voter support in the November election to use funds from the Brown Bridge Trust for the required local match. Should the electorate support using these public dollars, the MNRTF will decide on the project’s approval in December.

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BIRCH POINT NATURE PRESERVE

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The property shares a half-mile boundary with Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore and provides a link to two isolated parcels of state-owned land and the Rush Lake Conservation Easement, all of which improve wildlife corridors. Property includes rare dune-swale complex habitats.

BROWN BRIDGE QUIET AREA - SPRING LAKE ADDITION $3,098,445

528 acres 1.23 mi shoreline

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This City of Traverse City assist protects nearly all of 43-acre Spring Lake and expands contiguous protected land by connecting the Brown Bridge Quiet Area to the Camp Arbutus conservation easement, and further connects the Brown Bridge Quiet Area to the adjacent Camp Greilick CE.

73 acres 0.00 mi shoreline

This active cherry orchard contains prime, unique and locally important agricultural soils and seasonal views of Grand Traverse Bay. Its significant road frontage and location place it under immense development pressure. This property is part of Acme’s PDR program.

FOUR MILE SWAMP NATURE SANCTUARY $110,759

27.68 acres 0.19 mi shoreline

The property builds on critical land protection efforts in the Grand Traverse Bay watershed. It contains nearly 1,400 feet of frontage on an unnamed creek that flows into East Grand Traverse Bay and has high-quality wetlands which filter runoff before it enters waterways.

114 acres 0.00 mi shoreline GOLDEN DAYS LOON NATURE

28 acres 0.09 mi shoreline

This critical piece will connect large areas of protected land, creating a contiguous 350-acre tract of high quality habitat. It also boasts 650 feet of frontage, which would bring the total protected shoreline in the North Arm of Lake Bellaire to just over two miles.

HOOSIER VALLEY EASEMENT

80.10 acres 0.53 mi shoreline

$245,705

This property consists of forested uplands and a riparian wetland corridor of rich-conifer swamp along 2,400 feet of an unnamed branch of Beitner Creek, a tributary of the lower Boardman River. The property’s steep slopes and wetlands make it particularly unsuitable for development.

KIESSEL RIDGE FARM EASEMENT

385 acres 0.00 mi shoreline

$1,458,505

At 385 acres, it’s one of the largest unprotected parcels near Torch Lake. While significant due to size alone, it also contains prime agricultural soils and critical viewsheds of both Torch Lake and Grand Traverse Bay, all of which make it a top priority for land protection.

LOWER WOODCOCK LAKE INFRASTRUCTURE $248,447

0 acres 0.00 mi shoreline

This project will provide an expanded trail system and other infrastructure at the beautiful and ecologically important Lower Woodcock Lake preserve, a 230-acre jewel in the Platte River watershed. The goal is to provide a loop around the lake and allow users to experience multiple critical habitat types.

MAPLE BAY HABITAT ENHANCEMENT

0 acres 0.00 mi shoreline

$147,000

The habitat enhancement project will convert 90 acres of agricultural land to native habitat in key areas to improve the balance of agriculture and other uses on the property. The overall design of the new habitat areas will both support agriculture and enhance the natural area and its inhabitants.

LEELANAU COUNTY

Conservancy

Protection Types

Since 1991 GTRLC has protected:

46,875 153 total miles of shoreline (rivers, lakes & streams) total acres

But it’s not enough. As development pressure and other factors, such as climate change, put increased pressure on our natural resources and signature landscapes, we must accelerate the pace and scope with which we respond.

Legend

Other Public Land Protected and/or Managed by GTRLC

Privately Owned GTRLC Protected Lands, including Farmland (not open to the public)

Other Protected Land

Natural & Forest Land Protection

We have identified properties that simply must be protected. Much is under immediate threat of development.

Farmland Protection

Our goal is that the region maintains a large land base of protected farmland and provides opportunities for viable farms and the next generation of farmers.

Community Conservation and Universal Access

Municipalities in all five counties have requested our support and expertise to leverage natural resources and provide access to nature to enhance the economic viability of, and draw to, their community.

Discussions with community partners and an inventory of our own preserves has established a vision of placing universally accessible infrastructure in several locations so that people of all abilities may enjoy nature.

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