Farmland Protection Program

Agriculture is a critical component of Michigan's, and our local, economy. Our area's unique micro-climate provided by Lake Michigan and the very large inland lakes, coupled with the unique soils and slopes of our glacial topography, are unlike any other fruit-growing region on earth. This rare environment now supports a national award-winning wine grape industry which is greatly impacting Northwest Lower Michigan's agri-tourism economy and revitalizing interest in agriculture.  Click here for the most recent report from the Michigan Department of Agriculture showing the economic impact of agriculture in our state, and here for a report on Michigan Specialty Crops

However, the same resources that make our region unique - namely our proximity to Lake Michigan, our inland lakes and streams and rolling topography - also call out to retirees, second home vacationers, and urban dwellers looking for an increase in their quality of life. The American Farmland Trust has identified the West Michigan Fruit and Truck Belt region in Northwest Lower Michigan as one of the 20 most threatened national farmland resources in the country. Here is a link to one writer’s opinion about the importance of

farmland protection:  http://food.change.org/blog/view/for_local_food_we_need_local_farmland

As a Conservancy, we realize that protecting significant lands and high quality waters preserves not only our agricultural and tourism economy, but the very attributes that make northern Michigan, and the state, such a great place to live, work, and play. In addition to the economic benefits of working farms, these lands contribute environmental and social benefits which include community food security, a sense of place, and a spirit of rural heritage and character. Well-managed farmland provides food and cover for wildlife, helps control flooding, and protects wetlands and watersheds. When converted to energy, some crops even have the potential to replace fossil fuels. Well-managed natural lands provide similar benefits. These undeveloped lands limit and control water and air pollution, decrease the risk of flooding, and protect groundwater, in addition to countless other biological services.

The Conservancy has been proud to partner with Peninsula Township in Grand Traverse County to administer and provide technical support for their Purchase of Development Rights (PDR) program, which uses voluntary conservation agreements to permanently protect farms by restricting the right to develop land. Peninsula Township has the oldest local PDR program in the state, and one of the oldest in the nation. Township residents have twice voted to establish an increase in local property taxes dedicated to the purchase of development rights on agricultural properties.

The Grand Traverse Regional Land Conservancy has worked with Peninsula Township to complete farmland preservation projects, resulting in over 5,000 acres of permanently protected farmland on the Old Mission Peninsula. This represents more than half of the land identified for permanent protection in the Township's Agricultural Preserve Zone.

The American Farmland Trust has recognized our work with Peninsula Township in a national publication.  To read the story, click Farmland Preservation Trailblazers.

Click here to view a PDF map showing the land that has been protected.

The Conservancy is also working to build the capacity of other local units of government to develop and administer their own PDR programs. Currently, the Conservancy is working with Acme Township to implement their Farmland Preservation Program where, much like Peninsula Township, citizens chose to establish a fund to purchase agricultural conservation easements by voting for a millage increase in their taxes for a ten-year period. The millage is anticipated to generate $2.8 to $3 million over its lifespan. Acme Township is one of a very few communities in the state that have made this commitment, and the second community in the West Michigan Fruit Belt Region after Peninsula Township. Acme Township's most critical farmland resources are uniquely positioned between three major natural land protection areas along US-31: the Yuba Creek Natural Area, the Petobago State Wildlife Area and the Maple Bay Farm and Natural Area.

Click here to view a PDF of the critical farmlands that are being protected in Acme Township.

In 2007, the Conservancy also completed 10 farm land sales at its Arcadia Dunes property encompassing 1,119 acres. In late 2003, the Conservancy purchased approximately 6,000 acres of land and nearly three miles of Great Lakes shoreline dunes straddling Benzie and Manistee Counties. One of the major management components of this landscape-level protection effort is the Conservancy's commitment to working with adjacent farmers to ensure the long-term viability and character of agriculture in this vital community. In 2005, existing farmers in Benzie and Manistee Counties were invited to bid on 12 parcels owned by the Conservancy, and current leaseholders had a Right of First Refusal. The Conservancy's 2007 farm land sales are part of a bigger resale program; the Conservancy anticipates offering an additional 1,500 acres for sale at Arcadia Dunes in 2009. Cherries, Christmas trees, and corn are being produced on land purchased by farmers who participated in the first round of sales.

Click here to view a map of the protected landscape at Arcadia Dunes.