Protected, owned and managed by the Grand Traverse Regional Land Conservancy
This sanctuary encompasses two vital properties along the shores of Intermediate Lake, which sits in the heart of the Chain of Lakes watershed.
Combined, these properties (the 19-acre north piece and an 86-acre south piece) protect nearly three quarters of a mile of shoreline along the lake. Both are among the largest undeveloped parcels on the entire lake, and both are composed largely of high quality wetlands.
From a water quality standpoint, protection of parcels like these could not be more important. Undeveloped shoreline in general – and especially shoreline with wetland components – serves the critical role of filtering surface water as it enters the lake. Protection of these parcels would help to preserve water quality not only in Intermediate Lake, but throughout the lakes below it in the Chain of Lakes.
Aside from tremendous water quality benefits, this undeveloped shoreline habitat is also critical for a variety of plants, animals and birds. The northern piece has been identified by a bird conservation group as the most suitable loon nesting habitat in the northern portion of the lake. Most quality habitat in that area (and indeed throughout the whole lake) has been lost to development.
These properties are managed as a sanctuary. Land access is strongly discouraged, though both parcels can be viewed by boat.