Grand Traverse County is selling a 160-acre parcel in Whitewater Township. The Grand Traverse Regional Land Conservancy is trying to protect this land and has made an offer to the County. However, there are competing offers so we need your help to ensure that the County makes a decision that preserves the land for recreation and economic benefits.
The property is a top priority for protection and is surrounded by State Land on all 4 sides. It contains critical recreational trail corridors such as the TC to Kalkaska Trail, the Iceman Cometh Challenge route, and Mud, Sweat, & Beers – The Filthiest Thing on Two Wheels utilizes the property for a portion of its annual bike race. The main access to a the popular Bullhead Lake is through this parcel as well.
By acquiring this parcel until the DNR is able to take title, the Conservancy would consolidate state/public ownership, maintain critical recreational corridors/access and also provide opportunities to expand recreational experiences in the future.
You can help! Email the GT County Commissioners (commissioners@grandtraverse.org) expressing your support of the Conservancy purchasing this land for eventual State ownership. Attend the County Commission meeting on Wednesday, June 7th at 5:30pm and voice your support. (Governmental Center, 400 Boardman Ave., Traverse City) #SpeakUp #ShowUp #GetInvolved
Here’s a sample email you can send to the commission.
subject – Please accept the Grand Traverse Regional Land Conservancy’s offer for Sand Lakes Road Property
Dear County Commissioners:
Please help the Michigan Department of Natural Resources fill-in a critical piece of the Pere Marquette State Forest by accepting Grand Traverse Regional Land Conservancy’s offer to purchase the one hundred-sixty acre parcel on Sand Lakes Rd.
Grand Traverse Regional Land Conservancy has the expertise to manage the property and facilitate its transfer to the State of Michigan. By acquiring this parcel until the MDNR is able to take title, the Conservancy would consolidate state/public ownership, maintain critical recreational corridors/access and provide opportunities to expand recreational experiences in the future.
The property contains critical recreational trail corridors such as the TC to Kalkaska Trail, the Iceman Mountain Bike Race route and Mud, Sweat and Beers mountain bike race route. The main access to the popular Bullhead Lake is via this parcel.
Please give Grand Traverse Regional Land Conservancy’s purchase offer priority over competing offers for the property.