Grant Secured for Land Preservation Deal

A $2.5 million grant brings a local conservation group one step closer to securing 50 acres of land that will bridge a gap between two protected parcels in northern Grand Traverse County

December 26, 2019 04:06 AM

By Carol Thompson

Traverse City Record-Eagle

A $2.5 million grant brings a local conservation group one step closer to securing 50 acres of land that will bridge a gap between two protected parcels in northern Grand Traverse County.

“That piece of property abuts both the Maple Bay Natural Area and the existing Petobego State Game area, so it really forms this contiguous piece of property that’s critical for wildlife habitat and water quality,” said Jennifer Jay, communications director for the Grand Traverse Regional Land Conservancy.

The state of Michigan secured a Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund grant to purchase 50 acres of property that will connect Maple Bay and the Petobego State Game area. The properties together include more than 1,000 acres of land and nearly 1.5 miles of East Grand Traverse Bay shoreline.

Protecting large swaths of property is better for wildlife and biological diversity, since development affects wildlife that lives adjacent to built-up parcels, said Matt McDonough, Land Conservancy Director of Land Protection. The region’s natural resources are part of the draw for tourists, residents and growth, so protecting those resources is key.

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