We have an important update for you and an invitation to help us achieve success.
From its founding as a 501(c)3 non-profit two years ago, New Community Vision’s mission has been keenly focused on facilitating the acquisition of the former Timber Shores campground property between Omena and Northport as a permanent nature preserve, along with an appropriate portion of the property identified for attainable housing that is so needed in Leelanau.
The recent news of the federal grant award from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to the Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians (GTB) is a game changer for our efforts to permanently protect this special land.
The multi-million-dollar federal grant has not only raised the profile of this project but underlined NCV’s partnership with the Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians (GTB), whose commitment was instrumental in being awarded such a large and beneficial grant. Recent media coverage of this exciting news has also highlighted Peninsula Housing, which is collaborating with us on the planned attainable housing. Working together with both the GTB and PH has created strong and broad community-based alliances that have helped accelerate and validate our efforts.
The GTB has a robust and fully-staffed Department of Natural Resources and is admired for its expertise throughout the region on environmental stewardship and restoration initiatives. The natural features of the former Timber Shores property – and the surrounding fisheries – are important ecologically as well as culturally and spiritually to the GTB. This special landscape will benefit greatly from their permanent stewardship of the 187 acres that will include the future nature preserve.
The terms of the NOAA grant, as well as NCV’s agreement with GTB, includes deed restrictions that this lakeshore gem will be protected as a nature preserve in perpetuity, never to be developed. The land has areas of extremely high conservation value, including significant sections designated as Special Critical Areas in the Grand Traverse Bay Watershed Plan. It deserves the very best care. GTB has the broad expertise and a deep historic connection to this land that ensures it will be stewarded at the highest level possible.
The terms of the NOAA grant, and NCV’s agreement with GTB, include public access to the nature preserve. The exact scope and design will be determined by the progress of the robust restoration work on the property as well as tribal-led community engagement sessions. As with any nature preserve, low-impact activities like walking, hiking, birdwatching and snowshoeing will be available to all!
NCV believes that the results of these collaborative efforts will become a regional model of success and engagement that will benefit our entire community for generations, connecting all people in the community to the wonders of this remarkable natural asset again.
Securing the future of the former Timber Shores property as both nature preserved and a portion for attainable housing is now well within our reach! Donations and pledges from hundreds of people like you in our community who love and care for the future of Leelanau have been remarkable and are greatly appreciated!
The task now is to raise the remaining $1.8 million in funding needed to fulfil the exclusive Purchase Option Agreement signed by NCV with the seller. We are incredibly close to success! With your help, we can get there!Please be in touch to discuss your contribution or simply click the buttons below.
Sincerely,
The NCV Board: John Sentell, President; Beth Verhey, Vice President; Dale Lersch, Treasurer; Kate Bulkley, Secretary; Andy Thomas, Board Member
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