In 2015, the Grand Traverse Land Conservancy began a quiet campaign to protect natural lands from development in northern Michigan. Since the launch, $53 million has been raised, and 19 areas spanning five counties have been identified as in need of urgent protection.
The Land Conservancy has named it “The Campaign for Generations,” and opened the campaign to the public on August 11 to raise more money for the campaign.
Grand Traverse County, Manistee County, Benzie County, Antrim County, and Kalkaska County have all experienced growth in population and tourism in recent years, and the Grand Traverse Land Conservancy is concerned about the state’s unique landscape being lost in development.
The Campaign for Generations aims to “enable us to protect the most important natural lands, farms lands, scenic views, shoreline and water sources, recreational assets, and wildlife habitat for generations to come.”
The Grand Traverse Land Conservancy hopes to raise the remaining 25% of their $71.4 million goal with help from the public.