New Community Vision Case Statement

New Community Vision

Help us preserve and protect the last large undeveloped lakeshore property on West Grand Traverse Bay

“This historic place can become something truly special — the perfect combination of a Nature Preserve plus a location for much-needed attainable housing.”

Andy Thomas | NCV Board member, business owner, life-long resident

Save. Protect. Now.

Our vision Right now, we have a once-in-a-generation opportunity to preserve and restore Leelanau’s last large undeveloped lakeshore remaining on West Grand Traverse Bay. Help us acquire over 200 acres of property critical to the Grand Traverse Bay watershed — including 1,800 feet of shoreline — between Northport and Omena on M22.

This property which was originally developed as Timber Shores Campground, has remained idle since the early 1980s and its future has been a community concern for decades.

New Community Vision has a plan to purchase, conserve and restore this historic property for the benefit of all, now and for future generations.

The starting point is to acquire the property. Should we fail to raise necessary funds for outright purchase, then development of a large RV Park and on-site wastewater system could move forward.

Many cherished natural areas of Leelanau were preserved by individuals and organizations just like us.

Preserve and restore for all to enjoy A Nature Preserve of 187 acres will protect and preserve critically important and increasingly threatened wetlands, wooded dune and swale complexes, grassland meadows, and a designated cold water trout stream that feeds into Lake Michigan. Hiking trails will be designed within the Nature Preserve for our community to enjoy.

A 24-acre section of the property, contiguous to the Nature Preserve, has been identified for much-needed attainable housing.

A long-term stewardship plan Robust stewardship by the Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians will restore and manage this rich landscape and shoreline and maximize the restoration and conservation elements of this project. A significant grant awarded in July 2024 by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) for land acquisition and restoration gives us both federal acknowledgment of the importance of this property to climate, coastal, and cultural resiliency and puts us within reach of our fundraising goal to secure this historic property.

Preserving and restoring this property would create a significant natural corridor on the east side of the Leelanau Peninsula, protecting habitat and coastal resiliency.

A vibrant community Peninsula Housing is collaborating with us to acquire and plan for developing attainable housing on a 24-acre section of the property. Located on the northwest corner, this area has the lowest conservation value making it the logical section for housing. Together with community input, we will create homes aligned with the character and environment of the area, with generous setbacks from neighbors and with a sustainable transition to the adjacent Nature Preserve — a well-thought-out neighborhood for people who live and work in Leelanau.

Over 60% of jobs in Leelanau County are held by workers commuting from other counties. Leelanau County needs to add more than 2,000 rental and owned units to meet current housing needs (2023 Housing North Needs Assessment). Nearly 90% of the Leelanau Township community members support creation of more affordable housing (2023 Leelanau Township Community Foundation Survey).

Our Partners

“I believe this collaboration between Peninsula Housing and New Community Vision will not only strengthen our communities in the long-term, but can be a model of success beyond our region.”

Larry Mawby | President of Peninsula Housing

“We only have one chance to save this historic property forever.

That time is now.”

Ann Marie Mitchell | Resident, Realtor

An irreplaceable natural gem Robust restoration and stewardship of this land and water preserve will be managed in perpetuity with the expertise of the Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians.

• The wetlands, dune, swales, and wooded areas on this property are considered vulnerable and even imperiled in Michigan.

• The shoreline, creek corridor, and wetland acres are classified as ‘Critical Areas’ in the Grand Traverse Bay Watershed Plan.

• Critical coastal and fish spawning habitats exist along the lakeshore and all the way to Gull Island in West Bay making this a unique land and water preserve.

• A conserved designation is already in place for bird habitat (circa 6 acres) on the south side of the property.

• Ennis Creek, a designated cold-water trout stream home to native aquatic species, including trout, is one of only seven such designated streams in the West Grand Traverse Bay watershed.

• The property has deep ecological and cultural significance to the Kchi Wiikwedong Anishinaabek (People of the Great Bay) as a place revered for its significant natural resources and situated between important historical native villages established south of Northport (Waukazoo) and north of Omena (Ahgosatown).

A sketch of our vision

Northport 2.5 miles E Camp Haven Rd

Proposed Attainable Housing

Site of Northport Indian United Methodist Church, 1800s

Ennis Creek

West Grand Traverse Bay

Wetlands Dune-Swale Habitat

Lee Mann Rd

2

M-2

Possible Hiking Trails

to Gull Island (1.4 mi)

Grasslands

Overbrook Rd

Saving Birds Through Habitat Conserved Property

Nature Preserve: 187 acres

Omena 2.9 miles

Proposed Attainable Housing: 24 acres

“The name for this land is Mashkiigaki, which means marshlands, but it also means the ‘place of medicine’ because this is where, in times past, tribal members would find food and medicine and connect with the earth.

To collaborate with New Community Vision and everyone in the area is important for the ecological restoration of this place, but also for the restoration of the irreplaceable cultural and spiritual connections to the land as well.”

Brett P. Fessell | Restoration Section Leader and River Ecologist, Natural Resources Department Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians

We need your support now.

Securing a property of this prominence in an accelerating real estate market presents an ambitious fundraising challenge.

We need a total of $10 million to buy this significant property. We have been awarded $6.5 million from NOAA. In addition we have raised significant contributions and pledged support from private donors, necessary to secure this grant funding, so we are now well within reach of our goal.

We are almost there! We need YOUR SUPPORT now to raise the final funding necessary to get to the finish line and acquire the property.

Scan this QR code to donate now, or contact us at info@newcommunityvision.org for information about giving opportunities.

Take action now!

Learn More

NewCommunityVision.org

“This is the largest, most significant site available for conservation and restoration located on West Grand Traverse Bay. Coastal resiliency, essential fish habitat, critically rare ecosystems, spectacular vistas – it has it all.

Once this special place is gone, it’s gone forever.”

John Sentell | Board President, New Community Vision

New Community Vision Board

Key Supporters

John Sentell President Former president & CEO, Lake Forest Open Lands Association Beth Verhey Vice President Former Chief of Social Policy, UNICEF

Dale Lersch Treasurer Former CEO Acturus, research consultancy acquired by MetrixLab Kate Bulkley Secretary Media Consultant

Andy Thomas Board Member Founder, Thomas & Milliken Millwork, Inc. Campaign Ambassadors Ann Marie Mitchell Dennis Turner Rick and Trish Bryan

New Community Vision