An Update on New Community Vision from New Community Vision
For more info please contact info@newcommunityvision.org
Dated: May 3, 2024
New Community Vision Advances Efforts to Acquire Timber Shores
Northport-based non-profit New Community Vision (NCV) is preparing for a strong summer push to deliver a new future for the former Timber Shores property. During the quiet winter months, NCV has been working hard to position itself to acquire, preserve and restore the prominent and high-profile 214-acre lakeshore property located on M-22 between Omena and Northport.
NCV had targeted an initial $5 million fundraising goal for the end of 2023. The strong level of donations and pledges received to date has enabled two important next steps. First, NCV has secured an extension to its exclusive purchase option, giving more time to continue raising funds through this summer. Secondly, NCV worked to establish a strategic partnership with the Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians (GTB) and pursue a collaborative application for a significant federal grant with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), the federal agency whose mandate to track and support coastal resiliency, aquatic habitats and fishery resources. Part of this grant will help NCV reach the purchase price to acquire the entire Timber Shores property.
NCV still has significant money to raise with a mid-summer goal of raising $3.6 million from private donors.
Partnership with the Grand Traverse Band
In cooperation with GTB Natural Resources Department’s pursuit of the NOAA grant opportunity, NCV and GTB have continued to fortify the deepening relationship and partnership aligned around a shared desire to see the Timber Shores property conserved and restored. This rare lakeshore property holds deep ecological and cultural significance to the GTB. In fact, tribal elders have referenced the area as Mashkiigaki, an Anishinaabe term acknowledging a reverence for the wetlands, creeks, lakeshore and how these interconnected ecosystems support a healthy environment and sustainable aquatic habitats.
John Sentell, president of NCV notes that “We are particularly grateful for our close partnership with the Grand Traverse Band. Their expertise and leadership in the stewardship of natural habitats throughout our region reinforces the importance of preserving this special lakeshore property”. Sentell adds: “This close partnership is key to not only preserving and restoring the property, but connecting all people in the community to this remarkable natural asset again.”
GTB Natural Resources Department staff ecologists and project lead Brett Fessell shared that “securing this place of deep traditional, cultural and spiritual significance to the Grand Traverse Band will make great strides in helping the local tribal community reconnect with ancestral lands and the multitude of wild native plants, fish, birds and other animals the Anishinaabek have co-existed with here since time immemorial.”
A Rare Lakeshore Landscape
Helping preserve the majority of the 214-acres of the former Timber Shores as a nature preserve remains a critical focus of NCV’s efforts. Recent environmental investigations of the property have illuminated the impressive conservation value of the property in context with the EPA-approved Grand Traverse Bay Watershed Plan, which designates the shoreline, creek riparian corridors and wetlands as a “Special Critical Area”.
Ongoing environmental studies by NCV detail the special nature of this lakeshore gem. The property boasts a coastal landscape defined by sand and gravel beaches, interdunal wetlands, wooded dune and swale complexes and rich conifer swamps that are all ranked as “vulnerable” habitat in the state of Michigan, with interdunal wetlands ranked as “imperiled habitat”. One study conducted on the property was a Natural Communities Mapping by forest biologist and botanist, Liana May of Borealis Consulting. May’s assessment of the Timber Shores property indicates incredible and varied habitats and its potential for restoration, finding the property to be of “significant conservation value, particularly for protection and restoration of Great Lakes shoreline communities.” Detailed findings of her report are being made available throughout April — in celebration of Earth Month — via three separate blog posts on the NCV website newcommunityvision.org. Sentell says “Our environmental reviews have helped us better understand the truly special nature of what is likely the last large, currently undeveloped lakeshore parcel available on Grand Traverse Bay. It deserves our collective effort to save it.”
Additional Grants Received
In the last few months, NCV has also received grant funding from several other local organizations, further demonstrating the broad community interest in a new vision for Timber Shores. The Leelanau Township Community Foundation and Rotary Charities awarded grants this Spring to help fund an initial concept plan and community outreach for attainable housing on an identified portion of the property along M-22. Housing for local residents remains a key part of NCV’s overall vision, and is an urgent priority for Leelanau Township.
And a Land Use and Conservation grant from the Grand Traverse Regional Community Foundation received late last year shows how NCV’s efforts resonate throughout our region.
Receiving these grants underlines the importance of partnering with local organizations to help preserve and restore this signature Leelanau property for public use and enjoyment.
New Collaboration with Peninsula Housing
Building upon this community support, NCV and Peninsula Housing (PH) recently announced their intention to closely cooperate to develop attainable housing on a 24-acre parcel of land on the former Timber Shores property. Both Leelanau non-profits are committed to providing more affordable homes for residents who live and work in the County, and have agreed to work collaboratively on planning, preliminary design, public outreach and fundraising for attainable housing.
John Sentell, president of NCV, said that joining forces with PH for this opportunity is another significant step forward in NCV’s efforts to purchase and protect the majority of the former Timber Shores land for the benefit of nature and the local community. “Using a modest section of the former Timber Shores land for much-needed attainable housing has always been an important part of the mission behind NCV. Now, working with a well-respected non-profit like Peninsula Housing means we have an experienced ally in our commitment to help solve the housing challenges in the County. We’re excited to make this joint vision a reality.” he said.
Peninsula Housing is an independently-funded community land trust based in Suttons Bay with a mission to provide affordable workforce housing in Leelanau.
Larry Mawby, PH president, said: “The need for attainable workforce housing is an issue facing the Omena and Northport area, and indeed all of our County. We believe that collaboration between PH and NCV will not only strengthen our communities in the long-term, but can be model of success beyond our region.”
“NCV’s acquisition of the former Timber Shores property is a vital piece helping us solve the housing puzzle in the Northport community. Our joint commitment to engaging the community and developing local partnerships brings new energy to finding solutions to the need for attainable housing,” Mawby added.
Community Outreach
Forming partnerships and receiving community grants continues to fuel momentum behind NCV’s efforts to preserve and restore this signature property for public use and enjoyment. NCV plans to expand community engagement throughout the summer, including hosted walks on the property starting in June as they continue to fundraise to meet their goal to acquire and protect this important piece of Leelanau. Andy Thomas, NCV board member, shares that view stating “In terms of raising support, seeing is believing. And the beauty of this property speaks for itself.”
Thomas adds: “We are well on our way to a new future for the Timber Shores property, from an RV Park to nature preserved with a small parcel for attainable housing to support local businesses. There is more work to be done and more fundraising ahead, but it’s a vision for Leelanau we can all embrace.”
For more information please contact info@newcommunityvision.org