Grand Traverse conservancy raising $71 million to guard against development | Crain's Detroit Business

Grand Traverse conservancy raising $71 million to guard against development | Crain's Detroit Business:

• Organization seeks funding to protect more land
• Targets lake and river shoreline parcels, wetlands, orchards
• Popular tourist region attracting commercial, residential growth

"The Grand Traverse Regional Land Conservancy aims to protect land from increaseing development in the counties around Traverse City.
An organization that shields high-value farm and natural lands from development in five northern Michigan counties is kicking off the public phase of a $71 million campaign to protect additional parcels.
...Some would be purchased outright, while others would be preserved with easements that permanently limit development.
The organization has raised $53 million from foundations and individual donors, it said. 
It hopes to raise an additional $18 million from the public."