Land conservancy purchases 35 acres on Lake Michigan, Betsie Bay after ‘Herculean effort’

ELBERTA, MI – After a “Herculean” fundraising effort, 35 acres of land on the shores of Lake Michigan and Betsie Bay have been purchased by a Northern Michigan land conservancy.

The project in Elberta will result in a nature preserve, an expanded municipal park, a trail extension and economic development – and save this shoreline area from commercial development, officials said.

The Grand Traverse Regional Land Conservancy secured gifts and pledges of $19.5M in less than six months, meeting the Dec. 15 deadline to purchase the land.

This was “the largest funding needed for a single property in the conservancy’s 33-year history,” said Jennifer Jay, director of communications and engagement for the conservancy. That, coupled with the short timeline to raise the money, made this purchase a “Herculean effort,” she said.

More than 600 families donated to the project with the smallest gift coming in at $7 and the largest at $9 million. More than 200 gifts were from first-time donors.

“People who love Benzie County really love Benzie County, and they want to retain the small-town character of the shoreline communities like Elberta and Frankfort,” said Glen Chown, the conservancy’s executive director. “People gave from their hearts to ensure a future for Elberta that aligns with the community’s vision.”

The property was recently targeted for a large resort development, but that plan was withdrawn.

The land extends from Elberta Beach to the Historic Waterfront Park and then to the village’s northern edge with 578 feet of Lake Michigan frontage and 3,120 feet on Betsie Bay, plus 10 acres of dunes.

Plans for the 35 acres include a 10-acre nature preserve managed by the conservancy. This area includes steep, forested critical dunes.

The conservancy plans to transfer 16 acres to the village of Elberta to be used as a community park. This area near the Elberta Pier at the mouth of Betsie Bay, includes 578 feet of Lake Michigan shoreline and 2,000 feet of Betsie Bay shoreline. This will allow the Betsie Valley Trail to extend through the property, connecting Frankfort’s and Elberta’s Lake Michigan beaches.

The final 9 acres, including 1,120 feet of Betsie Bay shoreline, has been set aside for economic development; the Michigan Land Bank Authority will lead this effort.

The total cost of the project is estimated at $27.5 million. Fundraising for the last $8 million has already begun.