*The current fundraising goal for this project may be impacted by several factors that have yet to be determined. As details are finalized, the total funding needed may change.
Throughout our history, the Grand Traverse Regional Land Conservancy (GTRLC) has continuously strived to balance land preservation with community needs, tailoring solutions to the unique challenges presented with each project. Today, in the Village of Elberta, we have a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to balance the protection of a prominent Lake Michigan waterfront property with development that aligns with the community’s vision for future growth.
The 35-acre property extends from Elberta Beach to the Historic Waterfront Park and from the park to the village’s northern edge, connecting Elberta with Lake Michigan’s shoreline. It features 578 feet of Lake Michigan frontage, 3,120 feet on Betsie Bay, and 10 acres of steep, forested dunes.
Recently, this property was targeted for a large resort development that would have irreparably altered the community’s small-town character. Although the proposal was withdrawn, partly due to local opposition, many residents feel it’s only a matter of time before another similar offer is made.
GTRLC and our partners are working to ensure this shoreline remains one of Michigan’s most beautiful stretches of globally unique coast while also achieving recreational and economic goals. Although preliminary, initial plans include:
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- Nature Preserve: GTRLC will retain 10 acres of the highest conservation importance that contain critical dune habitat.
- Public Park: 16 acres near the Elberta Pier at the mouth of Betsie Bay, including 578 feet of Lake Michigan shoreline, will be transferred to the Village of Elberta for use as a public park.
- Beach-to-Beach Trail: The acquisition would allow the Betsie Valley Trail to extend through the property, connecting Frankfort and Elberta’s municipal Lake Michigan beaches. This segment would also link to 22 miles of scenic trails in Benzie County.
- Mixed-Use Development: Nine acres east of the Waterfront Park, which has access to municipal water and sewer, will be set aside for community-aligned redevelopment.
To realize this vision, the Conservancy entered into a purchase agreement for the property and is actively fundraising to cover the purchase and site preparation costs. In addition to private donations, we will seek public grants through the Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund (MNRTF). GTRLC’s Board of Directors has until August 28th to approve the project. Before then, we will conduct due diligence to discover any environmental issues, have conversations to identify potential uses for the property, and explore partnerships and fundraising feasibility.