Conservation Authority considers purchase of Lake Michigan and Betsie Bay shoreline areas near Frankfort valued at $19.5 million

ELBERTA, MI – A 35-acre property is being planned for purchase on the shores of Lake Michigan and Betsie Bay in a small community south of Frankfort.

The project could lead to the creation of a nature preserve, an expansion of the city’s park, a hiking trail extension and economic development – and protect this coastal area from commercial development, officials said.

The Grand Traverse Regional Land Conservancy is currently raising funds for the $19.5 million purchase in Elberta.

“It is exciting to help Elberta protect and open up this prominent waterfront property to the public and make this land available for community-driven development,” Jennifer Jay, the conservation authority’s communications and engagement director, told MLive.

Additionally, “it would finally allow the Betsie Valley Trail to be extended to Elberta Beach,” she said. “This beach-to-beach trail was a goal of the hiking group; being able to provide the property is really great.”

The Conservation Authority has signed a purchase agreement with the landowners that sets the price. The properties include 578 feet of shoreline on Lake Michigan and 3,120 feet of shoreline on Betsie Bay.

Of the 35 acres, 10 acres, including steep, forested dunes, would be reserved for a conservation area managed by the Nature Conservancy; 16 acres, including 578 feet of Lake Michigan shoreline and 2,000 feet of Betsie Bay shoreline, would be transferred to the Village of Elberta for a municipal park; and 9 acres, including 1,120 feet of Betsie Bay shoreline, would be given to the Village for economic development.

The properties are a mix of former commercial and industrial areas, Jay said. Some areas are cleared and fenced, while others have vacant buildings.

The area was recently earmarked for development of a large holiday resort that would have “irreparably altered the small-town character of the community,” the conservation authority said on Facebook. The proposal has been withdrawn, but many residents expect similar offers if the land is not preserved.

The conservation council has until August 28 to vote on whether to proceed with the purchase. Before then, the organization will conduct due diligence to uncover any environmental issues, hold discussions to identify potential uses for the property and explore partnerships and fundraising opportunities.

If approved, the funds must be raised by December 15.

The total cost of the project is estimated at $27.5 million, Jay said, with about $12 million raised so far.

“We know that the last $15 million is the hardest to raise,” she said.

“GTRLC and our partners are working to ensure this coastline remains one of the most beautiful stretches of Michigan’s world-unique coastline while meeting recreational and economic goals,” the conservation organization said on Facebook.

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