#United States #Leelanau Conservancy #Sugar Loaf #Public Access #Leelanau County

Revitalizing Sugar Loaf Mountain: A Community Effort for Public Access

The Leelanau Conservancy is on a mission to rejuvenate Sugar Loaf, one of Northern Michigan's iconic locations, aiming to open its doors for public enjoyment and environmental stewardship. With a fundraising goal of $1.6 million by the year's end, this initiative seeks to transform the once-neglected site into a vibrant area for various outdoor activities.

The Vision for Sugar Loaf

Tom Nelson, Executive Director of the Leelanau Conservancy, shared his excitement about the project: “This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to restore a place that holds deep meaning for so many.” The plan involves creating a scenic area where individuals of all ages and abilities can engage with nature through activities such as hiking, biking, and cross-country skiing.

Proposed Features:

• - Trail Network: A carefully constructed trail system designed for hiking, biking, snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing.
• - Universal Access Loop: An innovative feature catering to individuals with restricted mobility, ensuring everyone can enjoy the beauty of Sugar Loaf.
• - Summit Pavilion: A designated area for scenic views, allowing visitors to appreciate the landscape from a unique perspective.
• - Family-Friendly Areas: Including a sledding hill, nature play spaces, and an outdoor gathering point to encourage families to connect with the environment.
• - Ecological Restoration: A commitment to protect native species, minimize erosion, and improve water quality in the adjacent Good Harbor Bay Watershed.

The Historical Context

The journey to revitalize Sugar Loaf began when an anonymous landowner acquired the property in 2020. With funds directed towards cleaning up the previously abandoned infrastructure, the stage was set for future developments. The Conservancy is now relying on community support to secure the $1.6 million necessary for the land’s donation and transformation.

Once the fundraising is successful, the landowner will transfer approximately 285 acres to the Leelanau Conservancy, ensuring its preservation for public access and recreational use. An additional feature of this agreement is that the airfield, currently not open to the public, will remain under the landowner's control.

Ross Satterwhite, representing the landowner, emphasized the intent behind this project: “Ownership feels this land should belong to the community... By placing it in the capable hands of the Leelanau Conservancy, we can ensure that future generations will enjoy this recreation.”

Community Participation

The Conservancy has initiated outreach efforts, calling on community members to contribute to reaching their fundraising goal. To date, they have successfully raised $6.4 million but need an additional $1.6 million to fully realize their vision.

Events have been scheduled to inform the public and encourage donations:

• - July 30th - A community information session at Solon Township Hall at 6 PM.
• - August 5th - Another session at Glen Arbor Township Hall at 6 PM.

To participate, donate, or learn more about this transformative project, individuals are encouraged to visit the Leelanau Conservancy's official website.

About the Leelanau Conservancy

Founded in 1988, the Leelanau Conservancy is a nonprofit land trust dedicated to preserving the natural splendor of the Leelanau Peninsula. With efforts that have protected over 19,000 acres, their work continues to focus on land protection, stewardship, and engaging with the community to secure Leelanau’s ecological health and rural character for generations to come.

For updates and more information, visit leelanauconservancy.org.