County Farmland Board Accepting Applications for Land Preservation Program
Traverse City, Michigan – June 1, 2006 – Grand Traverse County is pleased to announce its first application round of the Grand Traverse County Purchase of Development Rights Program.
The Grand Traverse County Farmland Preservation Board is now accepting applications from farm owners who wish to participate in the Grand Traverse County Purchase of Development Rights (PDR) Program. Generally, applications will be accepted anytime throughout the year. However, in order to be considered for match funding in the State of Michigan’s Agriculture Preservation Board’s current application cycle, the Grand Traverse County Farmland Board must receive applications from local landowners by 5:00 PM on August 30, 2006.
Completing an application indicates an interest in participating in the Grand Traverse County PDR Program. After an application is submitted, a representative of the Farmland Preservation Board will meet with the owner to discuss the program and the initial application. A landowner submitting an application is not obligated to participate in the program and can decide to abandon the process at any time before they sign the final, negotiated agreement.
Applications are available at the following locations:
Grand Traverse County Planning Office
Grand Traverse County
400 Boardman Ave
Traverse City, MI 49684
Northwest Michigan Council of Governments
2194 Dendrinos Drive
Traverse City, MI 49685
NWMCOG is the administrative entity for the Grand Traverse County PDR Program and will receive and score all applications.
Acme Township Office
6042 Acme Road,
Williamsburg MI 49690
Applications can also be downloaded at the County's website: http://www.grandtraverse.org/
The purpose of the Grand Traverse County PDR Program is to implement a permanent option to protect farmland: to maintain a long-term positive business environment for agriculture; preserve rural character and scenic attributes; enhance tourism and other important environmental benefits; and to maintain the quality of life of county residents.