Farmland Preservation Program

History
On August 10, 2004 the Acme Township Board of Trustees adopted the ( Acme Township Farmland and Open Space Ordinance). In November 2004, Acme Township voters approved a 10 year–1 mil assessment for the purpose of preserving Acme Township farmland via a purchase of development rights (PDR) program.
The millage generated approximately $2.7 million dollars for Acme Township farmland protection. These township funds were matched nearly 1:1 by funds brought to the table by the Grand Traverse Regional Land Conservancy leveraged grants, and through “bargain sales” where landowners themselves contributed to the program by agreeing to sell their development rights to the township for less than full fair market value.
This 2004-2014 Acme Township Farmland PDR program was very successful, protecting five working farms and over 810 acres of land identified as eligible for preservation in Acme Township’s Master Plan.
Current Situation
As a result of this success, demand for the Acme Township PDR program has increased. There are currently eight landowners involving thirteen farms and 1,200 acres in the Acme Township Farmland Preservation Zone who have made formal application for inclusion in the second round of Acme Township farmland preservation. Much of this farmland is situated along US-31 and includes more than a mile of frontage on that stretch of highway though the township.
Given the historical success of the township’s program and the continued interest in the program from Acme’s farm families, citizens approved in November 2014 a renewal of the assessment to support the farmland preservation program. It has created a dedicated funding stream for the permanent preservation of farmland for the township and is serving as a showcase for what is possible to neighboring townships and other communities around the region.
For more information about Acme Township’s farmland program, please contact Laura Rigan, Protection Specialist at the Grand Traverse Regional Land Conservancy. Laura manages the program for the township through collaboration with the Conservancy. She can be reached at 231-929-7911 or by email at [email protected]. Feel free to contact Township Supervisor, Doug White, with any questions as well. Doug can be reached at 231-938-1350.
On August 10, 2004 the Acme Township Board of Trustees adopted the ( Acme Township Farmland and Open Space Ordinance). In November 2004, Acme Township voters approved a 10 year–1 mil assessment for the purpose of preserving Acme Township farmland via a purchase of development rights (PDR) program.
The millage generated approximately $2.7 million dollars for Acme Township farmland protection. These township funds were matched nearly 1:1 by funds brought to the table by the Grand Traverse Regional Land Conservancy leveraged grants, and through “bargain sales” where landowners themselves contributed to the program by agreeing to sell their development rights to the township for less than full fair market value.
This 2004-2014 Acme Township Farmland PDR program was very successful, protecting five working farms and over 810 acres of land identified as eligible for preservation in Acme Township’s Master Plan.
Current Situation
As a result of this success, demand for the Acme Township PDR program has increased. There are currently eight landowners involving thirteen farms and 1,200 acres in the Acme Township Farmland Preservation Zone who have made formal application for inclusion in the second round of Acme Township farmland preservation. Much of this farmland is situated along US-31 and includes more than a mile of frontage on that stretch of highway though the township.
Given the historical success of the township’s program and the continued interest in the program from Acme’s farm families, citizens approved in November 2014 a renewal of the assessment to support the farmland preservation program. It has created a dedicated funding stream for the permanent preservation of farmland for the township and is serving as a showcase for what is possible to neighboring townships and other communities around the region.
For more information about Acme Township’s farmland program, please contact Laura Rigan, Protection Specialist at the Grand Traverse Regional Land Conservancy. Laura manages the program for the township through collaboration with the Conservancy. She can be reached at 231-929-7911 or by email at [email protected]. Feel free to contact Township Supervisor, Doug White, with any questions as well. Doug can be reached at 231-938-1350.