Township Millages
In 2003, Ann Arbor Township residents overwhelmingly passed a 10-year, 0.7 mill tax levy for land preservation. In 2007, the Greenbelt partnered with Ann Arbor Township to purchase the development rights on the 147-acre Kapp farm. The Township received a federal grant from the Farm and Ranchland Protection Program (FRPP) in the amount of $698,500 for a portion of the purchase. The purchase price was roughly a 3-way split between the federal grant’s, City’s and Township’s contributions.
In 2004, Scio Township residents also passed a 10-year, 0.5 mill tax levy for land preservation. The Greenbelt partnered with Scio Township and Washtenaw County (see below) to preserve what is now the Fox Science Preserve. The site has been used by Ann Arbor Public Schools for environmental education excursions for decades.
Gravel Pit Acquisition Smart Use of Program, Educational Parcel Preserved, Accessible
Ann Arbor News, January 10, 2008
In 2005, Webster Township passed a 5-year, 0.5 mill tax levy for land preservation. The Greenbelt and Webster Township have partnered on nine projects totaling over 1,000 acres. The millage was renewed in 2009 for an additional five years.
Washtenaw County Natural Area Preservation Program
Washtenaw County’s Natural Areas Preservation Program (NAPP) purchases unique natural areas to ensure their preservation for the benefit of all County residents—plants, animals and people! The Washtenaw County Parks & Recreation Commission manages the program, identifying and caring for lands with special ecological, recreational, and educational benefits. The Greenbelt partnered with Washtenaw County on several recent acquisitions, in addition to the Fox Science Preserve listed above. In each of these deals, the Greenbelt contributed funds toward the purchase of the property and the County owns and manages these sites as part of the Washtenaw County Park System.
Preserve Washtenaw
With so many active land preservation efforts in Washtenaw county, in 2007, Preserve Washtenaw was officially formed as an advisory body. Preserve Washtenaw includes all public and private agencies and organizations working to permanently protect land in Washtenaw County. For more information on all programs in Washtenaw County, visit Preserve Washtenaw’s website at www.preservewashtenaw.org