The tiny town across the bay from me, Elberta, maintaining a population of less than 500 people with some of the most beautiful land in the state, recently had a quandary. A developer about a year ago had targeted the land facing Lake Michigan for a large resort development. The only 'large' thing that should be in Elberta are the hills that encompass Betsie Bay and Lake Michigan. It would take a little over $19 million to be raised in less than a year to ensure the resort idea would go away. My checking account balance was a bit short of that value but did make a donation as another 600+ people did; one donating $9 million. The December deadline was met and plans are underway to use the land for recreational purposes.
Three cheers for nature.
Trail Head
https://www.mlive.com/life/2024/12/land-conservancy-purchases-35-acres-on-lake-michigan-betsie-bay-after-herculean-effort.html
