Several years ago Acme residents had the forsight to institute a Farmland Preservation initiative. We are one of three communities in the state that had the wisdom to do so. Our Citizen Advisory Committee has been working closely with the Grand Traverse Regional Land Conservancy (GTRLC) and land protection specialist Brian Bourdage. 

This program, involving the purchase of development rights from farmers, is a win/win for all residents, promoting agriculture while preserving rural character and encouraging dense development in other more appropriate areas. Agricultural land returns more in taxes than it uses in services, resulting in a net benefit to taxpayers.

According to Landscript (GTRF, Summer 2008), besides the economic benefits of working farms, other environmental and social benefits include scenic corridor, wildlife habitat, and groundwater protection and preervation of local heritage and character. The program has been a very positive experience for residents in Peninsula Township. Farmland preservation results in land values increasing for farm and non-farm families alike as people want to locate near protected lands. Our farm families have demonstrated support for this effort as we now move forward with options on farmland, with 800+ acres currenty considered.