Call for Expression of Interest: Farming DeYoung
Please note: letter of expressions of interest are due March 30th, 2012. Full applications due October 1st, 2012.
The Leelanau Conservancy owns and manages part of the DeYoung Natural Area as a working farm. Located roughly 5 miles north of Traverse City in Elmwood Township along Cherrybend Road, the farm has been in our ownership since 2005.
The Conservancy has multiple goals in protecting the DeYoung Farm. Among these goals are:
- Protection of natural features and restoration of native ecosystems, including the stream corridor;
- Provide public access for passive recreation on the property;
- Restoring agricultural use to specific portions of the historic DeYoung Farm; and
- Supporting educational uses of the property and buildings.
In achieving the third goal, the Conservancy recognizes that use by a committed farmer or non-profit is the best way to restore the historic farm to its former productivity.
This Request for Expressions of Interest (REI) asks interested individuals or organizations to submit a brief description of their ideas and specific proposal for farming the property in writing, and to provide further details as to how their proposed use will be compatible with the other ongoing Conservancy goals.
Proposals are encouraged to include offers to lease part of the property or memorandums of understanding with organizations or other agreements pertinent to the situation. The Conservancy has made no final decisions about any potential lease of the agricultural portions of the property. Accordingly, this Request for Expressions of Interest seeks to gauge interest from community members, especially the local farming community.
Please see this announcement for additional information, or contact Jenee Rowe, Director of Conservancy-owned Lands, at jrowe@leelanauconservancy.org.