This Friday, the Conservancy is opening up that land to future partners – and possibly new uses.
It’s launching a Request for Proposals (RFP) for partnership opportunities for the future development and/or management of programs, projects and/or the property, says Sarah Naperala, a Conservancy staffer and member of the Maple Bay Farm leadership committee. It is possible that the end result could be multiple organizations and individuals involved in the support of the Conservancy’s farmland protection program.

Along with the sunflowers and the house, there is also a sugar shack, pole barn and root cellar on the property. All of these structures will remain, says Naperala, and the “viewshed” will be protected – in other words, no new structures will be built as part of any future partnerships.

The goal is for the farm to be a “key community asset,” complementing the adjacent county-owned Grand Traverse Maple Bay Park and Natural Area. Note: That adjacent 400 acres offering passive recreation and access to East Bay is not part of the RFP.          The Ticker

Anyone interested in rehabilitating the old barn? I’m interested in exploring uses, costs and funding.