Buckley In Action  

After just six months of focused effort, the M-37 Buckley project is complete. The project includes aesthetic enhancements, new medians, improved safety, and walkability through the village streets.

The Michigan Department of Transportation and Buckley community officials began the project in May, and announced its completion the first week of December.

"This project is key to our region, as Buckley saddles both Grand Traverse and Wexford counties. Community members work in both counties, making the Village of Buckley project important to the overarching goals of The Grand Vision," said Matt Skeels, Traverse City - Transportation and Land Use Study (TC-TALUS) project coordinator.

Next on the list for the village is planning to enhance the downtown core and its commercial area in order to stimulate economic growth for both residents and visitors.

Natural Resources
in Action

Boardman Dam Removal Linked to New Prosperity Plan

The long-term protection and wise use of the Boardman River Watershed and community economic development are on the minds of many as the removal of three dams get underway.

Those thinking about these issues most frequently are members of a "prosperity team" leading a strategic blueprint that will encompass the long-term stewardship of the river from its origins in Kalkaska County through Grand Traverse County.

"The dam removal is a stepping stone to get people involved in watershed planning as a whole, but also takes into account the economic and recreation values of the river," said Andy Knott, Watershed Center Grand Traverse Bay Executive Director.

Watershed planning typically focuses on Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) requirements, but this plan, which Knott calls an "uber watershed plan," includes all aspects of the river and what it means to our area.

"This approach aligns with the way our state needs to view its future: with an eye on creating a sense of place and the importance of natural resources to our regional prosperity," said Doug Luciani, president and CEO of the Traverse City Area Chamber of Commerce.

The diverse leadership team includes Luciani, as well as members from the following organizations:

• Watershed Center - Grand Traverse Bay
• Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians - Natural Resources Department
• Grand Traverse Conservation District
• Traverse Area Chamber of Commerce
• Traverse City Downtown Development Authority
• Kalkaska Downtown Development Authority
• Charter Township of Garfield
• Traverse Area Association of Realtors
• Grand Traverse Regional Land Conservancy
• Rotary Camps and Services
• Conservation Resource Alliance

Ultimately, the prosperity team hopes for increased civic engagement, and a well-researched and thoughtful plan for the watershed's future from a regional perspective.

"It's really a mini Grand Vision for the watershed," Knott said.

To learn more, or attend the prosperity meetings, contact Andy Knott at The Watershed Center Grand Traverse Bay, 231-935-1514 x1 or email: aknott@gtbay.org.  

Natural Resources Network on the GV Website

Food and Farming Video Stories (Video of John Hoagland, Tim Metcalfe, Bartlett Durand, and others)