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Boardman River Prosperity Plan
Receives $15,000 Grant 
The National Association of REALTORS� has awarded a $15,000 grant for the Boardman River Prosperity Plan. The grant was facilitated by the Traverse Area Association of REALTORS� (TAAR).
Meagan Luce, President Elect of the Traverse Area Association of REALTORS�, said TAAR sponsored the grant "because of the focus and alignment with smart growth initiatives of the National Association of REALTORS�; TAAR's partnership with the Watershed Center; and the interrelationship of the watershed, bay and real estate values."
"We are deeply appreciative of this generous contribution to the stewardship of Boardman watershed's critical natural resources and vital communities," said Watershed Center Executive Director Andy Knott.
The Watershed Center is one of several organizations serving on the leadership team that is creating the Boardman River Prosperity Plan. The Watershed Center is serving as fiscal agent for the project, which will cover costs for developing and implementing the plan.
Protecting the Boardman and its 291-square-mile watershed is the core of the prosperity plan. The approach will reflect economic and community development of the unique watershed; focus on its long-term protection; and address issues of business and job creation.
Two catalysts for developing the watershed prosperity plan strategy were the extensive public process that led to the decision by Traverse City and Grand Traverse County to remove three dams on the Boardman, while modifying a fourth dam; and the six-county regional citizen-led Grand Vision planning effort.
The new strategic blueprint will take into account an inventory of natural and economic development assets; identification of watershed priorities; best practices that support quality of life and economic well being; and integrating strategies developed from the region's Grand Vision process, Traverse City and Kalkaska Downtown Development Authorities, and Grand Traverse-Kalkaska County economic development planning.
This was the second $15,000 Smart Growth grant from the National Association of REALTORS� in 2012. The first one funded The Grand Vision Report to the Community programs in October.
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"Supporting The Grand Vision"
Seal Available for Download
Does your organization implement The Grand Vision? If so, let the world know! The "Supporting The Grand Vision" seal is now available for download. If you are conducting activities that support any of The Grand Visions's six Guiding Principles (below), add this seal to your web site, materials, press release, etc.
- Transportation: a regional multi-modal transportation system that supports energy conservation
- Growth & Investment: unique and vibrant communities that strengthen the local economy
- Natural Resources: protected and preserved water, forests, natural and scenic areas
- Food & Farming: local farms and regional food systems as a viable part of our economy
- Housing Solutions: a diverse mix of regional housing choices with affordable options
- Energy: Sustainable energy uses in construction, transportation and economic development
Click here to find the image file.
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Energy Network Thanks
Survey Participants 
The Grand Vision Energy Network would like to extend its appreciation to everyone who completed the Energy Survey. In total, 2180 citizens of the six-county region completed the survey. Results are currently being compiled and will be shared at several upcoming community meetings. Congratulations to Philip Hamburg on winning the survey sweepstakes of a free ski pass at Crystal Mountain Resort. |
Kingsley Adopts Complete Streets Resolution 
The Kingsley Village Council adopted a Complete Streets resolution at its January 14 meeting. In adopting the resolution the Village Council resolved to consider Complete Streets principles in future long-range planning documents, such as the master plan, and on-going zoning activities, such as site plan review. The Village is also open and willing to explore ways of planning for, designing, constructing, operating, and maintaining Complete Streets infrastructure, including non-motorized trails, with neighboring municipalities whenever feasible.
Click here to read the Kingsley Complete Streets resolution.
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| Information & Events
Natural Resources Network:
February 4
Great Lakes Levels 101
Information for Shoreline Owners and
Interested Citizens
6:30 - 8:30 p.m.
Grand Traverse County Civic Center Meeting Room
February 20
Natural Resources Network Meeting
9:00 - 10:30 a.m., Steelcase Room
Traverse City Area Chamber of Commerce
202 East Grandview Parkway
February 27
Benzie Conservation District Fracking Forum
6:30 p.m.
The Mills Community House, Benzonia
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Grand Vision Guiding Principles
Based on intensive research and input from thousands of citizens from Antrim, Benzie, Grand Traverse, Kalkaska, Leelanau, and Wexford counties, a vision that will lead to prosperity for people throughout northwest lower Michigan was created founded on these guiding principles:
 A coordinated regional transportation network
 Unique and vibrant communities
Housing choices
 Sustainable-energy uses in construction, transportation and economic development
Protected and preserved water, forests, natural and scenic areas
 Viable regional farms and local food systems
thegrandvision.org
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