The Grand Traverse Regional Land Conservancy is drawing criticism for this - Tv 7&4 - Controversy over Arcadia Dunes land.
The Conservancy is in a difficult position. How to preserve large tracts of land and preserve the agrarian tradition of the area? In the long view, woods and farms can be exchanged but streets and parking lots are (usually) forever so what they've done seems like a decent compromise. Yet perhaps more can be done with future conservation easements so that natural features of historical importance get special mention?
Recent news articles also show this dilema - do you make money with farms or preserving forests?
USAToday - Savvy farmers open the gate to agritourism
NYT - Leafonomics
Below is a map of Arcadia Dunes.
View Larger Map
