There are several area organizations concerned with land preservation and organized development ? but none hoping to address the problem as directly as Independence Township resident Thomas Pytel.
Pytel ? along with residents Jerry Fisher, Dr. Fred Roeser and Mary Beth Huntinlocker ? is looking to place a ballot initiative on the August 2006 election specifically for the preservation of open space. He presented his idea at the February 7 Independence Township Board meeting.
Pytel’s proposal seeks a 10-year, 0.5 mill tax, which would raise around $750,000 per year for open space preservation (approximately $67 per residence). The money go to purchase land, conservation easements and the stewardship of the properties. Funds could also be used as seed money to leverage Michigan Natural Resources Trust Funds or private funds to acquire land.
‘My job as I see it is just to get the idea out there,? said Pytel. ‘I’ve been thinking about this and working on the idea for a year. I just felt moved one day to go forward with the plan.
‘Right now, we’re simply putting the idea out there to see what kind of a response we get.?
According to Pytel, the millage would be administered through the Parks and Recreation Department by a ‘special preservation board set up with input form local conservancies or ecological experts.? He reached the idea of a 0.5 mill after researching and comparing other township’s preservation millages.
‘I have spoken to individuals responsible for getting conservation easements passed,? said Pytel. ‘In March 2005, I talked to John Allison after I heard him speak at Holly Township about the work done in Ann Arbor Township.?
Other municipalities Pytel gathered information from included the City of Ann Arbor, Meridian Township, Oakland Township, Scio Township and Rochester Hills. He also mentioned that Lapeer County will be voting on a similar measure this August.
When considering land available for preservation in Independence Township, Pytel said finding parcels will not be difficult.
‘I have a 2004 detailed map showing conservation natural areas printed by the county Planning and Economic Development Service,? said Pytel. ‘I also have a list of properties identified in these areas with owners willing to sell with conservation in mind.?
The map shows three levels of land preservation, with priority one being the most savable. Examples of two priority one areas include Sashabaw Creek and Upper Paint Creek.
‘My suggestion is that we utilize this work that has already been done,? Pytel told the board on February 7.
‘In the end, this may not happen this year, but I would like to see it happen by 2007,? said Pytel. ‘We’re supposed to be stewards of the land. Who else is going to do this??