With an “open space” millage proposal on November’s ballot, this year’s Wild Night Out fundraiser is especially important for North Oakland Headwaters Land Conservancy.
The annual fundraiser collects about a third of the conservancy’s $94,000 budget. The non-profit conservancy, with about 300 volunteer members, monitors and protects about 1,100 acres in six townships. When incorporated in 1972, the conservancy monitored about 11 acres.
‘We got big, fast,? said Katie Anderson, executive director.
If approved by voters Nov. 4, the 0.45 millage in Independence Township would hopefully expand NOHLC’s responsibilities by hundreds of acres, Anderson said.
The ‘millage proposal for open space, recreation and protection of waters and wetlands? would collect an estimated $768,400 each year for 10 years, all for acquiring property or property rights. None of it would go to the conservancy, which would continue to be funded by Wild Night Out, golf tournament, grants, and membership dues, she said.
‘No money would pass to us ? we would be the ‘burdened party,?? she said. ‘Our burden, our responsibility, would be to make sure property is preserved, to protect it forever.?
At the conservancy’s annual meeting, Oct. 25, they will host a panel of conservationists from communities with green-space millages, including Oakland Township and Ann Arbor.
‘They’ll talk to us about how it worked out, what they learned, how it’s administered,? Anderson said.
If approved, the township would control millage funds, selecting property for purchase or conservation easement based on green-infrastructure planning, Anderson said.
‘What roads are for cars, green infrastructure is for wildlife,? she said.
Independence Township Planning Commission is working with Green Infrastructure Visioning Project, an Oakland County government initiative, to map out woods and wetland corridors.
“We’re identifying existing green space in the community, and prioritizing them by importance,” said Sam Moraco, planning commission chairman. “It can definitely be used as a tool for the millage.”
The green-space corridor map will be finalized and available to the public soon, Moraco said.
The most efficient use of the millage would be to help negotiate conservation easements, Anderson said.
‘It wouldn’t buy much land in Independence Township, can it can be used to buy development rights and conservation easements,? she said.
‘That would accomplish exactly what you want without spending so much money.?
One scenario: an owner of riverfront property wants to keep it for his children. Instead of trying to buy the land, the township could offer the owner some money now for a conservation easement agreement, in exchange for loss of development money in the future.
It could also be matched by funds available in the Michigan Natural Trust Fund, she said.
‘You could write the easement to allow for the owner’s house, two more houses for the children, no one can walk on the property and they would continue to own it forever, and water in the Upper Clinton River is protected,? she said.
‘It would benefit the landowner, township, and land conservancy, and it would accomplish the mission of preservation.?
Maintenance would still be owners’ responsibility. The land conservancy would be responsible for monitoring it, responding to complaints, and ensuring easement deed restrictions are followed.
‘It’s all done by volunteers,? Anderson said.
Sponsorship of the Wild Night Out “Swamp Stomp” has expanded this year, she said.
‘Even in this tough economic year ? it’s exciting,? she said.
Auction items include Lake St. Clair Cruise Dinner, Dine In With the Firefighters, Guided Canoe Trip for Six, Tour of Gardens and Motorcycle Studio For Eight, Guided Au Sable Fly Fishing Float Trip For Two with Bob Linsenman, and Luxury Motor Home Dinner/Trip For Six To Shiawassee Basin Preserve with Naturalist Guide.
Suggested dress for the fundraiser, 6:30 p.m., Satuday, Oct. 11, Springfield Oaks, 12451 Andersonville Road in Davisburg, is blue jeans and boots.
‘Join us for a bog-inspired BBQ dinner, soggy-bottom drinks and music to create a little ‘marsh madness,? said Carolyn Wood, event chair. ‘We’ll offer unique items and opportunities for bid at the live and silent auction.?
Tickets are $75 each, and must be purchased in advance by calling 248-846-6547. All proceeds benefit local land and water preservation.
Honorary Chair for the eighth annual benefit is Dan Stencil, executive officer for Oakland County Parks and Recreation, who will receive the conservancy’s Blue Heron Award.