Harbor Springs Greenbelt - Scenic Landscape Protected

HARBOR SPRINGS - A well-known landscape in the Harbor Springs region will remain scenic forever thanks to a conservation easement that will permanently secure its protection.

Familiar to all who travel along Quick Road northeast of Harbor Springs, the protected land is owned by John Hoffman and is the main growing area for a landscape business now owned by his son Mike. “This land is a defining view enjoyed by travelers between Harbor Springs and local ski resorts,” said Little Traverse Conservancy’s executive director, Tom Bailey.

Hoffman originally purchased the 135 acres in 1989 because his business was in need of a place to grow their plants, trees, and shrubs. While his business was based in Petoskey, the Harbor location was chosen because of the quality of the soil. Over the years and with proper tending, the soil proved itself and the nursery thrived.

Since its inception, the Little Traverse Conservancy has actively sought to protect scenic viewsheds within a region now formally described as the Harbor Springs Greenbelt. Funders have contributed specifically toward its protection, making the purchase of conservation easements possible.

When Hoffman was first approached about protecting his land, the option wasn’t appealing to him. “We looked at the land from the perspective of the business, and protecting it would mean we couldn’t do some of the things we thought we needed to do,” Hoffman said.

However, as time went on, John began to like the idea of the land’s long-term protection. He decided to sell the majority of his development rights to the Conservancy, retaining limited development rights on a wooded portion of the property.

“I really like what has happened. I hope that the nursery and hillside stay just the way they are for many generations to come,” he said.

Bailey commended Hoffman for his decision. “John had the option of sand mining the hillside, a move that would have been profitable and useful for his business,” Bailey said. “But the result would have been to radically alter the scenic beauty of the area. The conservation easement purchase made it possible for Hoffman to forego the sand operation in favor of a modest number of home sites on the bluff top screened by trees from public view.”

Both Hoffman and Bailey expressed satisfaction with the outcome: a compromise that will allow business to flourish on the site while protecting the essence of the beautiful scenery. “We don’t underestimate the hard decisions John made to choose conservation for this land,” Bailey added. “All who enjoy the Harbor area can be thankful that John Hoffman recognized the long-term value of this scenic view.”