Oden Island Fundraising a Huge Success! CROOKED LAKE — Thanks to a great outpouring of support from generous donors, the Conservancy announced on October 11 that it had reached its goal of raising $950,000 to cover the cost of purchasing the 50-acre Oden Island property and its mile of undeveloped frontage on Crooked Lake in Emmet County. Upon its purchase, the property will be dedicated as a nature preserve. “We are enormously grateful for the support we received from many, many generous people,” said Conservancy Executive Director Tom Bailey. Bailey added that in particular, the people of Oden Island, the Pickerel-Crooked Lakes Association , the Petoskey-Harbor Springs Community Foundation, Littlefield Township, and an anonymous donor were to be thanked for their contributions. All told, more than 360 donors gave toward this effort. The island became a focal point for community concern earlier in the year when a development was proposed that would involve a sewer line extended under Crooked Lake. Objections were raised to the sewer, proposed wetland fills, and other adverse impacts that could have resulted from the development plan. The Conservancy’s involvement changed the focus of the discussion, however. After negotiations with the owners of the property, the Conservancy obtained an option to purchase the land, and announced that it would do so if sufficient funds could be raised. “The Oden Island project was the most challenging purchase I’ve been involved with over the past 16 years,” commented Tom Lagerstrom, the Conservancy’s Associate Director. “We were given only three months to raise nearly a million dollars and, while it was touch and go until the end, we made it. What a great response from everyone who contributed both time and money toward the success of this project.” The closing and actual Conservancy ownership of the property will occur in December. Future management of the property for low-impact uses will occur in partnership with local residents and lake associations.