Cromley Conservation Easement
Koehler Township, Cheboygan County

From Summer 1993 newsletter

Occasionally the Conservancy receives phone calls from individuals who are interested in purchasing undeveloped land with the intention of placing conservation restrictions on it to insure permanent protection of the natural resources. These people are know as “Conservation Buyers” in the land trust community, and they are responsible for protecting some of nature’s most important features throughout the country. This is exactly what happened when new members Michael and Joanne Cromley called and spoke to Doug Robinson, Land Protection Specialist nearly a year ago.

The Cromleys stated they were looking for some property suitable to re-forest with native tree species and eventually build a small home on. Mike had grown up in the Traverse City area where his Grandfather, “an old DNR man,” made a lasting impression on him about nature and the out-of-doors. After several years of living in Chicago, Mike wanted to come back home to northern Michigan. He also wanted to “give something back.” After a lengthy conversation, Robinson thought he had a pretty good idea of what they had in mind, and said he would gather some information to send them. Shortly thereafter, the Conservancy received information that a farm in Cheboygan County was for sale. Arrangements were made to visit the property and meet with owners. After a second visit, the Cromleys decided that purchasing the entire 760 acre farm wasout of the question. Still, they liked the area and saw an opportunity. In the end 240 acres of wetland, forest, and agricultural land were purchased. In May of this year the Cromleys conveyed a conservation easement limiting future development and permanently protecting the critical areas.

Note: In 1999, the Cromleys strengthened their conservation easement by removing a building envelope they had originally retained with the easement.