Crystal River - to National Park - Finally

Funding will finish transfer of Crystal River land to park service
Since this was posted, the Congress passed the bill and the President signed it.

Many years of debate and maneuver over this issue.
Now only waiting for final transactions to close up before year-end.
Then the private donations made for this effort will be freed up for other projects in the area.

House vote on bill expected
By CHRISTINE FINGER
Record-Eagle staff writer

EMPIRE - Approval is expected soon of federal funding that holds the key to completing the transfer of 104 acres along the Crystal River to the National Park Service.
U.S. Rep. Dave Camp, R-Midland, said he expects the House to vote this week on the Department of Interior appropriations bill that earmarks $5.3 million for the Crystal River acreage. Senators already approved the bill, and Camp predicted bipartisan support.
'This is the last piece of the puzzle,' Camp said. 'It's been a long-standing effort, and it's very exciting for the area.'
This funding is part of a multi-year plan to purchase 104 acres of environmentally sensitive property from the Homestead Resort near Glen Arbor. The area will become part of the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore.
The park service purchased several parcels since the outset of the deal in 2004, and the Leelanau Conservancy temporarily purchased 59 acres to be sold to the park service as federal money became available. The conservancy served as an intermediary because the Homestead wanted to sell all the property at once.
The land deal ended a dispute that started more than 18 years ago when the resort announced plans to build a golf course on the property, drawing public opposition.
'It's a pristine area of land that will be protected for all time,' Camp said.


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