Scio Township’s land preservation program began in November 2004, when voters overwhelmingly approved the 0.5 mill “Proposal J.” In the following months, the Board of Trustees appointed the first seven members to the Land Preservation Commission (LPC). For the 37 projects completed as of February 2024, Scio Township has expended $8.4 million in acquisition costs from the dedicated millage.  Over $12 million has been contributed by other sources, including the City of Ann Arbor’s Greenbelt program, Washtenaw County Parks’ Natural Areas Preservation Program, the federal Agricultural Conservation Easement Program (ACEP), Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund, and individual landowner discounts off appraised value.  The total land area protected with millage funds to date is 1,709 acres, with 45 percent of that land in natural features (woods, streams, and wetlands).  Seventeen of the 31 properties can be accessed by the public.  Administrative costs—which include consultant and legal fees, professional services, and other budgeted items—is 12 percent of total expenditures through the program’s first 18 years, with 88 percent of millage funds going directly to land and conservation easement purchases. 

Apply to join the Land Preservation Commission.

Contact the LPC Chair