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INTRODUCTION Purpose and Planning Process Long Lake Township is committed to developing better tools to assist in making wise land use planning decisions. In particular, decisions that will allow for community growth while minimizing impacts to the community’s natural resource base. The Township completed a Master Land Use Plan in July of 1997. One of the goals adopted to guide future development is “Guide new development in a manner that conserves natural features and environmentally sensitive areas and meets the long-term needs of the community. As a result of this commitment, Long Lake Township applied for and received a grant from the Michigan Department of Natural Resources’ Urban and Community Forestry Program. The purpose of this project is to develop a Township-wide Community Forestry Planning Program. Long Lake Township derives its authority to prepare a community forestry plan as an amendment to the Township master plan from the Township Planning Act, Public Act 168 of 1959. The purpose of the Long Lake Township Community Forestry Plan is to provide guidelines for retaining forestlands, ecological corridors and unique woodlands; and establishing a community forestry program, in addition to protecting the water resources, other natural resources and rural township character. Community-based forestry planning is a means to ensure the long term well being of local communities dependent upon the long term sustainability of forest ecosystems. This plan presents background information for the Township, including soils, existing land use, forestlands, natural areas, public and private protected lands, and ownership. The background information is analyzed to identify important resource characteristics, changes and trends occurring in Long Lake Township. Goals and objectives based on Township Planning Commission comments and citizen participation in planning workshop meetings. Community goals and policies are presented to guide community-wide forestry activities within the Township. The goals and objectives define actions needed and groups responsible for accomplishing these actions. Categories include: land use planning, tree planting activities, technical assistance, and community involvement. These goals, along with maps of existing conditions, provide the basis for the Forestry Future Land Use Map. The future land use map recommends locations for various types of forestry based land use areas within the Township. The Community Forestry Plan also provides strategies for implementing the identified goals and policies. Location and Regional Setting Long Lake Township is located in the northwestern corner of Grand Traverse County. The County is situated in the northwestern region of Michigan's lower peninsula. Figure 1-1 illustrates the Township's location in relation to a number of other communities in Michigan. Long Lake Township is nearly 36 square miles or 23,505 acres is size, including both land and water area. The Township is approximately six miles by six miles and consists of one government surveyed township (T.27N.-R.12W.). The Township is bordered on the west by Benzie County and on the north by Leelanau County. Long Lake Township is bordered on the east by Garfield Township and the south by Green Lake Township, all in Grand Traverse County. 
Long Lake Township adopted its first Master Plan in 1977and in 1997, adopted a Master Land Use Plan. The current plan provides information on the exiting land use, natural features, socio-economic data, and planning issues and standards. The Plan establishes goals, objectives, policies and future land use recommendations. Long Lake Township has exercised its legal right to establish and administer local zoning as authorized by the Township Rural Zoning Act (PA 184 of 1943.) A zoning ordinance regulating land use activities was enacted by the Long Lake Township Board in May of 1979. The zoning ordinance has been amended a number of times over the last 20 years. Long Lake Township is in the process of updating their zoning ordinance. Long Lake Township developed and adopted a Parks and Recreation Plan that was approved by the MDNR in 1997. The plan was amended in 1998 to support a priority project, creation of the Bullhead Lake Natural. The property was purchased with the help of Michigan Land Trust Fund dollars. The Township adpoted a Land Division Ordinance in 1997 which is administered by the Township. Another important ongoing project is the Long Lake Watershed Study. This nonpoint source pollution management plan is funded by Act 319 program dollars and will take two years to complete. To see an enlargement click on map. Use the BACK gadget of your browser to return here.  |