ABOVE PHOTO: An aerial view of the Grand View Scenic Overlook and Park reveals the treetops of the forested land (center and left of the ponds) now under Land Trust protection . Photo by Dan Eggert
The majestic, panoramic view from atop the hill of Grand View Scenic Overlook and Park in Ellison Bay takes in Washington Island, two county parks, and Michigan’s Upper Peninsula.
“We wanted to honor the original owner’s wishes to protect the land from development,”
What isn’t visible are the efforts the Land Trust, the Town of Liberty Grove, and private citizens have taken to protect the property’s iconic scenery and ecological value. A case in point is the Land Trust’s recent purchase from Barbara and Don Fuhrmann, of Ellison Bay. The 6-acre property now under protection is adjacent to current park land at the bottom of the Grand View hill.
The Fuhrmanns purchased the property in 2000 to preserve it. “We wanted to honor the original owner’s wishes to protect the land from development,” said Don. “We bought it so no one else would build on it.”
Not only did the couple hold on to the property for preservation, but they also approached the Land Trust to purchase it at the price they paid for it, far less than its value today. “We just wanted to get back our original investment—the appraisal was much higher,” Don said. “Above our cost, we’ll never miss the difference. We’d rather give the rest to the Land Trust.” The Land Trust will fund the remaining purchase price of the property and its long-term care entirely through private funding thanks to a generous local family and support from Land Trust members.
