Leelanau Conservancy completes land transfer of Sugar Loaf from Ball family. Stewardship work to begin this year
From staff reports
The Leelanau Conservancy announced in a press release today the successful transfer of ownership of Sugar Loaf, marking a major milestone in the community-led effort to permanently protect this beloved landscape.
“This moment belongs to the entire community,” said Tom Nelson, executive director of the Leelanau Conservancy. “Sugar Loaf has inspired so many generations, and this transfer reflects years of hard work, extraordinary generosity, and a shared belief that this place should be protected forever and thoughtfully cared for. We are honored to steward Sugar Loaf on behalf of the public.”
The Conservancy extends its deep gratitude to the donors, partners, and countless supporters whose efforts helped make this moment possible.
Plans for Sugar Loaf include a thoughtfully designed trail network for hiking, biking, snowshoeing, cross-country and backcountry skiing, along with universal access features, including a trail for visitors with restricted mobility. Plans also include a summit pavilion with sweeping scenic views, family friendly features like a sledding hill and nature play area, and ecological restoration efforts to protect native species, reduce erosion, and improve water quality within the Good Harbor Bay Watershed.
While the formal transfer of title is now complete, the Conservancy’s on-the-ground stewardship work will not begin in earnest until later this year—so at this time, Sugar Loaf is not yet open to the public. Future announcements will be made when the Conservancy expects to be able to offer the safe, welcoming access that the community has come to expect from public Conservancy lands.
During this transition period, the Conservancy asks the community to help care for Sugar Loaf by exercising patience and allowing time for this important work to unfold. There will be many opportunities ahead to experience the mountain once preparations are complete.
The Edmund F. and Virginia B. Ball Foundation, through its subsidiary, SPV 45 LLC, purchased the 288-acre Sugar Loaf property in 2020, and then subsequently funded the significant investment required to demolish the hotel, remediate the blighted property, and plan for its future.
“The Ball family was involved in the original development of Sugar Loaf beginning in the 1960s. And now through their incredible vision and generosity have come full circle to reacquire, clean-up and then make this generational gift to preserve and return Sugar Loaf to the community” said Ross Satterwhite who has represented the owner through its acquisition and planning for the property.
Tom Nelson added: “This marks the beginning of a new chapter for Sugar Loaf, one grounded in stewardship, community and long-term care. We are extraordinarily grateful to the Edmund F. and Virginia B. Ball Foundation”.
For updates on progress and future access, please visit leelanauconservancy.org or follow the Conservancy on social media.
