Mission Statement
Protect Forest Lakes (PFL) is dedicated to preserving our natural landscape and rural heritage in East Bay Township. By uniting neighbors and local leaders, we advocate for healthy ecosystems and the enforcement of zoning standards. Our primary objective is to safeguard our watershed's health and ensure that community regulations evolve to maintain the unique character and environmental integrity of our local waters for everyone.
We Don't Inherit the Earth From Our Ancestors,Â
We Borrow It From Our Children.Â
Native American Proverb
Who We Are
Protect Forest Lakes is a 501(c)(3) that was created in 2021 through many phone calls, shared experiences and conversations at township meetings. We reached out to one another across the lakes, including Arbutus, Rennie and Spider and the surrounding area to work together toward a common goal: to preserve our unique and beautiful area, keeping it as natural and residential as possible. We aim to be an effective resource for all our neighbors in the forest lakes who join us in protecting the lakes and the pristine environments around Traverse City, not just for us, but for future generations to come.
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Our bylaws can be accessed here:
Accomplishments
PFL has a small and highly engaged membership and board who have led several impactful efforts over the past few years requiring significant time and personal resources. The results have been well worth the effort!
In the Preserving realm:
Turtle Cove fundraising -Â approximately 3 million dollars for the Grand Traverse Regional Land Conservancy (GTRLC) to protect 130 acres of 100-year forest on Arbutus Lake wetlands
Key role in consummating a major Mueller/Rotary land gift through GTRLC to Traverse City to expand Brown Bridge Quiet Area by about 50%
Key role in effecting a Rotary Club land gift through GTRLC to create a county park​
In the Protecting realm:
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PFL is not opposed to development. However, we strongly believe that developers should follow the laws and regulations. We also believe that the governing bodies whose job it is to enforce the rules, should do just that. In many instances, they do not. For these cases, PFL has assembled a strong group of legal and technical advisors who understand and support the efforts to protect our natural resources.Â
The legal team is currently working on a couple of significant cases within the Grand Traverse County court system.
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Our Team
Native American Proverb
We are passionate and dedicated individuals committed to the preservation of the forest lakes area, including beautiful locations like Arbutus, Rennie, and Spider lakes..
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Larry Mudd, President, Arbutus Lake
David Endicott, Vice President, Arbutus Lake
Brandon Falenski, Secretary, Arbutus Lake
Allyson Tinker, Treasurer, Arbutus Lake
Greg Kulesza, Member at Large, Spider Lake
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