NAPP Home

Total Land Protected (2001-present):  1811 acres

Washtenaw Countys Natural Areas Preservation Program (NAPP) purchases unique natural areas to ensure their preservation for the benefit of all County residentsplants, animals and people! The Washtenaw County Parks & Recreation Commission manages the program, identifying and caring for lands with special ecological, recreational, and educational benefits. The NAPP nature preserves are open to the public from dawn until dusk daily.

The program goal is to identify lands which, through long-term preservation, will:

• Protect and preserve the natural, ecological diversity/heritage of Washtenaw County
• Complement the existing network of publicly and privately protected lands
• Maximize the public benefit

Program Origin

NAPP was established in 2000 by the Washtenaw County Board of Commissioners through the passage of Natural Areas Ordinance No. 128. The ordinance was approved by a majority vote in the November 2000 election providing procedures and standards for purchase of natural areas by the County. Sixty-four percent of those voting approved the County-wide mill tax (millage) that funds the program. This millage will generate approximately $27.5 million during the period 2002-2011.

Acquisition Process

The process begins when landowners nominate their property to the program.  Properties recommended by Natural Areas Technical Advisory Committee (NATAC) are reviewed by the Washtenaw County Parks & Recreation Commission, the  Washtenaw County Planning Advisory Board and the Local Unit of Government where the land is located. If the Commission decides to proceed with the acquisition, the landowner will be made an offer at fair market value, as established by a certified appraiser.

Lands purchased with NAPP funds are owned and maintained by the Washtenaw County Parks & Recreation Commission.  WCPARC also partners with other land preservation organizations to find creative ways to protect and preserve natural areas. For example, in 2003 we partnered with The Southeast Michigan Land Conservancy (SMLC) to add 64 acres to their LeFurge Woods Nature Preserve. NAPP funds purchased a conservation easement on the 64 acres and SMLC owns and maintains the land. If youre interested in the details of all land transactions to date, take a look at the NAPP acquisition history.