Conservancy inches toward Sugar Loaf goal

The dust has settled on the Leelanau Conservancy’s July announcement that they plan to purchase the former Sugar Loaf resort for $ 8 million.

To date the Conservancy has raised $7.2 million — $6.4 in a “quiet effort” and another 500 donations of all sizes since the sale was announced. The remaining $800,000 will need to be raised by Dec. 31 to complete the transaction.

It’s been more than four years since the Sugar Loaf Resort was demolished, but it seems the black eye on Leelanau County, which closed in 2001, has a brighter future ahead.