Our Mission

Protect the Peninsula is a citizen advocacy group that has been working for decades to protect and preserve the scenic and rural character of the peninsula.  First formed in 1979, Protect the Peninsula (PTP) is a volunteer organization made up of a diverse cross section of OMP residents committed to preserving this beautiful community for future generations for the common good of everyone: farmers, winery owners, and residents. 

Our core objectives include:

• Gathering and disseminating information about township issues;
• Identifying and clarifying the values and concerns of residents;
• Encouraging participation by residents in government functions;
• Promoting land use in keeping with long standing agricultural and rural residential character

PTP has been recognized as the Environmental Group of the Year by the Northern Michigan Environmental Action Council. For decades, the organization has been instrumental to refining and preserving the winery rules in the zoning ordinance through litigation and referendum. 

PTP members’ efforts to protect the agricultural character and residential interests in the area include; helping develop the Purchase of Development Rights (PDR) program, which has successfully protected thousands of acres of scenic and farmland in the township; creating and enhancing township parks; assisting with the development of the scenic turnout above Chateau Grand Traverse; and advocating for non-motorized traffic routes and trails.