June 10, 2003 PIRGIM Releases New Report Michigan's Natural Heritage At Risk: Preserving Open Spaces and Special Places from Uncontrolled Development David and Alison Swan, co-chairs of Concerned Citizens for Saugatuck Dunes State Park, participated in a news conference at the park held Tuesday June 10 by the Public Interest Research Group in Michigan. PIRGIM is a non-profit research and advocacy organization committed to curbing sprawl beyond urban areas and promoting smart growth alternatives to protect Michigan’s natural heritage. The conference was held to highlight the release of PIRGIM’s new report focusing on the menace posed to Saugatuck Dunes State Park by the water treatment plant proposals as well as similar development driven threats to seven other natural and agricultural areas in Michigan. The event drew numerous television stations and all the local papers. "Places like Saugatuck Dunes State Park are our most valuable asset as we try to distinguish ourselves from other parts of the midwest and the whole country," said Alison Swan. "We are being terribly shortsighted when, in a county with a lot of open space, we look to the most spectacular corner of it as a location for a water plant." PIRGIM attributes the steady loss of Michigan’s critical natural areas to poor land use planning and regulations that encourage developers to exploit open spaces, farmland, and forests. In the report PIRGIM presents their view that current development trends are not inevitable. They feel well designed growth management policies can preserve the ecological integrity of pristine coastal treasures like Saugatuck Dunes State Park as well as many other natural areas that will otherwise be irrevocably lost. "It's time for the governor and state Legislature to provide the resources necessary to help communities plan for better growth in the future," states Brian Imus, PIRGIM's Director and co-author of the report. In answer to increasing concern about unbridled development, Michigan Gov. Jennifer Granholm established the Land Use Leadership Council this February. Consisting of public and private sector representatives and state agency heads, this group is charged with assessing land use trends and the causes and consequences of unmanaged growth and development in Michigan. The council, which invites the public to share their views and concerns regarding land use and development, will provide the governor and legislature recommendations for minimizing the impact of development on Michigan's environment and economy. Visit their website for more information. A form for online comment submission is available as well, and comments will be accepted until July 31, 2003. Take a moment to let them know about your concerns for the park. Visit PIRGIM’s website at http://www.pirgim.org. You can also download their report, Michigan's Natural Heritage At Risk: Preserving Open Spaces and Special Places from Uncontrolled Development. The Holland Sentinel article on the conference can be read in their archives for Wednesday June 11, 2003. Return to Concerned Citizens for Saugatuck Dunes State Park Resources & Reference page. www.SaugatuckDunes.org