September 6, 2002 Swans Are Co-Winners of the Petoskey Award by Linda Miller Near the end of a long year of hard work and dedication to the cause of saving Saugatuck Dunes State Park from development, Alison and David Swan have been named winners of the Michigan Environmental Council's second-annual Petoskey Award. The Swans were recognized for their outstanding leadership in agrass-roots organization - for inspiring citizens to activism. They founded Concerned Citizens for Saugatuck Dunes State Park in mid-2001 to fight against proposals to the DNR from Holland's BPW and from Laketown Township to build a water plant within the park's boundaries. "They have inspired hundreds to activism who have never been active before in environmental protection and now are aware of the need to work towards protecting the dunes," said Lana Pollack, the Council's president. Pollack said there was very stiff competition for the award, which came with $5,000 for the Swans to donate to the organization of their choice. Tom Leonard, West Michigan Environmental Action Council president, nominated the Swans for the award "because of the passion with which they worked and the quality of the work they have done." He said they rose to the occasion when confronted with a situation that could harm their family's and the public's future ability to enjoy the pristine setting. "Dave and I are thrilled!" Alison Swan said. "But of course, this award belongs to the dozens of volunteers who have been working so hard since last fall to ensure that Saugatuck Dunes State Park remains wild and quiet. We are grateful to the DNR, as well. The Parks and Recreation people there have assured us that they are committed to the preservation of the Park. Saugatuck Dunes State Park is a tremendous asset to this region. In another generation or two, it will be priceless - if it isn't already. "The fight isn't over," Alison added. "Please join Concerned Citizens for Saugatuck Dunes State Park if you are not already a member." Return to Concerned Citizens for Saugatuck Dunes State Park Resources & Reference page. www.SaugatuckDunes.org