July 26, 2007 Saugatuck Dunes Coastal Alliance The Saugatuck Dunes Coastal Alliance held an event Thursday, July 26th, at Saugatuck's Oval Beach to introduce itself and outline its purpose and goals. Chief among those, preservation of the former Denison property. As the name suggests, this group is an alliance of various other organizations pooling their resources to control impending overdevelopment of this one of a kind coastal region. Saugatuck mayor Tony Vettori opened the presentation, held against the backdrop of the sweeping sand dunes, waves, and beach grass of Saugatuck's beautiful Oval Beach. As grumbling storm clouds passed over the lake the mayor quoted various magazines and organizations that rate Oval Beach as a top tourist destination, not only in Michigan, not only in the United States, but internationally as well. One of the most important reasons, he said, is the pristine river mouth, surrounded by more than 400 acres of undeveloped dune lands that comprise the former Denison property. But that property is now in danger, and with it the Saugatuck and Douglas area's ambience and, very probably, our prosperity. And it's not just the Denison property, or the river or dunes. It's also the land extending inland along the river, the undeveloped open spaces and farm land that together form the setting for the jewels Saugatuck and Douglas. These are the elements that draw people from all over to visit, some to stay. These form the framework that inspires the artists who have made this their home and done so much to define our communities. Unfortunately, these very same elements also draw another group. Those interested in developing the dunes, forests, and fields into high density subdivisions and condos, without regard to the impact on the rural atmosphere that makes this area so unique. Overdevelopment is not a new issue, but the acquisition of the Denison property and the as yet veiled plans of its would-be developers serve as a compelling wake up call. We must act now to preserve our heritage, or see it become just a fading memory as Saugatuck and Douglas join the ranks of generic overpopulated tourist traps. Enter the Saugatuck Dunes Coastal Alliance (SDCA). President David Swan took the microphone to describe the SDCA and its mission. While the group ultimately intends to promote preservation of the coastal Kalamazoo River watershed area and surrounding woods and farmlands, its first focus is the former Denison property -- more than 400 acres of critical dunes, beaches, forest and wetlands lying between Oval Beach and Saugatuck Dunes State Park. The Denison property was purchased in 2006 by multi-millionaire Aubrey McClendon. Mr. McClendon, with the resources of 1.6 billion dollars behind him, blithely outbid numerous organizations which had for years, in some cases decades, clearly stated their intent to purchase the Denison property with the desire to conserve it for future generations. Among these was the City of Saugatuck which, with the assistance of Saugatuck SOS raised pledges for nearly 40 million dollars for the purchase. Also, two land conservancies and the State of Michigan, which had planned to add the property to the Saugatuck Dunes State Park from its earliest conception. Mr. McClendon, however, was more interested in adding the proceeds of developing this property to his fortune, and had the financial wherewithal to do as he pleased against any likely competing bids. But, Swan declared, all is not lost. The Saugatuck Dunes Coastal Alliance is very optimistic that McClendon can be persuaded to forego his anticipated profit and sell the Denison property to these groups. The SDCA clearly does not foresee a strictly friendly interaction toward this end, however. Some of the group's introductory documentation makes it clear they plan to fully leverage Part 353, Sand Dune Protection and Management, of the Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act. This act establishes critical dune areas and greatly restricts any development or other activity that would alter the dunes' contours or endanger their ecosystems. A significant percentage of the Denison property falls squarely within the purview of the sand dunes protection act, a very substantial barrier to McClendon's plans. Swan surrendered the microphone to Marcia Perry, another SDCA founding board member, who read an open letter from the SDCA to Aubrey McClendon imploring him to consider making the Denison property available for purchase once again so that it may be preserved as it has been for generations. Beyond this immediate vision of securing the Denison property, the group has equally ambitious plans to control development throughout the local area, including the Kalamazoo river watershed and the agricultural areas surrounding us. Part of their approach is to reinvigorate small farms by promoting organic farming techniques which would return these traditional family farms to profitability and reduce the financial attractiveness, or need, of converting fields to subdivisions so that we may preserve our rural character. Concerned Citizens for Saugatuck Dunes State Park is a member of the Saugatuck Dunes Coastal Alliance, and we urge all of our members to join as well. You can do this and learn more details of the groups broader scope of intent on the Saugatuck Dunes Coastal Alliance website. As the presentation drew to a close on this perfect July evening the Blue Coast Quintet tuned up and proceeded to entertain the gathered attendees with mellow jazz, blending seamlessly with waves washing gently onto the shore and children's laughter. Behind the band's tent, the dunes of the Denison property curved North to join those of Saugatuck Dunes State Park - a truly spectacular and unique landscape, one of the most beautiful in the world. Please join us in protecting them. Return to Concerned Citizens for Saugatuck Dunes State Park Resources & Reference page. www.SaugatuckDunes.org