one of Great Lakes' last great places at risk
But at least there's a strong citizen campaign to conserve it. This is a campaign well worth joining. Thanks to the Land Conservancy of West Michigan and Michigan Land Use Institute.
This time, [citizens] are taking on Oklahoma billionaire and Seattle Supersonics co-owner Aubrey McClendon, who spent $39.5 million to outbid local efforts to buy 412 acres known as the Denison property, which many locals wanted to preserve as public park land.
The natural-gas tycoon wants to develop the pristine dunes land along 1.25 miles of Lake Michigan coastline into "high-end residential."
Although he has yet to offer a formal plan, environmental and civic organizations have begun mounting opposition.
The newly formed Saugatuck Dunes Coastal Alliance -- made up of seven environmental and civic organizations -- will launch its effort with a rally Thursday evening. Despite the jazz band booked for the event, the gathering on the sand won't be casual.
http://www.mlive.com/news/grpress/index.ssf?/base/news-37/118528113551390.xml&coll=6
Lots of stunning pictures and persuasive prose here:
I don't know the gentleman, or even know of him, but how can someone in good conscience outbid The People of the State of Michigan in their attempt to secure a natural resource?
Posted by: Jack | July 26, 2007 at 04:28 PM