The Saugatuck Dunes is a pristine assembly of historical and archeological sites that are woven into a natural landscape of sand dunes, beaches, coastal marshes, and wetlands. Saugatuck Dunes’ environmental, historical, and cultural assets must all be taken into consideration as land use decisions are made. Development would bring an irreparable loss of integrity to this beautifully fragile area.
Current proposed development includes a road that would harm over 640,000 square feet of coastal dunes and wetlands and chop down over 500 trees, unnecessarily choking rare resources and jeopardizing the local tourism industry. These development plans present a major threat to the area, and could possibly be the demise of many of these unique natural and historical resources. There are viable alternatives that would avoid some of these impacts.
Dear Ben Zimont,
Michigan Department of Environmental Quality (MDEQ). The state agency is currently considering a draft permit for road construction that would destroy important wetlands and an intact cultural landscape. If these areas deteriorate, so too will the local tourism economy that depends on beautiful open space.
All of us who care about the Saugatuck Dunes need to make sure by our presence and our letters that the MDEQ understands that the road request is not in the public interest and does not meet the required standards.
To:
Ben Zimont
MDEQ
Kalamazoo District Office
7953 Adobe Road
Kalamazoo, MI 49009-5025
ZIMONTB@michigan.gov
RE:
Application Number: 13-03-0079-P
Applicant: Singapore Dunes, LLC
Project Location: T03N, R16W, Section 4, Saugatuck Township, Allegan County
Regulatory Authority under NREPA: Part 303, Wetlands
