Local Land-Use Issues

NEWS from SAUGATUCK/DOUGLAS HISTORICAL SOCIETY

Information Contacts:

Jane Underwood
(269) 857-2268
usjane@aol.com

John Peters
(269) 857-2967
jppubrel@aol.com

Click HERE for a pdf of
the news release

BIRKHOLZ, TAYLOR TO PROBE LOCAL LAND-USE ISSUES
AT SAUGATUCK-DOUGLAS HISTORICAL SOCIETY MEETING

SAUGATUCK (MI), NOV. 6, 2007 -- State Senator Patty Birkholz of Saugatuck Township (R-24th District) and Helen Taylor, State Director of The Nature Conservancy in Michigan, will highlight a panel discussion at the Saugatuck-Douglas Historical Society meeting Wednesday, November 14, at 7:00 p.m. in the Saugatuck High School (Elizabeth & Main St.). The program, an open forum examining local perspectives on Michigan land use and preservation, is co-sponsored by the League of Women Voters of the Holland area. Admission is free, public attendance is invited and audience questions are welcomed.

Panelists will address the issues of rapid growth and development, with special focus on the impact these trends can have on a community that has long thrived as a nationally recognized tourism destination combining historical preservation, arts, crafts and a village lifestyle alongside rare lakefront duneland and a beach rated among the world's best.

	Helen Taylor joined The Nature Conservancy in 1999 to lead that organization's efforts to protect the lands, waters and priority habitats in Michigan. In March, 2003, she was appointed by Governor Granholm to serve on the Michigan Land Use Leadership Council, and she serves on the External Advisory Board of University of Michigan's Erb Institute for Global Sustainable Enterprise.

	Senator Birkholz, representing Allegan, Eaton and Barry Counties, chairs the Michigan Senate Natural Resources and Environmental Committee. Among her environmental commitments, she represents Michigan within the Great Lakes Commission and serves the Council of State Governments as an Environment and Natural Resources Committee Member.

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