March 24, 1967

Mr. & Mrs. Robert Bradburn
1009 St. Joseph. Drive
St. Joseph, Michigan

Dear Brad & Helen,

Sorry, Brad, you felt you had to resign from the
GMA Board, but with the size of the construction
project you are undertaking, I can certainly
understand your Lack of time.

When we first started this effort, Helen made the
statement, "It would be a long fight". How right
she was! I think Helen is mainly responsible for
the substantial scientific basis that was essential
to get the effort off the ground.

Even if the effort were to fall through right now,
I think a lot more people are aware of some of the
values we have sought to promote, and they are
concerned.

Because we have all put in so much more time than
a volunteer group expects to do, and because most
of us are rather determined individuals, it was
natural there be some clashes of individual wills--
we had them when each of you were on the Board, and
we still have them.

I was against the referendum at first, because as
Julian pointed out, if you win, what do you win?

I changed my mind when I got to thinking about the
effect on the township officials if we can win.

I would expect them to be very hesitant about
issuing a sand mining permit; further, if the
voters in Lincoln township will recognize esthetic
values as opposed to commerrcialization, maybe
Zollar will change his views.

ro

=
Se

March 24, 1967

Mr. & Mrs. Robert Bradburn
1009 St. Joseph Drive
St. Joseph, Michigan

; \
Another possible hope is to pursue the track we
were on when Floyd entered the picture--the
possibility of a county park.

The state is certainly better qualified to develop
and manage the area, but without interest from
Zollar, a county park must be considered.

To this end, I hope we can win the referendum,
then approach some of the foundations in the
county for support and work toward a county
millage vote.

In any event, the immediate effort is pretty much

a township problem. A surprizing number of people
have come forth from the residents of the township
to offer help. We stand a fair chance if the vote
is before the owners come in with a big promotional
bit. :

If the referendum is siczsessful, I hope you both
will continue to support public acquisition of

the area--privately as through the various organ-
izations you belong to.

Sincerely,

Frank Lahr