tO
GRAND MERE ASSOCIATION

ee Ay Hal Box 140

Stevensville, Michigan

 

The Grand Mere Association believes.....that a community should progress
and develop in a logical and orderly manner with proper consideration being
given to future needs in areas of natural resources for industrial, business,
agricultural, recreational, and educational purposes. Each parcel of land
should be evaluated with reference to how it may best be utilized in relation
to the regional community.

Because Grand Mere is geologically unique and irreplaceable, this area
should be preserved as nearly as possible in its natural state for public rec-
reational and educational purposes. The long range wisdom of such a choice is

——— apparent when consideration is given to the fact that Lincoln Township still
has over 6,000 acres of undeveloped land available for commercial and industrial
development.

GRAND MERE

St. Joseph
Dune characteristics, previous
shorelines and the developmental 4
status of the three lakes record
the natural history of Grand Mere
from the last glacial period some
14,000 years ago.

" Stevens=

Grand Mere lakes provide ex- wil te

cellent habitat for migrating ducks
coots, gallinules, herons and var-
ious other water birds, in addit-
ion to warblers, thrushes, fly-
catchers, vireos, sparrows, finches,
and many more. Dozens of species
of birds actually nest in the area.
It is home also to raccoon, fox,
opossum, deer, squirrel and other
mammals whose natural habitat be-
comes more scarce with every pass-
ing year.

South

Lake
(Cranberry
Bog)

The area is rich in botanical
life - unusual mosses, ferns in
variety, countless wildflowers in-
cluding rare native orchids, dune
grasses, vines, shrubs and trees -
the total species numbering in the
hundreds.

Beautiful dunes and magnifi~

cent beaches create one of the out-

— standing scenic wonders in S. W.
Michigan

 

A varied topography makes Grand Mere ideal as a unit for public enjoyment and
education, Hiking, camping, bathing, sledding and number of other outdoor activi-
ties are possible, in addition to research study areas and wildlife sanctuary sites
set aside to preserve the biological values,

4

 

GRAND MERE ASSOCIATION
Box 140
Stevensville, Michigan

 

 

vesetreqosl hy Marth

If the \township proposal/ to industrialize and commercialize Grand Mere pro-
ceeds, the dunes will be removed, the lowland filled and at some nebulous point in
the future commercialization begun. It has been estimated that it will take 15
years to level the dunes, during which time the area will be in the state of chaos
now existing at previous sand mining operations along I 94. Large areas denuded
of trees and protective vegatation that stabilized the sand - the entire site a
wasteland! The time has passed when our natural resources are no longer a matter
for public concern, We must act NOW to preserve unique natural areas such as
Grand Mere for our children and future generations to enjoy, as we have enjoyed
them,

SIGNIFICANT QUOTES

We share with your association concern re possible loss this important
scenic and recreation resource. Recreation and scenic values of Grand Mere Lake
Michigan Dunes have been recognized for many years, Urgent need to preserve such
outstanding scenic resources in your highly populated regions is well illustrated
in present effort to preserve the Indiana Dunes to south of Grand Mere.....

-Stewart Udall, Secretary of the Interior

I personally consider the Grand Mere area worthy of preservation as a
nature reserve for the lessons which it illustrated in both glacial and shoreline
geology and in ecology. The area as a whole still serves as a valuable outdoor
laboratory for classes in geology, botany, zoology and other field sciences. It
is a relatively wild area, and one which combines the great contrast of swamps and
dunes in a delightful and interesting manner. Its preservation is much to be de-
sired. -Dr. Charles Olmsted, University of Chicago

The Grand Mere area is at the crossroads - of relatively short term bene-
fits reaped by exploitation, or long term benefits from leaving it as a natural
spot. You are fortunate to have such an area in this community. Relatively few
would benefit from exploitation, while many could visit the area making it into
one of the best nature attractions in Michigan.

-Dr. H. Lewis Batts, Director Kalamazoo Nature Center

 

If we are not careful we shall left behind. We are building
leave our children a.legacy:.of ourselves an asphalt treadmill
billion dollar roads leading and allowing the green areas
to nowhere, except to other of our nation to disappear. I
congested areas like that they -Gen, Omar Bradley