GRAND MERE ASSOCIATION __ Box 140, Stevensville, Michigan 49127
April 9, 1974

 

Dear Environmentalists:

Your organization members are among those dedicated to preserving our
remaining natural areas. Your influence is important in its impact
on our State lawmakers. To this end, we ask your cooperation in be-
half of Grande Mere.

In February the Grande Mere Association presented to District 4 of

the M.U.C.C. a resolution recounting the unique characteristics of

the Grande Mere duneland, and urging state legislation to appropriate
funds to purchase and safeguard the entire area. The Department of
Natural Resources of Michigan has purchased 383 acres, encompassing
one small lake and its surrounding dunes. However, the remaining
portion of this National Natural Landmark (two other lakes and corres-
ponding dunes, with 2700 feet of Lake Michigan shoreline) remains
unsecured. For years its preservation has been the goal of southwestern
Michigan environmentalists. For years its status has been the subject
of referendum and popular debate.

Having reached a plateau in our efforts to ensure purchase of the

remainder of the 1,000 acres, we urge your immediate cooperation in
approaching Senator Charles 0. Zollar on behalf of Grande Mere. He
may be contacted at P.O. Box 240, Lansing, Michigan, 2ip Code 48902.

The DNR Commission came to Benton Harbor Thursday evening, March 28,
for public hearings on outdoor interests. Director A. Gene Gazlay and
Commissioner Carl T. Johnson cited the efforts of the Grande Mere
Association as a model for getting results on a conservation project.
“PUSH AND PRESSURE", these gentlemen advised. Now we turn to you.
Please give our "push" your impetus by writing Senator Zollar; thank
him for his past support, and in your own words, urge him to initiate
new legislation to acquire the needed funds. It's the number of indi-
vidual letters that counts in stimulating favorable action.

Enclosed for your reference is a copy of the kesolution which was
approved by District 4, M.U.C.C.

With appreciation for your help,
THE GRANDE MERE ASSOCIATION, INC.
‘When the earth, its products, its creatures, become his

concern, man is caught up in a cause greater than his own
life and more meaningful.” -- Justice William 0. Douglas