WMEAC Statewide News For March, 2018

Naugatuck Dunes Proposed Marina Channel Development WMEAC Board Policy Resolution

Since May 2017, the West Michigan Environmental Action Council’s (WMEAC) Policy Committee and staff have been working with the Saugatuck Dunes Coastal Alliance (SDCA) to provide capacity and feedback in their efforts to protect the Dunes from inappropriate and potentially harmful development of a 6.54 acre boat basin with a capacity to berth 51 boats and a channel connecting to the Kalamazoo River. Careful consideration has been given to thoroughly collect and review information from a number of sources including, 1) The formal site plans proposed by the new property owners and DEQ applicants; 2) The Tri-Community Master Plan documenting the vision and legal framework for development as adopted by Saugatuck Township and the cities of Douglas and Saugatuck; 3) The existing literature documenting the environmental, economic, and cultural value of the site; 4) Attending public meetings and hearings; and 5) Holding monthly calls with the SDCA.

Recently, the site development plans for the boat basin and channel were approved by the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality (MDEQ). The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) has yet to issue its approval or denial of the harbor and channel excavation plans. Additionally, the legality of the decision by the Saugatuck Township Planning Commission to allow the development plans to move forward is being challenged inthe Michigan State Court of Appeals. Therefore it is an opportune time for WMEAC to formally adopt a position on this regionally critical and potentially precedent-setting issue. This allows the Board and staff to be clear with volunteers, members, and partners in their intention to have the organization pursue the issue further.

Read more on the WMEAC blog!

On Being a Rare Bird: Esteemed Scientist Dr. Drew Lanham to Present at Annual Wege Speaker Series The distinguished professor at Clemson University will address issues related to the environment, social justice and bringing nature into the urban experience on Thursday, April 12, 2018 The Wege Foundation (wegefoundation.org) will host the 22nd Wege Speaker Series on Thursday, April 12 at 4pm at the Aquinas College Performing Arts Center.

“Birds and people need the same air, same water, same soil,” said Dr. Lanham. “When we agree on that fact, then conservation becomes the inclusive and intensely caring, loving, selfless thing that it is meant to be.”

Read more on the WMEAC event calendar!

Intern with WMEAC!

WMEAC is now accepting summer internship applications. We offer a variety of different internships that  are designed to provide interns with a professional experience that connects them to environmental work in West Michigan and beyond! We have internships in education, policy, fund development, journalism and more! Click here to learn more and apply!

Become a Teach for the Watershed Mentor!

Every year, WMEAC works with 2,500+ middle school-aged students in West Michigan, bringing hands-on, place-based watershed education to students and teachers. It would be impossible for us to do this without the help of our T4W mentors! Mentors must complete both a classroom training (Enviroscape training) and a field work training to work with us all season.

Do you want to be a mentor? Click here to contact us!

Climate Ride MI 2018 Meet and Greet

Climate Ride returns with a 4-day ride from Grand Rapids to the Leelanau Peninsula. WMEAC is hosting a Meet and Greet to learn more on Thursday, March 29 from 4:30 – 7:00 p.m. at Brewery Vivant. Attendees will receive a special discount on the registration fee!