Breaking News Archive:

MAY 2005

Mark your calendars for May 20, 2005 because you are invited to hear about the challenging issues we face living on Lake Michigan. With higher water - bluff and beach erosion may soon be a big problem. That is why the Great Lakes Coalition has prepared a timely educational meeting to help you get ready for the possibility of a changing future.

The Seminar will be held at the Pigeon Lake Lodge at 7:30pm on May 20th. To get there from the North or the South, you take US 31 to Port Sheldon Street then turn west toward the Lake. Turn right on Butternut Drive and drive until you see the lodge on your left. The pigeon Lake Lodge is about halfway between Holland and Grand Haven.

We are inviting everyone to come at no cost as a benefit from Great Lakes Coalition Michigan/Lake Michigan Chapter for Shoreline Preservation. You do not need to be a member. The important topics that you will hear about include:

Water levels and their effect on your property.
Why beach and bluff erosion continue all the time - although hidden during low water.
What can be done to preserve our beaches.
How piers and harbor structures impact our short.
The power of shoreline property owner groups and their ability to influence policy.
How the courts and current litigation may present problems or solutions for our concerns.
What you can do to help yourself understand your situation through education and collaboration.

If you are a coastal property owner, you owe it to yourself to attend this articulate and clear description of the issues. Your membership, and your technical, legal, or political expertise, could enhance the already active agenda of the Great Lakes Coalition.

Please call for more information at (269)857-8945. Should you want to become a part of Great Lakes Coalition Michigan/Lake Michigan Chapter for Shoreline Preservation, click here for our membership form.

Your dues to the Coalition are deductable for income tax purposes under code 501 (c) (3).

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APRIL 2005

You have an opportunity to further your shoreline interests by supporting an important legal effort to protect and defend our beaches. Can we count on your help?

In the winter 2005 newsletter, the Great Lakes Coalition/Lake Michigan Chapter for Shoreline Preservation filled you in on the Banks et al v United States lawsuit. This case is gathering steam quickly. It is likely that official action will happen within the next few months.

Those in this battle are asking for individual contributions from our Great Lakes Coalition membership to keep up the fight. We want to match dollars from our organization's legal fund because we care about this issue. Whether you give $25 or $1,000, any amount you send is valued.

Please send your tax deductible check soon to:

Great Lakes Coalition
Michigan/Lake Michigan Chapter for Shoreline Preservation Legal Fund
PO Box 429
Saugatuck, MI 49453

Here are the reasons why you should care about a positive decision in the Banks et al v United States case:

It will cause the government to act responsibly for Lake Michigan beach nourishment
Environmentally friendly re-engineering of Michigan navigation piers will become feasible
This case is about diverting sand supplies upland or out into the lake eroding your beach or bluff.
Recent events have triggered this case to be scheduled for trial.
Past litigation forced the government to address ocean coastal beach loss. Lake Michigan deserves equal consideration.

Unless we replace or recapture our beautiful, needlessly lost sand (to deep water), your property may not be viable to hand down to your children.

The Banks et al v United States lawsuit is worthy of your backing.

Thank you for your continued help on the big issues facing citizens living on the Great Lakes. Keeping you informed about challenges to your environment and property rights is of the highest importance to your board.

Should you need more information, do not hesitate to call John Ehret, attorney for the plaintiffs at (708)748-8975 or (269)465-5857.

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