Saugatuck Dunes Coastal Alliance

SAUGATUCK
DUNES COASTAL ALLIANCE

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Saugatuck Dunes Coastal Alliance Mission and Goals

Mission:

The Saugatuck Dunes Coastal Alliance is a statewide coalition of individuals and organizations working cooperatively to
protect and preserve the natural geography, historical heritage, and rural character of the Saugatuck Dunes coastal region
in the Kalamazoo River Watershed, beginning with the former Denison property.

Phase I Goals:

•        Protect and preserve the former Denison property and adjacent open spaces.

•        Protect and preserve the natural geography, historical heritage, and rural character of the Saugatuck Dunes
         coastal region including the Kalamazoo River.

•        Encourage and assist city, township, county, state, and federal governmental bodies to work together to develop
         a collaborative approach in planning and zoning that follows the ten tenets of wise land use as detailed in the
         Michigan Land Use Council's 2003 Final Report and the Tri-Community Comprehensive Plan (See Appendix A).

Phase II Goals:

•        Establish the Saugatuck Dunes coastal region as a recognized leader in community development and land
         use practices that conserve energy, land, historical, and natural resources; promote local, sustainable food networks
         through small family farms; and enhance the places where we live and do business.

•        Conserve open space in Laketown, Saugatuck, Ganges, Manlius, and Casco townships by ensuring the diversity
         and sustainability of small family farms.

Geography:

The Saugatuck Dunes coastal region encompasses the western reaches of Allegan County bounded by Lake Michigan
including the following areas:

•        The lower Kalamazoo River Watershed;

•        The townships of Laketown, Saugatuck, Ganges, Manlius, and Casco;

•        The cities of Saugatuck, Douglas, and Fennville.

Appendix A1: Ten Tenets of Wise Land Use:

1.        Create a range of housing opportunities and choices.

2.        Create walkable neighborhoods.

3.        Encourage community and stakeholder collaboration.

4.        Foster distinctive, attractive communities with a strong sense of place.

5.        Make development decisions predictable, fair, and cost-effective.

6.        Mix land uses.

7.        Preserve open space, farmland, natural beauty, and critical environmental areas.

8.        Provide a variety of transportation choices.

9.        Strengthen and direct development towards existing communities.

10.      Take advantage of compact development design.