Holland BPW

For 40 years Michigan’s Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has expressed interest in acquiring the 24 acres that the Holland Board of Public Works (BPW) is now in the process of selling. Expanding the northern boundary of Saugatuck Dunes State Park and Patty Birkholz Natural Area to include this parcel has been part of each State Park Master Plan since 1982. Given this long history, the Alliance is requesting the Holland BPW work with us as we bring together the necessary partners to make this long-term goal a reality.

Significance of the Parcel to the State Park

Expansion of Saugatuck Dunes State Park to include the Holland BPW parcel has been part of the Michigan Department of Natural Resources long range planning since 1982 when the late Patty Birkholz, an environmental champion, Director of the Michigan Office of the Great Lakes, and member of the Michigan State Senate, chaired Michigan’s first-ever Citizen’s Advisory Committee, which was tasked with drafting the original master plan for the park.

Much has been learned about this area in the 22 years since the Holland BPW acquired the 24-acre parcel. In 2020 the Keeper of the National Register of Historic Places determined that the Kalamazoo River Mouth Area meets the criteria as a Traditional Cultural Property of the Potawatomi. The River Mouth Area—of which the BPW parcel is considered to be part—is of cultural and ecological significance to the three regional tribal nations of the Potawatomi: Pokagon Band, Match E Be Nash She Wish Band of Pottawatomi, and Nottawaseppi Huron Band of the Potawatomi. These tribal nations remain active in this specific area working to restore wild rice and lake sturgeon. Individuals continue to use this area, specifically Saugatuck Dunes State Parkand the Patty Birkholz Natural Area, for harvesting and ceremonies.

In 2018 the Outdoor Discovery Center Network working with the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality released the Lower Kalamazoo River Greenway Master Plan. The Plan was explicit in addressing the ecological significance of Saugatuck Dunes State Park and the Patty Birkholz Natural Area:

Some of the highest quality habitat and rarest species can be found within a couple mile stretch of the mouth of the Kalamazoo River. There are several parks and preserves, including Saugatuck State Park, Tallmadge Woods, Patricia Birkholz Natural Area, and Saugatuck Harbor Natural Area, where visitors can experience these areas. Protecting and preserving these areas around Saugatuck should be one of the highest conservation priorities along the greenway. However, efforts to make sure that these areas are not overused or abused, should strike a balance between visitation and preservation. Future development on private property should be done in an environmentally friendly manner that is consistent with local zoning and the Tri-Community Master Plan.

We believe the Mission and Vision of the Holland Board of Public Works supports the concept of working with the State to place the 24 acres into the Public Trust as part of Saugatuck Dunes State Park and Patty Birkholz Natural Area. The sale of this land for the purpose of expanding Saugatuck Dunes State Park is the most socially, environmentally, and financially responsible option that will enhance the quality of life of residents in the greater Holland area.