The Saugatuck Dunes Coastal Alliance recently shared the letter here with readers of The Commercial Record. With four consequential legal cases moving forward at the same time, we find ourselves at a pivotal moment for the Kalamazoo River Mouth. The outcomes could shape the future of its dunes, wetlands, wildlife, cultural heritage, and public trust protections for generations to come.

What are microplastics, and why do they matter for the Kalamazoo River Mouth? At SDCA's recent Community Town Hall, environmental experts explored how plastic pollution moves through our watershed, what it means for water quality and wildlife, and how informed communities can help protect the Wild Heart of Saugatuck.

Photo by Soren Funk on Unsplash

Read a 6-month update from our Executive Director.

On Tuesday, March 17, 2026, the Saugatuck Township Planning Commission will consider approval of NorthShore of Saugatuck’s proposed condominium conversion for a portion of the former Pine Trails Camp property. The Saugatuck Dunes Coastal Alliance has submitted a formal letter to the Planning Commission urging that final approval not be granted at this time.

Ruling from the bench yesterday (Oct. 13, 2025), Allegan County Circuit Court Judge Matthew Antkoviak granted the Coastal Alliance’s motion to dismiss NorthShore of Saugatuck’s SLAPP (Strategic Lawsuit Against Public Participation) lawsuit against the Alliance and Board President David Swan.

Elaine Sterrett Isely, a proven and passionate advocate for West Michigan environmental issues, will join the Saugatuck Dunes Coastal Alliance as executive director on November 1. She brings significant expertise in nonprofit leadership, strategic planning, program development, and grant acquisition to the organization, and will become the Alliance’s first full-time executive director.

The Saugatuck Dunes Coastal Alliance today announced it has begun a national search for a full-time Executive Director to lead the organization. The new director will guide the 18-year-old organization as it broadens its initiatives to explore and address the pressing long-term needs of the Coastal region north and south of the Kalamazoo River.

Allegan County Circuit Court Judge Matthew Antkoviak significantly narrowed the scope of NorthShore of Saugatuck’s SLAPP (Strategic Lawsuit Against Public Participation) lawsuit against the Saugatuck Dunes Coastal Alliance and Board President David Swan.

Saugatuck Dunes Coastal Alliance Announces Co-Founder and Board President’s Retirement - David Swan Secures Place in Saugatuck’s Long Legacy of Conservation Stewardship

The Michigan Supreme Court has remanded the Saugatuck Dunes Coastal Alliance appeal of the permits issued for the Van Horn Ski Lake by Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) to Michigan’s Court of Appeal for consideration. 

Allegan County Circuit Court Matthew Antkoviak today stayed discovery and quashed all of the 56 subpoenas issued by North Shores of Saugatuck, LLC in July and August to Coastal Alliance board members and supporters, as well as to government officials, scientists, and others.

We’ve outlined some frequently asked questions regarding the new boat ramp permit. The proposed violates many of the same Michigan laws and poses many of the same hazards as its proposed marina, which EGLE denied in February 2024.

Less than six months after EGLE denied North Shores of Saugatuck a permit to build a marina, the developer has applied for a permit to build a boat ramp at the same location. The proposed boat ramp violates Michigan law in many of the same ways its failed marina proposal would have.

The Saugatuck Dunes Coastal Alliance filed an emergency motion to quash North Shores of Saugatuck’s subpoenas and to stay discovery associated with its SLAPP-style lawsuit.

The Saugatuck Dunes Coastal Alliance yesterday filed a motion to dismiss the SLAPP-style lawsuit filed by North Shores of Saugatuck, LLC against it and its board president, David Swan.

The Saugatuck Dunes Coastal Alliance celebrates Saugatuck Township’s Zoning Board of Appeals’ decision to grant the Alliance standing to challenge the special approval use marina permit.

The Coastal Alliance is committed to continuing its work to preserve and protect the Saugatuck Dunes and Kalamazoo River Mouth.

Read this important update on the ongoing Marina case and the outcome of the June 27th township ZBA hearing.

Saugatuck Township’s Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA) will reconvene at 4 p.m. on Thursday, June 27.

What is standing and why does it matter? We answered some frequently asking questions regarding standing and the current status of the marine permit.