As autumn settles over the Saugatuck Dunes and Kalamazoo River Mouth, we're reminded once again what makes this landscape so extraordinary, and why the work of protecting it matters.
We're grateful for the many people who continue to lend their voices, expertise, time, and resources to this effort. As we approach the end of the year, we have a few updates to share.
A Leadership Update
Executive Director Elaine Sterrett Isely has decided to pursue other opportunities that more closely align with her expertise and passion for Great Lakes and water policy-related work. We are grateful for Elaine's contributions to the Coastal Alliance and wish her well in her next chapter.
Our Work Continues
Our ongoing legal matters remain active. While there are no significant new developments to report this quarter, important work continues behind the scenes. View them below.
Protecting the Kalamazoo River Mouth requires patience, persistence, and sustained engagement. We're grateful for the attorneys, scientists, partners, and community members whose commitment helps carry this work forward. We'll continue to keep you informed as these matters progress.
An Opportunity to Double Your Impact
We've been encouraged by the generosity of those who have already invested in our work. Thank you! And thanks to two generous donors, gifts to the Coastal Alliance are being matched dollar for dollar, up to $20,000 through the end of the year.
With important legal matters still underway, your support helps us remain engaged, bring expertise to the table, and continue protecting the natural and cultural heritage of this remarkable place.
If you've already given, thank you. If you've been considering a gift, there's still an opportunity to make twice the impact.
Make a matched gift here.
As we look ahead, we're encouraged by the people who care so deeply about this landscape and its future. Together, we can continue the work of protecting it for generations to come.
Gratefully,
Bobbie Gaunt
Board Chair
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Updates to Ongoing Legal Matters
As a reminder, the Coastal Alliance is in the midst for four active legal proceedings. And three of the four have already helped establish legal protections for Public Participation in zoning and land-use decisions – that is a really big deal!
Below are brief updates on each of the cases.
The NorthShore appeal of the State’s marina denial. We are hopeful for a decision in the next six months. There is a possibility a decision could be appealed.
The Coastal Alliance zoning appeals. We anticipate some procedural rulings over the next several months and merits briefing shortly thereafter. Remember, the last 7 years have been spent establishing legal standing to appeal the local permit. In 2022 the Michigan Supreme Court ruled in favor of the Coastal Alliance. That decision set legal precedent in clarifying the criteria for establishing standing. This is a very significant win for Public Participation.
The NorthShore lawsuit against the Coastal Alliance and David Swan, personally. The Circuit Court Judge dismissed the case last year, but NorthShore has appealed to Michigan’s Court of Appeals. We are awaiting a date for oral argument and are hopeful for a decision in 2027. This case helped the Michigan Legislature to pass an anti-SLAPP (SLAPP – Strategic Lawsuit Against Public Participation) law that protects Public Participation. The law went into effect in March of this year.
The Van Horn sand mine and pond. The Coastal Alliance appeal of the State’s permit is now in Circuit Court. The Alliance is seeking an administrative review and asking the State to require the Van Horns to restore the area’s hydrology. The Alliance has strong scientific evidence to support this remedy. We anticipate this case taking perhaps up to a year before a decision is rendered, and if there are appeals, then longer. This case has already established significant changes to Michigan’s jurisprudence allowing for more Public Participation in Wetlands and Inland Lakes & Streams (Parts 303 and 301) decisions.
