RESOLUTION IN SUPPORT OF MAINTAINING CONTINUOUS QUALITY
WILDLIFE HABITAT IN ALL UNDEVELOPED AREAS SURROUNDING
THE NORTHPORT LIGHTHOUSE AND PREVENTING THE DESTRUCTION
OF SAME THROUGH DEVELOPMENT THAT IS UNNECESSARY TO
PRESERVING A HISTORICAL SITE.
WHEREAS, public lands are essential to the spiritual and
recreational needs of all of our citizens and affect
their health and well-being.
WHEREAS, population and development is rapidly
increasing in Leelanau and surrounding counties.
WHEREAS, quality wildlife habitat is rapidly decreasing
throughout the region.
WHEREAS, places of natural beauty, inhabited by a
variety of wildlife, greatly enhance the quality of life
for all who live in and visit this region.
WHEREAS, the federal government is no longer interested
in retaining ownership of the 14 acre parcel upon which
the lighthouse stands.
WHEREAS, the attempt of citizens to obtain the quality
beaches of South Fox Island and the tendency of the
present administration of the State of Michigan to sell
or trade tracts of state land to private interests
indicates another potential threat to this valued
migratory bird sanctuary.
WHEREAS, the undeveloped area surrounding the lighthouse
provides habitat not only for animals but threatened
plants including Pitcher¹s Thistle and Dwarf Lake Iris.
WHEREAS, the wetland immediately south of the lighthouse
with its beautiful cedar trees, the undeveloped beach
areas east and west, and the the wooded parkland
adjacent to all of this are very significant and
irreplacable places for the many migrating
bird species which will utilize and have utilized this
State Park and Lighthouse Area for centuries as a
stop-off place as they migrate north.
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the The Grand Traverse
Audubon Club supports any action that facilitates the
transfer of the 14 acre lighthouse parcel to the
Michigan DNR, recognizing its importance as a migratory
haven as well as a place of important historical
significance, with language protecting its ownership by
the public and protecting its character as wildlife
habitat and migratory bird sanctuary for the use and
appreciation by future generations of American citizens.
Adopted this 5th day of August 2000 by the Grand
Traverse Audubon Club .
Robert Carstens
Vice-President -Environment
John Mesch
President – G.T. Audubon Club