RESOLUTION IN SUPPORT OF MAINTAINING ALL SHORELAND OF SOUTH FOX ISLAND AND ALL RIGHTS OF WAY AS PUBLIC LAND TO MAINTAIN CONTINUOUS QUALITY WILDLIFE HABITAT AND PREVENT THE DESTRUCTION OF SAME .
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 are rapidly increasing in the Grand Traverse Region and surrounding counties.
WHEREAS, quality wildlife habitat is rapidly decreasing throughout our state.
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 Great Lakes Region.
WHEREAS, there are no places in this region that can equal the South Fox Island shoreline in terms of isolation, ease of access, uninterrupted expanse, and natural beauty while affording excellent wildlife habitat. (It provides excellent habitat for Piping Plover and other shorebirds.)
WHEREAS , the southern shoreline of South Fox Island, including the the cove provides a significant, critical, way station for numerous migrating birdspecies (Gulls, Terns, and other shore birds in particular)
WHEREAS, the South Fox Island shoreline that is presently in public ownership
provides an easily accessible haven as well as a breathtaking and idyllic visiting spot for all citizen boaters on Lake Michigan the value of which can only increase with the passage of time.
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the The Grand Traverse Audubon Club supports only those actions that will maintain all rights of way and all shoreline presently in the public trust to remain that way, primarily as wildlife habitat, relinquishing none to private persons or parties.
Adopted this 28th day of Sept 2000 by the Grand Traverse Audubon Club.
Robert Carstens
Vice-President – Environment
John Mesch
President – G.T. Audubon Club