Group could close on dunes by Dec. 31

SAUGATUCK, Mich. (WOOD) - The Land Conservancy of West Michigan Board of Directors voted to accept a newly negotiated price of $19 million to purchase the Saugatuck Harbor Natural Area, a 171-acre south portion of the McClendon property.

Conservancy executive director Peter Homeyer said he is "very optimistic" the board will close on the property by the end of the year.

The board approved a purchase agreement earlier this year for $20 million, contingent on a $12.6 million grant award.

"Our board took a courageous step forward tonight," Homeyer said in a news release. "We're heartened in doing so because of the generosity from a number of key individuals who pledged their support to this project this week, including John A. Woollam, and Liz and Todd Warnock. Their commitment, coupled with the new purchase price, was crucial at this juncture in helping us bridge the funding gap."

But there's still work to do for the group in raising the remaining funds.

The land sits on each side of the mouth of the Kalamazoo River. McClendon, a billionaire who is an owner of the NBA's Oklahoma City Thunder, bought the 402 acres in 2006 and plans to develop the property on the north side of the river.