Dunes, developer and preservationists

SAUGATUCK, Mich. (WOOD) - Preservationists fighting the development of a portion of the Saugatuck Dunes owned by energy executive Aubrey McClendon are turning to a new weapon in their battle: Historic preservation.

The National Trust For Historic Preservation says Saugatuck Dunes along Lake Michigan is on its latest nationwide list of most endangered historic places.

The group says the dunes in southwestern Michigan are among sites at risk of destruction or irreparable damage. The National Trust's 2010 list of America's 11 Most Endangered Historic Places was being released Wednesday.

The dunes include a sparsely developed landscape of beach, dunes, woods and wetlands. Some of that land has been protected as the Saugatuck Harbor Natural Area, but there are other parts that could be developed.

The National Trust since 1988 has identified more than 200 threatened places. Last year it named Saugatuck and the nearby town of Douglas to its annual list of America's Dozen Distinctive Destinations.

"What the National Trust for Historic Preservation 11 Most Endangered designation really is trying to preserve is the culture of the Dunes," said David Swan of the Saugatuck Dunes Coastal Alliance, "which encompasses many historical and cultural sites as well as the ecological habitat, significant habitat of the Saugatuck Dunes."

Members of the Alliance and their supporters took a boat tour Wednesday of the shoreline to view areas they believe have historic significance. It's part of their campaign against McClendon's development plan.

"The north McClendon (property) is not zoned for a marina. It's not zoned for a restaurant, it's not zoned for a hotel," Swan said.

While they haven't seen the specific study, McClendon's people said the National Trust for Historical Preservation's report has no basis in fact.

"We believe it's another tactic in a campaign by a small number of citizens who want to block Mr. McClendon and his Singapore Dunes Development concept," said Andy Guy of Wondergem Consulting, the public relations firm representing McClendon, an Oklahoma businessman and co-owner of the NBAs Oklahoma City Thunder.

There are three issues:

• The Legend of the Lost Town of Singapore. The historical trust claims it's an undisturbed lumber town buried under the dunes, while McClendon's people say it's a myth. Local historians tell both stories.
• Dunes Schooner Rides. The alliance said the rides are an important part of the area's cultural footprint and that McClendon is threatening to put the rides out of business. But McClendon's people said they've given permission for the rides to continue over certain areas of the dunes. Linus Starring, the owner of the Dunes Rides, said he hasn't heard anything yet about how the project may affect his business.
• Pine Rail Camp. The preservation group claims McClendon's project threatens the camp. Pine Trail Camp Executive Director Curt Bush said the camp is not going anywhere, and they have a good relationship with McClendon.

"It's unclear to us where the danger is for these assets," Guy told 24 Hour News 8.

But the Coastal Alliance said the reason the area landed on the endangered list goes well beyond those three examples. It's about what makes the area the attraction that it is.

"It's really a finely woven quilt, if you will of cultural, historical significance," Swan said.

Though they don't like his project, the Coastal Alliance has a great deal of respect for McClendon as a preservationist, and they hope this study convinces him to take another look at his plan.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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