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Michigan
Environmental Report
Volume 22 . Number 6
December 2004
PURPOSE
Founded in 1980,
MEC is a coalition of over 60 environmental, public health, and faith-based
organizations with nearly 200,000 individual members. For over
20 years, MEC has provided a voice at the State Capitol. In addition
to serving as a clearinghouse of environmental information, MEC develops
public policy, educates elected officials and the public, and provides
training and support to member organizations.
The Michigan
Environmental Report is an official publication of the Michigan Environmental
Council. Copyright 2004.
SUBSCRIBE
OFFICERS
Chairperson
Chris Graham,
Michigan Natural Areas Council
Vice
Chair
Vicki Levengood,
National Environmental Trust
Vice Chair
Terry Miller,
Lone Tree Council
Treasurer
Tom Leonard,
West Michigan Environmental Action Council
Secretary
Brian Imus,
PIRGIM
MEC STAFF
President
Lana Pollack
Policy Director
James Clift
Associate Director
Patrick Diehl
Land Programs Director
Conan Smith
Special Projects Coodinator
Brad Garmon
Office Manager
Judy Bearup
Member Services Director
Michele Scarborough
Policy Specialist
David Gard
Policy Advisor
Dave Dempsey
Environmental
Campaign Coordinator
Wendi Tilden
ECCO Field Director
Stephanie Anderson
Land
Programs Assistant
Ben Stupka
MER Design & Layout
Rose Homa
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Family lands protected:
The Beckwith Conservancy
Fran
and Campbell Laird donated the nature preserve known as
the Beckwith Conservancy, after Fran's family name, to
the Washtenaw Land Trust in 1999. The land, located in
Stockbridge, Michigan, was donated to honor the memory
of Fran's parents and her sister.
Fran and Campbell, who had moved to Pennsylvania, plan
to return to Michigan and to the Beckwith Conservancy
next year. Suzie Heiney of the Washtenaw Land Trust staff
spoke by phone with Fran from her home in Radnor, Pennsylvania.
What
do you see when I say the words "Beckwith Conservancy?"
First, I see 30 acres of land that is preserved, that
cannot be built on or developed. I see lots of possibilities
for use by…anyone who is interested in nature.
I see a place for people to walk and find quiet and
spiritual renewal.
Why
did you choose to donate this land as a public nature
preserve?
My parents had always been very open about letting people
wander through the woods. I felt that I should keep
that spirit of openness and accessibility-and of "welcomeness"-that
my parents always had.
What
suggestions do you have for improving the process of
donating land or development rights?
First, you make it known that this is possible and make
a simple outline of the steps that you take. I think
if more people knew… it's a matter of knowing it's
a possibility, that if you have a piece of property
that has special meaning and special natural features
that you would hate to see disappear, that it is possible
to protect it.
Development
pressure seems to be increasing in our region. What
changes do you notice the most?
When I lived in Stockbridge as a child, it was a rural
community. Now, the distinction between city and village
and country is being erased.
What
would you tell other landowners who are considering
protecting their land?
I would encourage them to think seriously about it.
If you value open spaces and open land, you must protect
it now, not wait.
For more information on land protection, contact the
Washtenaw Land Trust at (734) 302-LAND(5263) or www.washtenawlandtrust.org.
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