MEC's Environmental History Project Gains Steam

Former Governor William G. Milliken and wife Helen were guests of honor at a reception and fundraiser for MEC's environmental history project Oct. 18 in Lansing. Over 100 persons attended the event, contributing tens of thousands of dollars to the project.

In brief remarks, Governor Milliken renewed his call for greater efforts by the state to preserve its valuable and sensitive lands, calling urban sprawl "a plague on the land." As the state's chief executive from 1969-1982, he championed state land use legislation, but the Legislature failed to enact the comprehensive reform he envisioned. It was one of the few environmental defeats of his tenure.

MEC's environmental history project will chronicle efforts by citizens to restore and protect Michigan's natural resources and environment over the last 160 years, communicating this inspiring story to current and future generations.