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August 24, 2001'Coastal Partnership' works to build Bay tiesSUTTONS BAY - It's not often that adults get a chance to play in mud, sing sailing songs and steer a schooner. But that's just what local government officials and planners were doing as part of the first "Building A Coastal Partnership" meeting this week in Suttons Bay. The daylong program titled "What's Up With the Bay?" featured morning presentations on exotic species in Grand Traverse Bay; local, state and federal laws governing shoreline resources; and a report on the state of Grand Traverse Bay. In the afternoon the representatives of 18 coastal governmental units visited Suttons Bay on the education schooner Inland Seas. Christopher Wright, executive director of The Watershed Center Grand Traverse Bay, said he was enthused that nearly two-thirds of coastal units of tribal, county and township government participated. "It will take collective action to protect the bay," he said. "Growth will get more demanding, not less." Sherrin Hood, planner for Acme Township, said that it was important for officials to get out and "renew their spirits" and to find the energy to "hold the line" when balancing conservation and development. As the trip ended, singing broke out during a dockside group photo. Wright said he hopes this enthusiasm translates into further development of the Coastal Partnership. Two more meetings are planned, including one Sept. 20 in the township hall on Old Mission Peninsula. |