Southwest Michigan Land Conservancy is Warren Parks Watchman
Judge Dewane rules group is qualified to monitor DNRE's handling of state parks
A judge on Tuesday ruled that the Southwest Michigan Land Conservancy is qualified to serve as watchdog to monitor the state's stewardship of Warren Dunes and Warren Woods parks.
June 30, 2010
By Herald Palladium
ST. JOSEPH - A judge on Tuesday ruled that the Southwest Michigan Land Conservancy is qualified to serve as watchdog to monitor the state's stewardship of Warren Dunes and Warren Woods parks.
Berrien County Trial Court Judge John Dewane made the finding after a hearing on a proposed amendment to a 2009 judgment that would give title to about 550 acres of park land to the Michigan Department of Natural Resources and Environment.
The court heard several witnesses and reviewed other information before concluding that the conservancy is qualified and has the capability to act independently as special trustee.
The hearing provided an opportunity for the public to comment on matters affecting the future of a popular resource. Warren Dunes on Lake Michigan near Bridgman is the state's busiest park, attracting more than a million visitors a year.
"We're looking down the road years and years," the judge said. "We don't know what's going to happen."
Portage-based SWMLC would serve as monitor under the proposed amended judgment, which is supported by the conservancy, the state attorney general's office and others involved in litigation over the land and its trustee.
Dewane said that when certain changes are made, as agreed by all parties, he will sign the amended judgment.
The Department of Natural Resources, now the DNRE, was appointed successor trustee for the land in 2009, but the judge left the title vested in the court, saying that additional oversight was needed. Continue Reading on Herald Palladium website
