In This Issue- State Policy Update
- Governor Appoints Rachel Kuntzsch, HOL Members to Blue Ribbon Panel on State Parks
- Project Highlights
- Transitions
- Job Opportunities
- Events and Training
Heart of the Lakes
Heart of the Lakes strengthens the collective efforts of land conservancies and organizations dedicated to the conservation of Michigan’s environmentally and economically significant lands. Heart of the Lakes provides leadership, innovative ideas, and advocates for smart public policy for the benefit of our communities and for generations to come. 
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Governor Appoints Rachel Kuntzsch, Heart of the Lakes Members to Blue Ribbon Panel on State Parks
 Governor Snyder recently appointed Rachel Kuntzsch, Executive Director of Heart of the Lakes, to a Blue Ribbon Panel on State Parks and Outdoor Recreation. The Governor’s Executive Order directs the panel to conduct a yearlong review of state parks and recreation areas and explore innovative models so that parks will better serve current and new generations of Michiganders. Tom Bailey, Executive Director of Little Traverse Conservancy and a founder of Heart of the Lakes, and Rich Bowman, Director of Government Relations for The Nature Conservancy in Michigan, another Heart of the Lakes member, were also appointed to the 16 member panel.
“State parks and recreation areas anchor Michigan’s vital network of public and private conservation lands,” said Rachel, “ We applaud the Governor for recognizing their significance and creating this panel to address the challenges and opportunities that face these critical assets. I am eager and honored to bring Heart of the Lakes’ voice to this important work.”
Read More
Executive Order
Project Highlights
Michigan's
land conservancies protect land, and in doing so, honor people and
places cherished by local communities
Conservancy Explores Vision for Former Camp
The Southwest Michigan Land Conservancy recently held a community forum in South Haven to create a vision for the future use, design and management of a former camp property once held by the Camp Fire Girls and the United Church of Christ. The donated property includes 800 feet of Lake Michigan shoreline, and holds lasting memories for many area residents.
 Preserve Honors Chippewa Woman
One of the Saginaw Basin Land Conservancy’s newest nature preserve honors a woman who was very important to the Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe. Mary Sagatoo brought hope and light to the tribe during the 33 years she lived with them. The new nature preserve bears the name given her by the Chippewas—Wah Sash Kah Moqua, meaning “there was darkness but your coming brings light”—and is being restored to its natural state of forested wetland, a rare wetland type in Michigan.
Transitions
Dr. Bruce Jones Leaves Incredible Legacy
 Heart of the Lakes was saddened to learn of the recent passing of Dr. Bruce Jones, founding member and long-term president of the Grosse Ile Nature and Land Conservancy. The Detroit River International Wildlife Refuge and environmental education were also particular passions of Bruce, and he was instrumental in saving Humbug Marsh from development and getting it incorporated in the Refuge. He leaves an incredible legacy as well as family, friends, colleagues and students who learned from Bruce and will continue to carry his conservation message.
Bob Robinson Joins Heart of the Lakes Team as Communications Manager
Heart of the Lakes (HOL) is delighted to announce the addition of Bob Robinson to our team as of September 6. As communications manager he will handle HOL print communications, websites, blog and social media. He will also lead event planning and promotion and support marketing efforts.
Job Opportunities
Executive Director
 The Land Conservancy of West Michigan currently invites applications for the position of Executive Director.
Events and Training
Ask An Expert Conference Call
How to be (and How to Support) an
Excellent Board Member
Friday, November 4, 2011
Noon to 1PM
No cost
Led by: Sara Wilson and Carol Mayes, Mayes|Wilson
Watch for registration information.
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At the request of Heart of the Lakes and others, Representative Frank Foster, Chair of the House Natural Resources, Tourism and Outdoor Recreation Committee, agreed to establish a stakeholder work group meeting to address Senate Bill 248, legislation that would cap the amount of land the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) can hold. Heart of the Lakes will join the work group when they meet this later this week. 