Annual Report 1999

INSTITUTE
COMMUNICATIONS
1999

CUTTING EDGE JOURNALISM
The power, clarity, and thoroughness of first-rate investigative journalism are the cornerstones of our strategy. Institute staffers write solution-oriented articles for state and national media, as well as our own two high-profile publications the Great Lakes Bulletin, a statewide magazine, and the Web site www.mlui.org. They have emerged as authoritative, singular voices for Michigan citizens seeking to become more involved in designing their own communities. In 1999 our publications influenced important decisions with such reports as: How construction at the Arcadia Bluffs golf course in Manistee County eroded tons of soil into Lake Michigan. We were the first to describe the magnitude of the pollution and attracted significant press coverage, including a piece in the New York Times. Our reportinxg elevated the issue, prompting the state Attorney General to propose a record $425,000 fine against the developers, and legislators to introduce a bill strengthening the state erosion control law. How the state Department of Agriculture actively encouraged the growth of livestock factories, yet failed to monitor their handling of massive amounts of manure. Our investigation prompted the state Auditor General's office to examine the Department of Agriculture's program for responding to complaints. How the pioneering land use work done by the Grand Rapids metro region, Whitewater Township in Grand Traverse County, and Macomb County can serve as inspiring models for other communities to follow.	To increase the effectiveness and reach of our journalism, the Institute in 1999 expanded our Web site. The site features up-to-date, relevant, and easily accessible information, a research library, and links to other land use and environmental policy organizations, state agencies, and elected officials. It's a site to see!
	The Bulletin circulates to 6,000 Institute members, government officials, and journalists. In 1999 Bulletin articles were cited or reprinted in the Detroit Free Press, the Detroit News, the Grand Rapids Press, the New York Times, the Washington Post, the New Republic, and on National Public Radio.

INSTITUTE
EVENTS
1999

An enthusiastic audience applauds Yvon Chouinard: who gave a deeper dimension to our principles of environmental protection.
Alan R. Kamuda/Detroit Free Press

In 1999, the Michigan Land Use Institute hosted nationally renowned speakers.

Yvon Chouinard, president of Patagonia, told a sold-out audience that anyone can be an environmental hero. Yvon spoke at an Oct. 28th fund-raising dinner at the Waterfront Inn in Traverse City. Having led his company's efforts to use organic cotton, he made a compelling case for corporate and personal responsibility.call tctv2 (231-922-1092) for a video.

Doug Peacock, author of Grizzly Years, spoke on behalf of the Institute in May in Traverse City, urging that we protect Michigan's public forests. Call tctv2 for a video (ask for Wild Places).

In May, the Institute co-sponsored a public meeting featuring John Norquist, New Urbanist mayor of Milwaukee, who told a full house of his successful efforts to rejuvenate this historic city. Mayor Norquist's visit was part of a busy summer that included our Fourth Annual Open House and Ice Cream Social. More than 100 members enjoyed an afternoon of fun and music. And in April, the Institute held its annual Bearthday Bash, drawing members and friends who danced to the music of the Fabulous Horn Dogs band at the Cabbage Shed restaurant in Elberta. Join us in 2000!

Return to top of page.