On behalf of the Southeast Michigan Group of the Sierra Club and our thousands of members across the region, we encourage you to take decisive action to preserve the Louellen Woughter Nature Preserve portion of the Highland Lakes campus by selling it to Oakland County Parks for permanent protection as public parkland.

This land is far more than just property — it is a living, vital part of our community's future. It supports local biodiversity, strengthens regional climate resilience, and provides an essential opportunity for residents to connect with nature. In an era where natural areas are rapidly disappearing, your stewardship of this site is critical. Areas like this in southern Oakland County are especially important since so much of the area has already been developed.

Access to nature is a fundamental need for healthy communities. Studies consistently show that time spent in natural areas improves both physical and mental health, and nearby parks and natural areas contribute to local economic vitality through recreation, tourism, increased property values and a greater quality of life. Selling this preserve to private developers would cut off the community from these benefits — forever.

As a public institution, OCC has a responsibility to protect the public good. We strongly oppose the sale of public lands such as this to private developers. This is not just about preserving open space — it is about maintaining the integrity of community assets for the benefit of current and future generations. Of course, OCC also has a fiduciary responsibility to the college. Consequently, we encourage working with an independent, licensed appraiser to determine a reasonable value of the property when considering selling it to an appropriate state, county, or local government agency or a land preservation organization.

Oakland County has already demonstrated its willingness and eagerness to purchase and preserve this land. While the original offer has expired, we understand the County remains committed to acquiring the property. We respectfully ask that you prioritize permanent protection by working with the County to finalize this important transaction, or another appropriate entity if the county purchase as parkland is unsuccessful.

Please also be aware that the Sierra Club closely follows important community and environmental issues such as this. We will be recording and publicly sharing how each trustee votes on this decision with our members and stakeholders. Your leadership on this issue and support for the important natural site’s preservation will not go unnoticed.

Your decision on this matter will shape your legacy. You have the opportunity to be remembered as leaders who stood for community health, environmental stewardship, climate resilience, and the preservation of Michigan’s precious biodiversity.

Please act now to ensure the Louellen Woughter Nature Preserve remains a natural refuge — a place where families can explore, wildlife can thrive, and future generations can enjoy the lasting benefits of a healthy environment.

Thank you for your consideration and commitment to our shared future.

Sincerely,

Southeast Michigan Group of the Sierra Club