In the 1960s, we fought and won in Washington, DC to protect landowners.
Today, we’re fighting to keep our communities whole.
History of the Sleeping Bear Gateways Council (SBGC) (1960s – 2026)
SBGC has evolved from a citizen advocacy group into a community-focused nonprofit working to preserve and strengthen the future of Sleeping Bear’s gateway communities through land purchases donated to Community Land Trusts.
Origins: 1960s–1970s (Citizen Advocacy)
- SBGC began as the Citizens Council of the Sleeping Bear Dunes area in the 1960s. It was formed as a citizens advocacy group to represent property owners in response to the creation of the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore (1970), which brought major changes to land ownership and community dynamics.
- The group’s early role was to: Advocate for local residents and landowners (including those that opposed the Parks use of eminent domain) and address concerns about park boundaries, access, and property rights
Middle Years: 1970s–2010s (Ongoing Community Role)
- For decades, the organization remained active with local residents representing local interests navigating issues between the National Park and surrounding communities. One of the most significant achievements by the council Historic Agreement Protecting Private Property Rights. The Citizens Council board successfully negotiated in Washington, D.C. to limit the use of eminent domain for expansion of the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. Under this agreement, the park committed through federal law that future expansion of its footprint would occur only through voluntary sales from willing property owners, not forced acquisition.
One of the additions was a parcel, known locally as “the Kettles,” which is made up many bowl-shaped depressions left when buried ice blocks melted after glaciers retreated. This was a key area the park had long sought to preserve. Today you can take a three-mile walk on the Kettle Trail.
This compromise represented a pivotal moment—balancing private property rights with the long-term conservation goals of the national lakeshore.
Transformation: 2018 – Today (Modern SBGC)
- In 2018, the organization was restructured and renamed the Sleeping Bear Gateways Council (SBGC). Our mission shifted to: Long-range planning with Community collaboration and sustainability with a focus on Attainable Workforce Housing to restore a balance needed to protect both the character and the strong local economy that we all enjoy.
Today:
- Staffed entirely by volunteers and funded by donations from local residents, no tax dollars are used! SBGC is charged with purchasing land for long term attainable housing then gifting it to a Community Land Trust, (CLT) for 99 years ensuring it is used solely for attainable workforce housing where there is no land costs to the homeowner. Allowing our 1st responders, nurses, teachers, road commission and essential workforce families to qualify for a mortgage and be able to live where they work.
“This isn’t about adding something new, it’s about preserving what we already value.”