For example, while they are not an endangered species, Upland Sandpipers have declined in numbers over much of their range, almost disappearing from several states. This bird's characteristic long neck , short bill, large dark eyes and longer tail help to identify it from other shoreline birds. This amazing bird comes all the way from Argentina, Uruguay, and southernmost parts of Brazil to nest and raise its young right here in Benzie County where developers want to build a golf course, a hotel, condos, hundreds of homes, and an assisted care facility. Consider the black bear, which also includes the proposed development site in its wide habitat. In order to sustain a healthy diet of plants, insects, and small mammals, a bear needs range wide to supply its needs, which is why having large open spaces like the proposed development is so important.
Badgers makes use of the sandy soils in the northern end of the proposed site.
Development is inevitable in Benzie County. The important thing to consider is how to develop the land to make sure wildlife thrives. This development, as proposed, is too dense, takes too much land and will hurt the area's wildlife. There are better ways to develop land and the Stone Ridge Farm development is not one of them. Open space zoning ordinances are available to protect wildlife habitat from high impact modern developments, and keep the land as natural as possible.