Proposal from Outdoor Discovery Center to Conduct City-Wide Invasive Species Survey and Management Recommendations

City Council Agenda Item Report FROM:

Scott Herbert – Public Works Superintendent

MEETING DATE:

April 8, 2026 Workshop / April 13, 2026 Regular Meeting

SUBJECT:

City-Wide Invasive Species Survey & Management Plan

DESCRIPTION: City staff reached out to multiple organizations to solicit proposals to develop a comprehensive, city-wide approach to identify and manage invasive species within the City of Saugatuck. The intent of this effort is to establish a data-driven foundation for future invasive species control, habitat restoration, and long-term ecological stewardship. Staff received four proposals: •

Kalamazoo Nature Center (KNC) proposes a right-of-way focused survey identifying six high-risk invasive species. Their work includes GPS mapping through the MISIN database, photographic documentation, and a final report. The survey would be conducted over a one-week period in August, with a total project cost not to exceed $48,000. Outdoor Discovery Center (ODC) proposed a more comprehensive, multi-season survey (May -September) covering right-of-ways, parks, and natural areas. Their proposal includes a detailed report with mapping, key findings, and ranked priorities. The total project cost is $26,000. PlantWise submitted a proposal to survey approximately 150 acres of City parks, natural areas, and right-ofways. Proposal also includes 169 acres at the Saugatuck Wilds. In addition to inventorying invasive species, PlantWise would provide a management recommendation report and a native species planting list. The total project cost is $28,250. Allegan Conservation District provided an estimate recommending approximately $15,000 for first-year invasive species treatment based on MISIN data and known conditions within the City. There would be no cost to the City for surveying urban properties and City right of ways. For larger properties such as Oval Beach and Saugatuck Wilds, there would be a fee associated for time spent surveying and mileage. The additional charge for surveying both properties is $7,728, bringing the total cost to $22,728.

While each proposal varies in scope, methodology, and cost, all emphasize the importance of establishing a baseline inventory and prioritization framework before implementing treatment strategies. After reviewing all proposals, staff recommends awarding the City-wide invasive species survey and management recommendations project to ODC. ODC’s team has extensive experience with invasive species management in Michigan and is already managing two other City projects this summer. Selecting ODC will allow for continuity across

projects, efficient coordination, and integration of survey data with existing initiatives, providing the City with the most comprehensive and actionable information for future treatment and habitat management. BUDGET ACTION REQUIRED: Sufficient dollars were budgeted for invasive species treatment and evaluation under public works contractual services. COMMITTEE/COMMISSION REVIEW: Parks & Public Works Committee recommends accepting the proposal from the Outdoor Discovery Center. LEGAL REVIEW: N/A SAMPLE MOTION: Motion to approve the proposal from ODC to conduct the City-Wide invasive species survey and management recommendations project in an amount of $26,000.

PROPOSAL FOR CONSERVATION SERVICES This proposal was created for: City of Saugatuck 102 Butler St, Saugatuck, MI 49453 General Background and Scope of Work: This proposal outlines a plan to conduct a comprehensive survey of invasive species and ecological threats within the City of Saugatuck. The purpose of this survey is to identify current and emerging ecological risks, enabling city staff and partners to prioritize management actions effectively and maintain the ecological quality of the city’s natural areas and right-of-ways. We recommend the following work plan in 2026: 1. Invasive Species Survey ▪ Conduct a comprehensive survey within the City of Saugatuck (see Appendix A for map) to identify existing and emerging invasive species and other potential ecological threats. ▪ Surveys will include both road-side monitoring of public right-of-ways, as well as walking surveys within parks, natural areas, and other greenspaces. ▪ Field surveys will take place during multiple periods of the growing season to capture seasonal variation and ensure a holistic assessment of the plant communities: • Spring-early summer 2026 • Late summer-early fall 2026 ▪ Following completion of the field surveys, we will provide a detailed written report accompanied by key findings, maps, and ranked priorities of invasive species threats within the City. ▪ Target date for report submission: October 15, 2026 Project Timeline: • Field surveys will conducted between May-September of 2026. • Completed report will be submitted by October 15, 2026. Project Budget: • Invasive Species Survey & Report o All parcels and natural areas outlined in Appendix A - $22,000 (50% billed in June, 50% billed upon submission of report) ☐ o Saugatuck Wilds Park (~170 acres) - $4,000 (50% billed in June, 50% billed upon submission of report) ☐ *PLEASE CHECK THE APPROPRIATE BOXES ABOVE TO INDICATE ACCEPTED SERVICES. TO ENSURE TIMELY SCHEDULING AND SERVICE DELIVERY, PLEASE RESPOND PROMPTLY. DELAYS IN RESPONSE MAY RESULT IN CHANGES TO PROPOSED PROJECT TIMELINE OR AVAILABILITY. Exclusions: The following items are excluded from this proposal: • Creation of long-term stewardship or management plan. • Treatment of any identified invasive species. • Assessment of privately owned parcels (unless written permission is granted beforehand). • Detailed assessments of natural communities beyond general invasive species observations. • Permitting, regulatory approvals, or coordination with other agencies required for management actions. While not covered under this proposal, we are happy to provide proposals for any of the above items upon request. Note: This proposal accounts for pricing of all labor, materials, and equipment necessary to execute the outlined work plan. If additional work is required beyond the scope of this proposal, we will provide written notification and pricing will be determined on a time and materials basis. INITIAL _____

Qualifications: ODC Conservation Services staff is staffed by highly qualified conservation professionals with extensive experience in invasive species management, habitat assessment, and ecological restoration. • ODC Network, and its subsidiaries, is a fully insured 501c3 and carries an extensive liability policy to conduct habitat improvement services in Michigan. • State licensed herbicide applicators with certifications in Forest Pest, Right-of-Way, and Aquatic pesticide application. • Manage 2,500+ acres of natural area across Michigan. • Combined 25+ years’ experience in invasive species management. • Successfully restored over 250 acres of native prairie habitat. • Experienced consultants in invasive species management, habitat assessment, and ecological restoration. • Experience designing, installing, and maintaining native gardens/landscape beds. • Proficient in identification of native and non-native Michigan flora and fauna. • Advanced wetland delineation certification. • Experienced GIS professionals. We appreciate the opportunity to submit this proposal. We look forward to discussing the opportunity further with you. Please do not hesitate to ask questions or clarifications. If you choose to accept this proposal, please sign and return a copy.

Tanner Bricker, Conservation Services Director ODC Network

If you wish to accept this proposal, please initial each page, as well as sign and date below:

________________________________________________ Signature of Authorized Property Owner/Manager

_____________________________ Date

INITIAL _____

Appendix A: Map of Survey Area

INITIAL _____

Contractor Bid Proposal for City of Saugatuck:

Invasive species surveying, mapping, and reporting of right of way areas within city limits CONTRACTOR INFORMATION Company: Kalamazoo Nature Center, Ecological Services Address: 7000 N Westnedge Ave Kalamazoo, MI 49009 ecoservices@naturecenter.org https://naturecenter.org/conservation/ecoservices/ Project Manager: Luke Allison Title: Ecological Services Director

SUMMARY The Kalamazoo Nature Center (KNC) Ecological Services Team offers this proposal to support the City of Saugatuck’s objectives for decreasing non-native invasive species within the city limits. The final product of this survey effort will locate and quantify populations of six invasive species. This information will serve as a crucial tool for future development and implementation of successful control strategies. The KNC team has significant capacity and relevant experience in successfully planning and implementing biological surveys and providing high levels of customer satisfaction in sustainable habitat stewardship. The Kalamazoo Nature Center is a not-for-profit organization located in Kalamazoo, Michigan whose mission is to create relationships and experiences that welcome and inspire people to discover, enjoy, value, and care for nature.

PROJECT PLAN KNC Ecological Services team will visually survey all public right-of-way from sidewalk and roadside within the City of Saugatuck and the section of Interurban Trail bisecting the Peterson Preserve. The city limits of Saugatuck are best described as north of Campbell Rd, south of North St, and west of Maple St to the Lake Michigan shoreline. The focus of the survey will be to accurately map, photograph, and quantify the 6 highest-risk invasive species in Saugatuck. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6.

Phragmites, Phragmites australis Japanese Knotweed, Fallopia japonica Tree of Heaven, Allianthus altissima Asiatic Bittersweet, Celastrus orbiculatus Autumn Olive, Elaeagnus umbellata Purple Loosestrife, Lythrum salicaria

These species have been selected based upon their likeliness to be prevalent within the rightof-way and their threat to infrastructure and habitat integrity within the areas where they occur. All data will be collected via the Michigan Invasive Species Information Network (MISIN) mapping tool. MISIN maintains a database of invasive species within the state with the map viewing feature anyone can view the GPS information. GIS/GPS data can easily be extracted from MISIN by request to be used for use on other platforms. PROJECT TIMELINE 1. June/July - Pre-survey scouting, planning of survey routes, secure lodging. 2. Early August - KNC’s Ecological Services team will complete a week-long survey and mapping effort. 3. October – Final report of findings will be completed and shared with Saugatuck Staff.

Kalamazoo Nature Center 7000 N. Westnedge Avenue Kalamazoo, MI 49009

PROJECT WORK PLAN AND ESTIMATE FOR

City of Saugatuck

Invoice Date

3/17/2026

Contact Name: Billing Address: Phone: Email:

ESTIMATE

$47,960.00

Client Name City of Saugatuck

Date

Service Description: Invasives Survey

Description

SUM 2026

PROJ #

Estimate good for 90 days

26126 Quantity Unit

Line Total

Surveying Labor

hours

32,000.00

Mileage/Transportation/Parking

days

3,400.00

Technology

days

1,000.00

Overnight Lodging

nights

8,120.00

Project Management and Reporting

hours

3,440.00

PROJ# 26126

LABOR

35,440.00

KNC Billing Code: 408-01-330-359

MILEAGE

3,400.00

Site Lead: Luke Allison

EQUIPMENT

1,000.00

Site Address: City of Saugatuck right of ways

Overnight

8,120.00

# Work Days: 5

SUBTOTAL

47,960.00

Crew Hours: 363

Service Description: Visual surveying, mapping, and reporting of select non-native invasive species within the public right-of-ways in the City of Saugatuck. Species of focus; Phragmites, Japanese Knotweed, Tree of Heaven, Asiatic Bittersweet, Autumn Olive, Purple Loosestrife.

*Mark up includes any incidentals and additional expenses or expense variances needed to complete the project

TOTAL

47,960.00

This is an estimate, actual invoices will be based on specific costs and quantities of materials purchased and actual labor time spent on the project. View Full Terms and Conditions in the Client Agreement. The Project must be accepted by signing the Client Agreement before work can begin. For questions regarding this estimate or to set a work schedule, please contact ecoservices@naturecenter.org or call Stephanie Diep 269-978-6872. Thank You!

Thank you for trusting us with your habitat. By choosing KNC's Ecological Services, you support the broader conservation work of the Kalamazoo Nature Center. Proceeds from our client services ensure the sustainability of KNC's longstanding bird observatory, programs that engage the community in wildlife research, and the stewardship of over 1,500 acres of natural areas. To learn more, please visit naturecenter.org/conservation.