Kalamazoo River Greenway Presentation and Funding Request

City Council Agenda Item Report FROM:

Ryan Cummins, City Manager

MEETING DATE:

Jume 18, 2025

SUBJECT:

Kalamazoo River Greenway Plan Presentation and Request for Financial Investment

DESCRIPTION: In 2018, in partnership with the Outdoor Discovery Center (ODC) and municipalities throughout the County, a lower Kalamazoo River Greenway Plan was created. In 2019, City Council endorsed the plan as an advisory document to guide a comprehensive approach to restoring the Kalamazoo River and its tributaries and help engage public involvement to determine financial feasibility of any proposed projects. A copy of the plan can be viewed here: https://tinyurl.com/ry4r7s The ODC recently held a meeting with other tri-community stakeholders to discuss the progress we have made on the plan. The City had a lot of great progress to report on the goals of the plan including: • •

Intercommunity Pathway o We remain hard at work on this with the Township, Douglas and Friends of the Blue Star Trail. Accessible launch o We continue to have a boat launch on Spear and we have now transient/shopper boat docks installed outside of Coughlin Park. Habitat Restoration in Saugatuck Harbor Natural Area o We had the Land Conservancy do an updated assessment of SHNA and incorporated their assessment into updates of the SHNA Master Plan. o The wildlife committee has made recommendations on the deer concerns. Harbor Sediment Removal/Management o The Harbor Authority has requested funding support for consulting services to define goals and work that is needed in the harbor.

o The Township Manager and I recently met with the Army Corps staff to discuss regular dredging of their areas of responsibility and to discuss a request to conduct further sediment testing. Invasive Species Treatment in Habor o We have been treating for Milfoil. Green Stormwater Infrastructure o We now have our engineer reviewing new building or extensive addition plans and making sure that proper stormwater is incorporated into the plans. We have previously allowed ODC to install temporary rain barrels around downtown for education. The Parks and Public Works Committee recently received an educational presentation on stormwater management. Concrete repairs are in the works for the boardwalk. Saugatuck Wilds Nature Preserve will be opening soon to the public. Improvements to the Mt. Baldhead restrooms and upper platform are actively being worked on. The City Council approved a new Waterfront Preservation zoning ordinance.

The Outdoor Discovery would like to present an update to City Council and financial request to help fund future projects. They are doing the same with Douglas and the Township. If Council is interested in providing financial support, further clarity should be provided on which projects would be prioritized. Council should also advise whether there is interest in the City participating in an advisory board and if so, who should represent the City. LEGAL REVIEW: N/A at this time. SAMPLE MOTION: N/A. Workshop item at this time.

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May 19, 2025 Ryan Cummins, City Manager Holly Anderson, Mayor 102 Butler St Saugatuck, MI 49453 Dear Ryan and Holly, On behalf of ODC Network, I would like to express our gratitude to Saugatuck for collaborating with us on many community initiatives. We would like to thank Saugatuck for your interest in partnering with us in the important work to implement a greenway corridor along the Kalamazoo River addressing environmental restoration, recreation, conservation and education. The Kalamazoo River Greenway plan was completed in 2018 with the goal to bring communities together with a shared interest in environmental stewardship and economic vitality. Saugatuck established a resolution to endorse the Lower Kalamazoo Greenway Plan on June 10, 2019 to be used as an advisory document guiding public officials on a comprehensive approach to the Kalamazoo River and its tributaries and engage public involvement to determine financial feasibility of any proposed projects. If Saugatuck were to establish financial support of the Kalamazoo River Greenway it would be pivotal in the advancement of the plan’s goals. We are excited to work on issues of importance to Saugatuck, including but not limited to: ● ● ● ● ● ●

Habitat conservation Invasive species consultation Recreation programming Project management Grant writing for the KRG Mission Inter-park pathway planning/development

Trail development & review EPA Superfund coordination Educational programs Water trail establishment Property acquisition planning Community/school collaboration

Our continued partnership with Saugatuck is very important for our organization and the community. In light of this, we respectfully request a 2025 financial investment of $5,000-$10,000 for the Kalamazoo River Greenway. By collaborating with local units of government, corporations, foundations and individuals, we can create a vibrant community for people to live, work, play and learn. Thank you again for your support and leadership in our community. Please feel free to contact us should you have any questions. Sincerely,

Dan Callam, ODC Greenways Manager

Kalamazoo River Greenway June 18, 2025 11

Meeting Outline ●Kalamazoo River Greenway (KRG) Plan ● Kalamazoo River Greenway Plan Stakeholder Update ●Municipal Resolution ●ODC Network Scope of Work ●Funding Framework ●Long-Term Goals

TRI-COMMUNITY PARKS AND RECREATION VISION Cultivate a unified park system that offers diverse recreational opportunities for our vibrant and engaged community, expands upon our legacy of coastal conservation and environmental stewardship, and welcomes and inspires all who visit. Created by the Tri-Community Parks and Recreation Master Plan Steering Committee, 2023

Kalamazoo River Greenway Plan History ● Established the plan in 2018 ● Designed for collaborative planning efforts addressing environmental restoration, recreation, conservation and education ● 300+ stakeholders engaged over 15 months ● Resolutions signed by municipalities 2019-2020

Update to Activities Along the River •

Calkins Dam

City of Allegan Dam

Trowbridge Dam

Consumers evaluating dam fleet, decision in Q2 City planning for dam removal with help from EPA, DNR Removal currently underway

Longer-term restoration work in Otsego, Plainwell Agriculture’s ongoing impact Kalamazoo River Watershed Council 16

City of the Saugatuck Resolution No. 190610-A ● Signed June 10, 2019 ● Whereas, the Greenway Plan was designed to bring together the diverse communities scattered along the Kalamazoo, Rabbit and Gun Rivers to coordinate planning efforts and work together as a unified county on addressing ecological, educational, and developmental issues related to the river… ● Whereas the Greenway Plan address issues related to environmental restoration, recreation, conservation and education which may include seeking collaboration and funding for projects such as… ● Be it resolved the Saugatuck Council hereby endorses the Lower Kalamazoo River Greenway Plan to used as an advisory document guiding public officials on a comprehensive approach to restoring the Kzoo River and its tributaries and help engage public involvement to determine financial feasibility of proposed projects. 17

ODC Work Scope (not Limited to…) ● ● ● ● ● ● ●

Habitat conservation Invasive species consultation Recreation programs Project management with annual report and meetings Grant writing related to KRG mission School partnership Multi-community collaboration for regional plan

EPA Superfund coordination Educational programs Water trail establishment Natural area consultation Trail development and review Property acquisition planning Inter-park pathway planning and development

KRG Update/Outcomes ● Area stakeholder meeting April 22, 2025 ○ Short-Term Ideas ■ Advisory Board ■ Universal logo on tri-community signage ■ ODC funded to manage plan ■ Water Trail ■ Education/Access to River ○ Long-term Ideas ■ Land Acquisition ■ Connectivity of trails, parks, downtowns ■ Pure Michigan Trail Town

Funding Framework ●

Muncipalities: $5,000-$10,000 annually ○ ○ ○ ○

Non-profits: $5,000-$10,000 annually ○

City of Saugatuck Saugatuck Township City of the Village of Douglas Fennville S/D Rotary

Business Endowment

Project Possibilities ● Water trail ○ Mapping/Signage ● Community Clean-ups ● Educational programs ● Green Stormwater projects ○ Rain gardens/barrels ● Pocket prairies ● Collaborate with SPS students ● Reforestation ● Meadow restoration ● Water Quality Studies ● River Restoration

● Conservation ● Wayfinding and Signage ○ Universal across towns ● Best Management Practices w/ agriculture or homeowners ● Land Acquisition ● Connectivity of Trails ● Dark Sky Initiatives ● Pure Michigan Trail Designations ● Safe River Access Points

Next Steps… ● ● ● ● ●

Presentations to KRG funding partners (May-June) Funding decisions made in June Meet individually with partner/stakeholders to determine their key priorities/values Host first Advisory Board meeting to define KRG Plan update, process and goals for 2025 Continue to build an incredible, collaborative quality of life for our community

CITY OF SAUGATUCK COUNTY OF ALLEGAN STATE OF MICHIGAN RESOLUTION NO. 190610-A A RESOLUTION TO ENDORSE THE LOWER KALAMAZOO RIVER GREENWAY PLAN Council Member Johnson, offered the following resolution and moved for its adoption, seconded by Council Member Spangler: WHEREAS, The Kalamazoo River and Kalamazoo Lake, located in City of Saugatuck, traverses approximately two miles of the City of Saugatuck, a prominent and defining feature of the City closest to the mouth at Lake Michigan; and WHEREAS, At the request and with the assistance of State Representative Mary Whiteford, the Outdoor Discovery Center Network (ODC) began developing a plan for a greenway corridor in Allegan County along the Kalamazoo River in January of 2018; and WHEREAS, The Greenway Plan was designed to bring together the diverse communities scattered along the Kalamazoo, Rabbit, and Gun Rivers to coordinate planning efforts and work together as a unified county on addressing ecological, educational, and developmental issues related to the river; and WHEREAS, Through a planning process that involved over 300 people and dozens of meetings, the Greenway Plan was developed to identify types of projects along the river corridor; and WHEREAS, The Greenway Plan reflects the feedback received during the planning process, yet remains adaptive and flexible enough to be updated or adapted based on future needs and accomplished projects; and WHEREAS, The Greenway Plan addresses issues related to environmental restoration, recreation, conservation, and education which may include seeking collaboration and funding for projects such as improving river access, addressing pollutants, treating invasive species, creating pathways, creating improved educational opportunities, and preserving the highest quality habitats. NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED the City of Saugatuck City Council hereby endorses the Lower Kalamazoo River Greenway Plan to be used as an advisory document guiding public officials on a comprehensive approach to restoring the Kalamazoo River and its tributaries and help engage public involvement to determine financial feasibility (tax payer capacity) of any proposed projects. YEAS: Council Members: Johnson, Spangler, Hess, Bekken, Peterson, Verplank & Trester NAYS: Council Members: None ABSTAIN: Council Members: None ABSENT: Council Members: None

ADOPTED this 10th day of June, 2019 Signed:

Ken Trester, Mayor

Signed: ____________________________ Monica Nagel, City Clerk

CERTIFICATION I, Monica Nagel, the duly appointed clerk of the City of Saugatuck do hereby certify the foregoing is a true and complete copy of a resolution adopted by the Saugatuck City Council at a regular meeting held June 10, 2019, in compliance with the Open Meetings Act, Act No. 267 of the Public Acts of Michigan, 1976, as amended. The minutes of the meeting were kept and will be or have been made available as required by said Act. Signed: ____________________________ Monica Nagel, City Clerk