Mt. Baldhead/Saugatuck Harbor Natural Area Invasive Species and Revegetation

Parks & Public Works Committee Agenda Item Report

FROM:

Scott Herbert – Public Works Superintendent

MEETING DATE:

September 23, 2025

SUBJECT:

Mt. Baldhead/Saugatuck Harbor Natural Area Invasive Species and Revegetation

DESCRIPTION: At the City Council’s 2025 Strategic Planning session held in January, City Council prioritized revegetation the Mt. Baldhead slope in areas where herbicide applications killed foliage and left bare spots on the dune when treating Asian Bittersweet. Parks & Public Works Committee members and City staff have solicited contractor quotes for consultation and service proposals for Mt. Baldhead and the Saugatuck Harbor Natural Area. The Kalamazoo Nature Center, Outdoor Discovery Center, and PLM Lake and Management Corp were contacted to assist with this project, however, only the Kalamazoo Nature Center and Outdoor Discovery Center have provided quotes so far. Enclosed is the information provided by both entities for review and discussion. BUDGET ACTION REQUIRED: N/A COMMITTEE/COMMISSION REVIEW: N/A LEGAL REVIEW: N/A SAMPLE MOTION: Discussion only.

PROPOSAL FOR CONSERVATION SERVICES This proposal was created for: City of Saugatuck – Mount Baldhead Park Mt Baldhead Park Trail, Saugatuck, MI 49453 General Background and Scope of Work: The purpose of this proposal is to restore ecological health at Mount Baldhead through targeted invasive species management and the replanting of native dune vegetation. Previous control efforts done by a separate contractor inadvertently caused mortality to significant canopy cover and reduced dune stabilization, creating openings now dominated by invasive plants. Following a recent survey of the site, our team recommends the following management and replanting plan for 2026: 1. Invasive Species Management (see Appendix A for map) ▪ Several highly invasive species are present that threaten the integrity of the dune habitat, including: garlic mustard, multiflora rose, Asian bittersweet, Japanese barberry, tree-of-heaven, phragmites, and black locust. ▪ Our management approach will prioritize safe and targeted control methods that avoid unnecessary herbicide use and prevent damage to surrounding vegetation. Hand pulling will be implemented where practical, while cut-stump treatments will be used to ensure precise and minimal herbicide applications. When foliar applications are necessary, they will be applied selectively and with safeguards to prevent off-target impacts. ▪ Includes procurement of all necessary permitting to apply herbicides through EGLE and MDARD. ▪ Note: Many of the invasive species listed above typically require sustained and repeated management to successfully control. Effective treatment generally requires repeated management efforts over a period of multiple years to achieve meaningful reduction or eradication. Our team will continue to monitor the population annually and will provide updated pricing and management recommendations each year. The allows for adaptive management strategies based on observed changes in site conditions and treatment efficacy year-to-year. 2. Dune Revegetation ▪ Large areas of exposed soil across the dune north of the stairway currently face high risks of erosion and rapid recolonization by adjacent invasive species. To stabilize these areas, prevent further invasive spread, and enhance both habitat quality and aesthetics, we propose installing a diverse mix of native trees, shrubs, grasses, and forbs in the vacant space. ▪ Species selection will highlight erosion control, drought tolerance, and deer resistance, recognizing the heavy browsing pressure present at this site. Plantings will be matched to each micro-site’s soil and sunlight conditions to maximize survival rates and ecological value. ▪ Trees: Red Pine (Pinus resinosa), White Pine (Pinus strobus), Oak (Quercus spp.), Bladdernut (Staphylea trifolia), Serviceberry (Amelanchier spp.), etc. ▪ Shrubs: Witch Hazel (Hamamelis virginiana), Bearberry (Arctostaphylos uva-ursi), Sand Cherry (Prunus pumila), Ninebark (Physocarpus opulifolius), Red-osier Dogwood (Cornus sericea), Beach Heath (Hudsonia tomentosa), Blueleaf Willow (Salix myricoides), Sweet Fern (Comptonia peregrina), etc. ▪ Forbs/graminoids: Canada Wild Rye (Elymus canadensis), Bottlebrush Grass (Elymus hystrix), Little Bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium), Beach Grass (Ammophila breviligulata), Sand Reed (Calamovilfa longifolia), Penn Sedge (Carex pensylvanica), Columbine (Aquilegia canadensis), Hairy Puccoon (Lithospermum caroliniense), Dotted Mint (Monarda punctata), Flowering Spurge (Euphorbia corollata), etc. ▪ 500 total plants will be installed throughout the unit (bare-root, 1 gallon, and 4” plug size)

INITIAL______

Project Timeline: • Invasive species management ongoing during the 2026 growing season • Dune planting in early fall of 2026 Project Budget: • Invasive Species Management in 2026 - $10,000 (billed in June 2026) ☐ • Dune Revegetation (500 plants) - $7,500 (billed following planting in Fall 2026) ☐ *PLEASE CHECK THE APPROPRIATE BOXES ABOVE TO INDICATE ACCEPTED SERVICES Note: This proposal accounts for pricing of all labor, materials, and equipment necessary in order to perform the outlined invasive species management 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. Exclusions: This proposal does not account for: • Installation of temporary wildlife exclusion fencing. • Installation or management of irrigation features. • Removal of standing dead plant material following invasive species control measures. • Replacement of damaged lawn, landscape plants, trees or shrubs as a result of nearby invasive species control measures. • Replanting of native vegetation following invasive species control measures (unless otherwise stated on the proposal).

INITIAL______

Qualifications: ODC Conservation Services staff are highly qualified conservation professionals. • 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 • Combined 25+ years experience in invasive species management • Successfully restored over 250 acres of native prairie • Successfully installed over 25 native gardens and landscape beds • Manage 2,000+ acres of high quality natural area • Experienced Michigan flora and fauna identification • 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 517-398-7800

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 Surveyed Invasive Species

INITIAL______

PROPOSAL FOR CONSERVATION SERVICES This proposal was created for: City of Saugatuck - Saugatuck Harbor Natural Area Oval Dr, Saugatuck, MI 49453 General Background and Scope of Work: The purpose of this proposal is to address ecological improvement opportunities on the 173-acre Saugatuck Harbor Natural Area property. The property is facing substantial pressure from several invasive species, as well as unmarked trails causing damage to sensitive plant communities. To protect the sensitive habitats on the site and to ensure long-term ecological health, our team recommends the following plan in 2026 and beyond: 1. Invasive Species Management ▪ Woody invasive species: Japanese Barberry (Berberis thunbergii) and European Privet (Ligustrum vulgare) are fast-growing invasive shrubs that displace native plants in the wooded areas of the property. ▪ Smaller plants will be handpulled, while larger plants will be carefully treated with targeted foliar applications of Triclopyr herbicide in Summer of 2026. ▪ Phragmites (Phragmites australis) is a common wetland invasive that forms dense monocultures in wetland habitats; including the sensitive interdunal wetlands on the property. ▪ Carefully targeted foliar herbicide applications will be conducted with 2% Aquaneat herbicide in Fall of 2026. ▪ Spotted Knapweed (Centaurea stoebe) is a highly aggressive forb with allelopathic tendencies that quickly overtakes sandy habitats and displaces native vegetation. ▪ Hand pulling will be done in areas where off-target impacts are a concern, while foliar applications will be conducted with foliar applications in Summer of 2026. ▪ Includes procurement of all necessary permitting to apply herbicides through EGLE and MDARD. ▪ Note: Many of the observed invasive species above generally require repeated management efforts over a period of at least 5-7 years to achieve meaningful reduction or eradication. Our team will continue to monitor the population(s) annually and will provide updated pricing and management recommendations each year. The allows for adaptive management strategies based on observed changes in site conditions and treatment efficacy year-to-year. 2. Trail Assessment ▪ Conduct general survey of the entire property to outline the ideal footprint for the trail system. ▪ Deliverables will include a map of recommended trail routes, trails to be decommissioned, alternative routes to avoid impacting sensitive plant communities, and recommendations for interpretive and/or other non-permanent trail signage. ▪ The trail assessment will be conducted in Spring 2026, with a concise digital report of our recommendations provided by June 15, 2026. ▪ ODC Network’s Interpretation team is available to assist with the detailed design and production of interpretive signage upon request. 3. Ecological Evaluation ▪ In order to assess the current ecological health of the property, our team will identify each distinct natural community observed on the property and outline the following criteria for each: ▪ General ecological site description and inventory of natural features. ▪ Description of each natural community including: • Landscape context and natural processes.

INITIAL______

General inventory and distribution of native plant communities including the canopy, understory, and forb/graminoid layers (including calculation of overall floristic quality index). • Documentation of high-quality native plant species (with coefficient of conservatism rankings between 6-10). • Documentation of both observed and potential wildlife including: state threatened (T), endangered (E), and species of special concern (SC). • Documentation of invasive species, pests, and potential ecological threats. • Identification of potential ecological restoration and outdoor education opportunities. The ecological evaluation process will help create a framework of the natural communities on the property for preservation, restoration, and management to help guide future management and land-use decisions on the property. ▪ Target date for field survey: April-August 2026 Following completion of the evaluation, we will create a digital report summarizing the results. ▪ Target date for report submission: September 15, 2026

4. Annual Invasive Species Survey ▪ Conduct annual survey to provide early detection of any new invasive species or expansion of existing populations that could threaten the high-quality natural areas on the site. ▪ Deliverables will include a concise report with updated maps documenting the location(s) and spread of invasive species, as well as new concerns to look out for. ▪ Surveys will be conducted mid-summer to optimize plant identification and reports will be digitally submitted by August 15, annually. Project Timeline: • Invasive species management ongoing throughout the 2026 growing season • Trail assessment conducted in spring of 2026, report submitted by June 15, 2026 • Ecological evaluation conducted between April-August, report submitted by September 15, 2026 • Invasive species survey conducted between May-July 2027, report submitted by August 15, 2027 Project Budget: • Invasive Species Management in 2026 - $20,000 (billed in July 2026) ☐ • Trail Assessment - $5,000 (billed in June 2026) ☐ • Ecological Evaluation - $10,000 (billed in June 2026) ☐ • Annual Invasive Species Survey (starting in 2027) - $3,500 (billed in August 2027) ☐ *PLEASE CHECK THE APPROPRIATE BOXES ABOVE TO INDICATE ACCEPTED SERVICES Note: This proposal accounts for pricing of all labor, materials, and equipment necessary in order to perform 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. Exclusions: This proposal does not account for: • Installation or maintenance of new trail systems. • Removal of standing dead plant material following invasive species control measures. • Replacement of damaged lawn, landscape plants, trees or shrubs as a result of nearby invasive species control measures. • Reseeding of native vegetation following invasive species control measures. We are happy to provide a quote for ongoing trail maintenance and/or replanting of native vegetation following invasive species control measures per request.

INITIAL______

Qualifications: ODC Conservation Services staff are highly qualified conservation professionals. • 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 • Combined 25+ years experience in invasive species management • Successfully restored over 250 acres of native prairie • Successfully installed over 25 native gardens and landscape beds • Manage 2,000+ acres of high quality natural area • Experienced Michigan flora and fauna identification • 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 517-398-7800

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 Invasive Species Treatment Area(s)

INITIAL______

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

Ecological Services 269-978-6872 ecoservices@naturecenter.org

PROJECT WORK PLAN AND ESTIMATE FOR

City of Saugatuck Scott Herbert 102 Butler St. P.O. 86

Date:

9/2/2025

TOTAL ESTIMATE

Saugatuck MI, 49453

$10,107.00

(616)886-8408 scott@saugatuckcity.com

Client Name Day

Project #

Project Description

City of Saugatuck

Invasive Species Management at Mt. Baldhead Backdune

Description

Qty

Estimate good for 26001 A

Units

90 days

Cost

Line Total

Herbicide and Equipment Labor: Project Lead Labor: Supporting Crew of 4 Mileage: Truck + Trailer

3 days 25.5 hours 102 hours 306 miles

60.00 75.00 65.00 2.00

180.00 1,912.50 6,630.00 612.00

Project Management (3hr/day) Administrative (1.5hr/mth)

9.00 hours 1.5 hours

75.00 $ 65.00 $

675.00 97.50

Labor Mileage Equipment Supplies

9,315.00 612.00 180.00 -

SUBTOTAL

10,107.00

GRAND TOTAL

10,107.00

Site Lead: Luke Allison/Kyle Martin Site Address: Mt. Baldhead - 769 Park Street Saugatuck, MI 49453 Service Description: 3 days of invasive species management on the east facing back dune habitat of Mt. Baldy. KNC staff will perform foliar treatment of smaller invasive species such as Jap. Barberry. For larger species such as Tree of Heaven, Privet, and Bittersweet stem injection techniques will be utilized to minimize any off target impacts and soil drift.

Area (acres): 3.25 # of Workers: 5 # of Work Days: 3

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 y g y y g g ,y pp Proceeds from our client services ensure the sustainability of KNC's longstanding bird observatory, programs that engage the community in wildlife research, and the

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

Ecological Services 269-978-6872 ecoservices@naturecenter.org

PROJECT WORK PLAN AND ESTIMATE FOR

City of Saugatuck Scott Herbert 102 Butler St. P.O. 86

Date:

9/2/2025

TOTAL ESTIMATE

Saugatuck MI, 49453

$4,737.50

(616)886-8408 scott@saugatuckcity.com

Client Name Day

Project #

Project Description

City of Saugatuck

Invasive Species Survey + Mapping of SHNA

Description

Qty

Units 16 hours 220 miles 12 hours 6 hours

Administrative

1.5 hours Perryman

Service Description: 2 survey days of Saugatuck Harbor Natural Area, locating, quantifying, reporting, and mapping of invasive species on property to better understand habitat needs. Reporting and mapping of invasive species and establishing management units will help in prioritizing and understanding future management needs.

90 days

Cost

Invasive Species Survey (2 staff/2 days) Mileage: Truck Survey data inventory and reporting time Mapping time

Site Lead: Luke Allison Site Address: Saugatuck Harbor Natural Area St. Saugatuck MI

Area (acres): 171 # of Workers: 2 # of Work Days: 2+

Estimate good for 26001 B

Line Total

165.00 2.00 95.00 70.00

$ $ $ $ $ $ 65.00 $

2,640.00 440.00 1,140.00 420.00 97.50

Labor Mileage Equipment Supplies

4,297.50 440.00 -

SUBTOTAL

4,737.50

GRAND TOTAL

4,737.50

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 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.

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

Ecological Services 269-978-6872 ecoservices@naturecenter.org

PROJECT WORK PLAN AND ESTIMATE FOR

City of Saugatuck Scott Herbert 102 Butler St. P.O. 86

Date:

9/2/2025

TOTAL ESTIMATE

Saugatuck MI, 49453

$23,514.50

(616)886-8408 scott@saugatuckcity.com

Client Name Day

Project #

Project Description

City of Saugatuck

Revegetation of Mt. Baldhead Backdune

Description

Qty

Equipment: Planting tools Labor: Project Lead Labor: Supporting Crew of 5 Mileage: Truck + Trailer Supplies: Dune grass sprigs Supplies: Bare root trees/shrubs + tree guards Supplies: Custom backdune seed - Native Connections

Units

Site Lead: Luke Allison Site Address: Mt. Baldhead - 769 Park Street, Saugatuck MI, 49453

Service Description: KNC staff to purchase, transport, and plant dunegrass, bare root seedlings, and seed to revegetate the backdune face of Mt. Baldhead. Area (acres): 1.5 # of Workers: 6 # of Work Days: 3

90 days

Cost

Line Total

3 days 28.5 hours 142.5 hours 306 miles 20000 sprigs 150 seedlings 31 lbs

$ 60.00 $ $ 75.00 $ $ 65.00 $ $ 2.00 $ $ 0.35 $ $ 8.00 $ $ 1,400.00 $ $ 500.00 $

180.00 2,137.50 9,262.50 612.00 7,000.00 1,200.00 1,400.00 500.00

15.00 hours 1.5 hours

1,125.00 97.50

Labor Mileage Equipment Supplies

13,122.50 612.00 180.00 9,600.00

SUBTOTAL

23,514.50

GRAND TOTAL

23,514.50

Supply Pickup/handling & transport Project Management Administrative

Estimate good for 26001 C

75.00 65.00

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 y g y y g g ,y pp Proceeds from our client services ensure the sustainability of KNC's longstanding bird observatory, programs that engage the community in wildlife research, and the

KNC-Mt Baldy, Saugatuck-SMW-2025 Dune Seed Mix Summary 8/28/2025

Shade Tolerance

Annuals, Temp Nurse Crop, etc.

Common Name

Avena sativa

Seed Oats Temp Oz per Acre Temp Lbs per Acre

400.00 400.00 25.00

Total PLS Lbs/Acre 'Natives' Total Lbs/Acre 'ALL'

5.75 30.75

Total Acres Total PLS Lbs 'Natives' Total PLS Lbs 'ALL'

2.00 11.50 61.50

# of Native Grass Species # of Native Forb Species # of Native Woody Species # of Temp Species

Native Connections 3815 N Westnedge Ave Kalamazoo, MI 49004 www.nativeconnections.net

Bulk Oz/A Bulk LBs

6 8 0 1

50.000

weight (lbs) 5.75 30.43% 0.00% 69.57%

seeds/sq ft 61.70 52.76% 0.00% 47.24%

Mix 'ALL' Total per acre % Forb Spp % Woodies % Grass Spp % Temp Spp

weight (lbs) 30.75 5.69% 0.00% 13.01% 81.30%

seeds/sq ft 70.88 45.93% 0.00% 41.12% 12.96%

9.18 Temp sds/sq ft 9.18

NOTE: Species availability not guaranteed. Substitutions may be required. All species to be adjusted to 100% PLS (Pure Live Seed) as noted. NOTE:

Avg C 4.93 FQI 18.44

X X X X X

- X X - X X X -

X - - X X - C - X X X X - X - - C X - - -

L L L L L

S S S S S M S -

3-6' 5' 3' 2' 4' 3-4'

g g g g g g

X X X X X X X X

X X X X X X X

X X X X X - - X X - -

X X X X X X X X

L L L L L L L

S S S S M S S S M S -

2' 3' 2' 3' 2' 2' 6' 2'

wht wht red pur yel pur yel yel

Shade

X X X X X X

Part

Color

Mix 'Natives' Total per acre % Forbs % Woodies % Grasses

Woody Shrubs, Vines - Scientific Name

Height (ft)

Total 0.00%

Legume

Total 0.00%

UPL FACU FACU UPL FACU UPL FACU UPL

Muck

Woodies sds/sq ft 0.00 Temp Seeds per sq. ft.

6 3 5 1 8 4 2 2

Sand

1.93% 2.08% 4.24% 0.60% 5.95% 6.70% 20.09% 11.16% Total 52.76%

Loam

2.17% 2.17% 3.26% 4.35% 8.70% 2.17% 6.52% 1.09% Total 30.43%

Clay

0.00 0.00

1.19 1.29 2.62 0.37 3.67 4.13 12.40 6.89 Forbs sds/sq ft 32.55

Conserv. Status -

Full Sun

Woodies Oz per Acre Woodies Lbs per Acre

4.000 4.000 6.000 8.000 16.000 4.000 12.000 2.000

Wetland Code UPL FACU FACU UPL FAC FACU

Emergent

2.00 2.00 3.00 4.00 8.00 2.00 6.00 1.00 28.00 1.75

C-Value 10 5 5 9 4 5

Wet

Thimbleweed Tall Thimbleweed Wild Columbine Common Milkweed Lance-leaf Coreopsis Horsemint Common Evening Primrose Old-field Goldenrod Forbs Oz per Acre Forbs Lbs per Acre

% by native seeds 1.34% 6.19% 3.39% 29.77% 2.08% 4.46% Total 47.24%

Wet-mesic

PLS Oz/A Total PLS Oz Seeds per sq. ft. % by weight 4.00 8.000 0.83 4.35% 32.00 64.000 3.82 34.78% 12.00 24.000 2.09 13.04% 4.00 8.000 18.37 4.35% 4.00 8.000 1.29 4.35% 8.00 16.000 2.75 8.70% 64.00 Grasses sds/sq ft Total 4.00 29.15 69.57%

Mesic

Herbaceous Forbs - Scientific Name Anemone cylindrica Anemone virginiana Aquilegia canadensis Asclepias syriaca Coreopsis lanceolata Monarda punctata Oenothera biennis Solidago nemoralis

Common Name Sand Reed Grass Canada Wild Rye Bottlebrush Grass June Grass Switchgrass Little Bluestem Grasses Oz per Acre Grasses Lbs per Acre

Dry-mesic

Graminoids - Scientific Name Calamovilfa longifolia Elymus canadensis Elymus hystrix Koeleria cristata (K. macrantha, pyramidata) Panicum virgatum Schizachyrium scoparium

Soil Type

Dry

Hydrology

X - X X X X X - C - - - - X - C - - -