Invasive Species

Parks & Public Works Committee Agenda Item Report

FROM:

Scott Herbert – Public Works Superintendent

MEETING DATE:

November 25, 2025

SUBJECT:

Invasive Species

DESCRIPTION: City staff and the Parks & Public Works Committee solicited proposals from the Allegan Conservation District, the Kalamazoo Nature Center, and the Outdoor Discovery Center (ODC) Network to support the mapping and treatment of invasive species across City-owned properties, including road rights-of-way, parks, natural areas, and municipal grounds. Based on responsiveness, scope alignment, pricing, and a strong history of collaboration with the City, staff and Committee members are moving forward with refining the scope of work with the ODC Network. The ODC proposal is enclosed for the Committee’s review, along with a sample motion. BUDGET ACTION REQUIRED: Budgeted Item. COMMITTEE/COMMISSION REVIEW: N/A LEGAL REVIEW: N/A SAMPLE MOTION: Motion to approve the work proposal submitted by the Outdoor Discovery Center Network for invasive species survey work in the 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 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

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Appendix A: Map of Survey Area

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