SHNA Trail Remediation, Habitat Restoration, and Signage

Parks & Public Works Committee Agenda Item Report

FROM:

Mark OndersmaPublic Works Director

MEETING DATE:

August 25, 2026

SUBJECT:

SHNA Trail Remediation, Habitat Restoration, and Signage

DESCRIPTION: Following previous discussions regarding the Trail Assessment Report and recommendations for the 173-acre SHNA, staff are seeking approval to move forward with the recommended trail remediation, habitat restoration, signage and wayfinding, and establishment maintenance. The proposed work will focus on closing and remediating informal and redundant trails, restoring closed trail areas using the recommended hybrid approach of native seed and targeted native plantings, improving visitor orientation and education through a comprehensive signage and wayfinding program, and providing first-year establishment maintenance. BUDGET ACTION REQUIRED: Approval of the following project components: • Trail Remediation (Closures & Improvements): $31,050 • Habitat RestorationHybrid Approach: $25,750 • Signage & Wayfinding Program (Design & Fabrication): $16,500 • Establishment Maintenance: $5,000 Total Project Cost: $78,300 COMMITTEE/COMMISSION REVIEW: N/A LEGAL REVIEW: N/A SAMPLE MOTION: Motion to recommend to City Council the ODC Network proposal for the SHNA, including Trail Remediation, Habitat RestorationHybrid Approach, Signage & Wayfinding Program (Design & Fabrication), and Establishment Maintenance.

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 trail management and ecological restoration opportunities within the 173-acre Saugatuck Harbor Natural Area. The site is experiencing pressure from informal trail development and associated impacts to sensitive dune and interdunal wetland plant communities. Based on findings from the Trail Assessment Report, ODC Network recommends a focused approach that prioritizes trail system remediation, ecological restoration, visitor experience improvements, and long-term site resilience. The following scope outlines recommended work for 2026 and 2027: 1. Trail Remediation (Closures & Improvements) ▪ Based on the Trail Assessment Report, we will implement targeted trail remediation measures, including: ▪ Closure of designated informal and redundant trail segments. This includes installation of natural deterrments available on site (downed logs, brush, and other natural materials), and small keep out signs to discourage re-entry ▪ Coordination of field layout to confirm closure extents and sensitive habitat buffers ▪ The scope focuses on consolidating user activity into the existing primary trail loop while reducing fragmentation and protecting sensitive ecological areas. 2. Habitat Restoration of Closed Trail Sections ▪ On sections of closed trail (~20,000 ft), we are available to seed and/or plant native plant material to restore these sections and prevent discouragement of continued usage. ▪ Option 1 – Native Plugs ▪ High-establishment, high-visibility restoration approach ▪ Immediate vegetative structure for reinforcing closure areas ▪ Species may include marram grass, puccoon, prairie sand reed, sand coreopsis, spotted bee balm, and other regionally-appropriate native species ▪ Installed at approximately 18” spacing (~10,000 plugs total) ▪ Option 2 – Native Seed Only ▪ Lower-cost approach ▪ Longer establishment timeline ▪ Less immediate visual deterrence compared to plugs ▪ Suitable for broader, lower-priority restoration zones ▪ Option 3 – Hybrid Approach (Recommended) ▪ Combination of native seeding with targeted plug installation ▪ Approximately 3,500 plugs placed in high-visibility or high-use pressure areas ▪ Seed applied across remaining restoration zones ▪ Balanced approach between cost, establishment speed, and ecological performance 3. Signage & Wayfinding Program (Design & Fabrication) ▪ ODC Network's Creative Team will develop a cohesive signage package that improves visitor orientation, protects sensitive habitats, and enhances interpretation of the site's unique ecological communities. ▪ The proposed signage package includes: ▪ Welcome Kiosk and Map Development (x1) • Two 24x36” signs on kiosk or upright board • Outlines welcome/rules and trail map

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• Creates a visual starting point for a visitor’s park experience • See Appendix B for example ▪ Interpretive Signs (x5) • Topics for each ecological community: Open Dunes, Great Lakes Marsh, Interdunal Wetland, Mesic Northern Forest, and Native Plant Benefits • 18x24” panels on angled post • See Appendix B for Example ▪ “You Are Here” Map Signs (x6) • Includes rules or other policy/wayfinding information • 18x24” panels on angled post ▪ Boundary Sings (x50) • Keep Off Dune, Private Property, Keep Off Pier This scope includes signage planning, interpretive content development, trail map development, graphic design, up to three (3) rounds of design and content revisions, and fabrication, procurement, and delivery of signage components. Additional revisions requested following the included three rounds, or changes to the approved scope, content, dimensions, or overall design direction, may be treated as additional work and billed separately.

4. Signage Installation (Optional Add-On) ▪ ODC Network can also provide complete field installation of all proposed signage. Installation includes: ▪ Field verification of sign locations ▪ Installation of trailhead kiosk ▪ Installation of interpretive, wayfinding, and boundary sign posts ▪ Final alignment and mounting of all sign panels 5. Establishment Maintenance (Optional Add-On) ▪ ODC Network can provide post-installation establishment support to ensure long-term success of restoration areas. This includes: ▪ First-year vegetation establishment monitoring ▪ Spot reseeding or planting adjustments as needed ▪ Invasive species spot control within restoration zones ▪ Seasonal site visits for adaptive management ▪ This scope is recommended to improve long-term restoration success and reduce reestablishment of informal trails. Project Timeline: • Signage design & fabrication: ongoing between Summer 2026 – Spring 2027 • Trail remediation: ongoing between Fall 2026 - Summer 2027 • Habitat restoration: Spring 2027 (weather and soil conditions dependent) • Establishment maintenance: Ongoing throughout 2027 following installation (optional add-on) • Invasive species management: Ongoing outside of this scope

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Qualifications: ODC Conservation Services 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 annually across Michigan. • Combined 30+ years’ experience in invasive species management. • Successfully restored over 250 acres of native prairie habitat. • Experienced consultants in invasive species management, wetland delineation, habitat assessment, and ecological restoration. • Experience overseeing prescribed burns on approximately 10-100 acres of natural area annually through qualified subcontractors, including coordination, planning, and post-burn evaluation. • Experience designing, installing, and maintaining native gardens/landscape beds. • Proficient in identification of native and non-native Michigan flora and fauna. • 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

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Appendix A: Map of New Trail Configuration & Signage Locations

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Appendix B: Kiosk, Wayfinding, and Interpretive Sign Examples

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