Casco Township pursues funding to restore public access at Nature Preserve

Casco Township is pursuing grant funding to restore public access to the beach at the Nature Preserve

Upon recommendation of the Casco Township Parks and Recreation Committee, the Casco Township Board of Trustees voted to pursue grant funding and contribute Township funds to restore beach access at the Nature Preserve. The decision occurred at the March 16 Board meeting after a brief presentation on the project by Michael Morphey, PE, LEED AP of Edgewater Resources LLC.

The decision follows months of work by the Parks and Recreation Committee, and years of waiting for water levels to recede. Bids for the project were solicited from three engineering firms in December of 2025. The Committee selected Edgewater Resources to develop plans to restore beach access.

Morphey of Edgewater Resources presented three scenarios to the Parks and Recreation Committee meeting on March 5. The selected design restores the bluff to an angle of repose, installs a buried revetment to protect the toe of the bluff, and uses temporary stairs to reduce cost and provide access to the shoreline until the Township can afford to construct a universally accessible trail in a future phase. The design also includes a universally accessible viewing platform with benches, interpretive signage, and native plantings for the bluff face.

Morphey was asked to reduce the scope and budget of this plan; the reduced plan and budget of $980,000 was presented on March 16 and approved by the Board.

Budget for the initial phase of public access restoration presented by Edgewater Resources LLC

The Township passed resolutions to pursue grants from the Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund (MNRTF), the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF), Legislatively Directed Spending, and the EGLE/Water Resource Division's State High Water Infrastructure Grant program. The Township will use money collected through the Parks and Recreation .25 voted millage to provide the match required by the MNRTF and LWCF programs.

In detail, the Township is pursuing a $400,000 development grant from the MNRTF. The maximum available for a development project is $400,000. The Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund has been a key source of funding for the Casco Township Nature Preserve, providing over $3M to acquire the nearly 20 acre parcel from two different land owners, the late Walter and Marie Stefan (formerly of Chicago), and Edward Hanenburg of Ottawa County. MNRTF grants have also supported the pathways, restrooms, benches, picnic tables, parking, and signage at the Preserve.

MNRTF grants to Casco Township over the years include:

TF07-170	Casco Township Nature Preserve Acquisition Phase 1		$900,000
TF08-145	Casco Township Nature Preserve Acquisition Phase 2		$668,800
TF10-066	Casco Township Nature Preserve-Development		$154,900
TF10-167	Casco Township Nature Preserve Expansion		$2,250,000
TF21-111	Casco Nature Preserve Park Improvements		$291,000

The most recent development project (TF21-111) which included a well, septic, and new restrooms on the site, was completed only late last year, due in part to increased costs and delays caused by the pandemic. A ribbon cutting to mark the completion of this project is slated for Saturday June 27 from 2 to 4 pm.

The process of securing funding from the MNRTF is long, with submissions due April 1 and decisions made by the MNRTF board in December. No project work can begin until the grant funds are released by an act of legislature the following June. If the beach access restoration project is dependent on the MNRTF grant, and the Township is successful in its pursuit of funding, it is estimated that no ground will be broken before July of 2027.

The Township Board voted to simultaneously apply for a Land and Water Conservation Fund grant. This program allows requests up to $500,000 as long as a 50% match is provided. If the Township secures funding from the LDSI and the EGLE High Water grant, it will be able to provide the $490,000 required for the $980,000 project. If the Township scores favorably for the LWCF program and secures the match it will drop its request for development funding from the MNRTF, with no negative ramifications for this action.

The Legislatively Directed Spending item is sponsored by Representative Joey Andrews (D-38). This is a competitive program that uses tax dollars to support projects that benefit the public. Casco Township has requested $250,000 from this fund. A decision about this source of funding is expected around September 30.

The EGLE High Water infrastructure grant program is special to 2026, redistributing $800,000 in leftover funds from a previous grant program (2022). Casco Township is seeking $75,000 and providing the required match ($28,500) of at least 25% from funding received through donations from Lakeshore Women Who Care-Allegan County, community members, and a $10,000 grant from the Allegan County Community Foundation. The $103,500 pursued will fund the planting of native species on the restored bluff face. A decision about this funding is expected by May 31.

The "Back to the Beach" campaign funds restoration of public access at the Casco Township Nature Preserve

A fundraising committee has been established to assist the Township with raising funds to support the public access restoration project. Named "Back to the Beach" by fundraising committee chair and Parks and Recreation committee recording secretary Kelly Hecker, the campaign is actively soliciting donations from the public. The Township has contracted with the Allegan County Community Foundation to manage the donation process. Contributions are tax deductible and can be made by check (payable to ACCF, memo: "Back to the Beach") or online. Additional fundraising committee members include Debbie Weaver (Parks and Recreation Committee); Julie Cowie (Casco Township Grants manager); and Rachel Ridley (Clerk). Supervisor Allan Overhiser is ex-officio.

Editor's Note: Julie Cowie is the grants manager for the Township and a member of the Casco Township fundraising committee.