ALPA Update
4/11/26

ALPMC Adopts Recommended Provisions for the Asylum Lake Preserve Interlocal Agreement

On 4/9/26, the Asylum Lake Policy & Management Council (ALPMC) adopted a set of recommended provisions to guide the drafting of the formal Interlocal Agreement (ILA) that will govern Kalamazoo County's stewardship of Asylum Lake Preserve following its transfer from Western Michigan University. The document was prepared by the ALPMC Transition Subcommittee and reflects concerns and priorities raised during the Council's February 12, 2026 meeting. An Interlocal Agreement is a binding legal contract between governmental entities that establishes specific obligations, rights, and procedures — in this case, for how the Preserve will be managed going forward. A central theme throughout the document is the use of enforceable language ("shall" and "will") rather than aspirational statements, ensuring that the County's preserve-specific obligations are legally binding rather than advisory.

The recommended provisions cover fifteen areas, including preserving the Preserve's ecological identity and name, incorporating existing governing documents such as the 2004 Declaration of Conservation Restrictions and the 2023 Ecological Management Plan as binding exhibits, establishing a formal community advisory structure to replace the dissolving Council, and ensuring continuity of ongoing ecological work such as prescribed burns, invasive species control, and water quality monitoring. The document also addresses archaeological review before ground disturbance, safeguards for the Preserve's dedicated endowment fund, and a clear enforcement mechanism allowing WMU and the public to hold the County accountable if obligations are not met. ALPA will continue to monitor the ILA drafting process and advocate for these provisions to be reflected in the final agreement.

ASYLUM LAKE PRESERVATION ASSOCIATION (ALPA)

The Asylum Lake Preservation Association (ALPA) is a volunteer association dedicated to the preservation of the Asylum Lake Preserve.  The Preserve is a 274 acre treasure that is owned by Western Michigan University and guided by goals within the the Declaration of Conservation Restrictions: Promote Ecosystem Integrity and Natural Aesthetics, Ensuring Passive Recreation and Supporting Research and Education.

While many people come to the Preserve for rest and renewal, few understand its fragile nature and history. It is the one place in the city where the animals and plants, not the humans and visitors, are the main elements, and this is why it is called a preserve and not a park.

What else does the Asylum Lake Preserve need?

ALPA needs support from the community

Asylum Lake Preserve has a fascinating history... a bounty of animals and plants...an endowment fund for its maintenance.

What else does it need?

It needs you, as part of a supportive community! You can see that this property is not a Preserve by accident, many people have worked long and hard to keep it this way.

Please consider becoming a member of Asylum Lake Preservation Association for only $10 annually or volunteer for ALPA and the Preserve.

We promise to never share your e-mail address with anyone and will not bother you with frequent e-mails. We will update you on what is happening in the Preserve and alert you to opportunities to help guard and improve this beautiful treasure.