ANNOUNCEMENT: UPCOMING WMU VOTE

Asylum Lake Community:

As you are aware, WMU has begun the process of transferring management of the preserve to Kalamazoo County. 

The first step in this process will be each party voting to enter into a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU). The MOU is the first step for both parties to allow negotiation and formalize a long-term interlocal agreement under the Urban Cooperation Act of 1967.

WMU Board of Trustees will vote tomorrow (February 12, 2026) on whether to enter the MOU (Meeting Details) (Informational Message from WMU) (MOU agenda item). 

ALPA encourages the public to attend or view the meeting and share any concerns during public comment to the WMU Board of Trustees. 

A few notes about the MOU:

• The MOU clearly states that the Preserve will continue to be subject to the “Declaration of Conservation Restrictions" (these are the current restrictions on ALP, including these goals: 1. Promote Ecosystem Integrity and Natural Aesthetics 2. Ensure Passive Recreation 3. Support Research and Education). 

• ALPA encourages the public to make clear that Goal #1 is of utmost importance to this community for the preserve, and all future agreements and management activities should emphasize Ecosystem Integrity and Natural Aesthetics.  

• The term "park" is used in the MOU, referring to the Preserve, however, this is simply a word-for-word reference to the 1975 PA 316 language ("public park, recreation or open space purposes"). 

• The County has made several public statements that ALP will remain a Preserve (not a park), however, language matters; ALPA encourages the public to emphasize the importance of using the term "preserve" in reference to the ALP in future agreements and management activities. 

• Remember, the MOU is not the final step – just the method of getting the interlocal agreement started. ALPA will also be taking part in the Feb 12 Asylum Lake Council meeting (open to the public), where representatives from the County and WMU will be present, and we will voice our questions and concerns. 

Stay tuned and check in to our website and social media for more updates.

Appreciatively, 

ALPA Board

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.