Voting Dates Set for Transfer of Asylum Lake Preserve Management

Following a positive recommendation on Oct 1 from the Asylum Lake Policy and Management Council, the WMU Board of Trustees and Kalamazoo County will each vote on two measures: approving the final Interlocal Agreement, and adopting the Amended and Restated Declaration of Conservation Restrictions. Find each document here.

Together, these would officially transfer management of Asylum Lake Preserve to Kalamazoo County Parks and Recreation. This will be the Public’s opportunity to witness these final decisions by WMU and Kalamazoo County. The community is encouraged to attend, listen, and participate by sharing your comments during these two meetings. 

Final Approval Vote Details:
WMU Board of Trustees Vote
Thursday October 29, 2026 @ 12 PM
WMU Student Center Ballroom
Student Center, 1070 Loop Rd, Kalamazoo, MI 49008 
(Listed on Google at 1070 Student Ctr Lp Rd)
There is a parking ramp close by.

Kalamazoo County Board of Commissioners (Regular Meeting)
Wednesday November 4, 2026 @ 6:30pm
County Administration Building
201 W. Kalamazoo Ave
Meeting will be in the Board Chambers, 2nd floor
Meeting is also available virtually at: kalcounty.gov/board-meetings
Parking is suggested in the Arcadia Parking Ramp

ALPMC Votes to Recommend Management Transition from WMU to Kalamazoo County

On 10/1/26, WMU's Asylum Lake Policy and Management Council (ALPMC) voted unanimously to adopt a resolution recommending the transfer of the Preserve's management from WMU to Kalamazoo County. The resolution recommends that the WMU Board of Trustees adopt the Amended and Restated Declaration of Conservation Restrictions and approve the Interlocal Agreement between WMU and the County.

The vote followed a 7 p.m. public hearing at the WMU Business, Technology and Research Park, 3300 Research Way. Before the vote, the Council heard a report from its Control Transition Subcommittee (CTS), led by member Chris Bovid, along with public comments and questions. About two dozen members of the public attended, as did WWMT News and independent journalist Aya Miller.

Final approval rests with the WMU Board of Trustees and the Kalamazoo County Board of Commissioners.

Coverage: WWMT News

Public Hearing: Important Land Transfer Meeting

When: Thursday, October 1, 2026 | 7pm start time
Where: WMU Business, Tech & Research Park
Location: 3300 Research Way (corner of Drake and Parkview)
 
The Asylum Lake Policy and Management Council will hear their subcommittee's updates and findings on the Interlocal Agreement and associated documents drafted by WMU and Kalamazoo County, toward the pending preserve ownership transfer. This will be the Public’s opportunity to hear first hand what is happening with the transfer and what to expect moving forward. As a citizen in Kalamazoo and a lover of the Preserve you are encouraged to listen and participate by sharing your voice during this public hearing. 

Documents for the October 1, 2026 Council Meeting and Public Hearing: At this meeting, the Council will hold a public hearing and vote on a resolution recommending these documents; final approval rests with the WMU Board of Trustees and the Kalamazoo County Board of Commissioners.

• Meeting Agenda
  The agenda for the Council's October 1 meeting, including the public hearing on transferring management of the Preserve to Kalamazoo County.

• Proposed Council Resolution of Recommendation
  The resolution recommending that the WMU Board of Trustees adopt the Amended and Restated Declaration and approve the Interlocal Agreement.

• Proposed Interlocal Agreement Between WMU and Kalamazoo County
  The proposed agreement that would transfer primary control over the Preserve's operation and maintenance from WMU to Kalamazoo County, with the Preserve's current conservation restrictions attached as exhibits.

• Proposed Amended and Restated Declaration of Conservation Restrictions
  The proposed update to the Preserve's legal protections, which keeps its nature-preserve restrictions and conservation purposes but moves oversight, amendments, and any termination decision to the Kalamazoo County Parks and Recreation Commission.

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.

Proposed Transfer of Asylum Lake Preserve from Western Michigan University (WMU) to Kalamazoo County Parks

On 2/12/26, the WMU Board of Trustees unanimously voted to enter into a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to allow negotiations with the County toward a formal transfer agreement. A Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) is a formal but non-binding agreement between parties that outlines their shared intentions, roles, and objectives as a framework for working together, often in advance of a binding contract. It is expected that the County Board of Commissioners will also vote to enter the MOU during their 2/17/26 meeting.

The Asylum Lake Policy & Management Council also met on 2/12/26, where the County Parks Director and WMU vice president for Government Relations addressed ALPA's questions. ALPA has now engaged with Kalamazoo County Parks, WMU, and the Asylum Lake Policy & Management Council (ALPMC) regarding this proposed transfer. The following summary reflects ALPA’s current understanding of the terms outlined in the MOU, including details from public conversations, between Kalamazoo County and WMU.

Proposed Preserve Management Transition to county

Announced Friday, January 16, 2026, Officials with Kalamazoo County and WMU are exploring a proposal that would transition management of the Asylum Lake Preserve from the university to the county. ALPA has been made aware of this proposed change. Many questions remain. Our role continues to be prioritizing the Preservation of Asylum Lake.