Issue at a glance: Management transfer to the county
Asylum Lake Preserve is changing hands. In 2026, Western Michigan University and Kalamazoo County began transferring ownership and management of the 274-acre preserve to Kalamazoo County Parks – with the Declaration of Conservation that has protected the land since 2004 remaining in force through the transition. ALPA supports the transfer and is staying closely involved to ensure the Preserve stays protected. Read more below.
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.
announcement: 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.