WKZO reports that the Kalamazoo County Board of Commissioners on Wednesday, Nov. 4, unanimously approved the interlocal agreement for the county to take over maintenance and operation of Asylum Lake Preserve. The vote follows approval by WMU’s Board of Trustees on Oct. 29. WMU has owned and managed the preserve since the state granted it the former Michigan State Asylum land in 1975. Board vice chair John Taylor called the agreement a strong example of intergovernmental cooperation, saying both sides agreed the county and its Parks Department are better suited to care for the preserve. Local environmentalist Iris Potter said she has been assured the preserve will remain a natural refuge, though advocates plan to keep watch to make sure it stays a preserve and doesn’t become a park. The county and WMU will next ask the state Legislature to transfer the deed to Kalamazoo County. Read the full article at WKZO →