Western Michigan University’s Board of Trustees voted unanimously on Thursday, Oct. 29, to approve an interlocal agreement transferring stewardship of Asylum Lake Preserve to Kalamazoo County. WOOD TV 8 reports that WMU has worked on the transfer for about a year, citing the county’s expertise in managing parks and natural areas and annual costs of at least $150,000 not covered by the preserve’s endowment. Under the agreement, the preserve must stay free and open to the public. Existing protections remain in place, including state law limiting the property to passive recreation and government ownership, and an amended declaration of conservation. The Asylum Lake Preservation Fund would also be redirected to the county for operations, maintenance, and preservation. The Kalamazoo County Board of Commissioners is expected to vote on the agreement at its Wednesday, Nov. 4 meeting. If approved, the next step is working with state lawmakers to transfer the deed. Read the full article at WOOD TV 8 →