Asylum Lake Policy & Management Council
Thursday, 11 October 2007
7:00p.m.
Gibbs House
4503 Parkview Avenue

The recorded comments below are expressions of council members
and are not approved policy until voted on. The statements
were not recorded verbatim and cannot be used as quotes.

AGENDA:

I. Call to Order
Meeting was called to order at 7:00p.m.

II. Roll Call
a. Sign-In Roster
Council Members Present: Frank Wolf, Paul MacNellis, Chuck Ide, Bill Steinmann, Steve Kohler, Ann Paulson, Mark Hoffman, Cam Vossen, Bob Nagler, , Mike Hodgkinson (alt. for Tim Holysz), Duane Hampton, Tom Edmonds, Michael Nassaney
Guests Present: Cari DeLong (Council Coordinator), Sam Cooper, Philip Micklin

III. Adoption of Agenda
Ann Paulson moved to approve the 11 October 2007 Agenda. Mark Hoffman seconded. All in favor. None opposed.

IV. Approval of 14 June 2007 Meeting Minutes
Mark Hoffman moved to approve the 13 September 2007 meeting minutes. Ann Paulson seconded. All in favor. None opposed

V. Old Business
a. Discussion of Asylum Lake Preserve Philosophy
Paul MacNellis

§ Chuck introduced the topic by stating that there is a continuum of ways to think about property. It could be left alone to continue with natural processes or it could be managed extensively like a park. There are steps in between. Philosophy of the property should reflect our vision for the property within this continuum.

§ Mark - The Focus Group spent a lot of time developing the 3 goals for the property outlined in the Declaration of Conservation Restrictions document. Definitions of words were carefully chosen.

§ Mark – The question is how polished do we want the property to be? To what extent do we want development?

§ Duane – Everything needs to be thoughtful and well considered. Better to do nothing than do harm.

§ Tom – This property is a jewel in the community and a value for political purposes. We should work towards making it valuable to the community in the best interest of the property.

§ Ann – Asylum Lake is a unique property. The philosophy will be different from that of other properties.

§ Michael – Human activities since 1887 have left a signature and are a part of the natural landscape. This property is a product of human activity. Archeological artifacts are a non-renewable resource. The Council needs to include restoring historical integrity as part of vision for the property.

§ Chuck – We could have archeological sites cordoned off and compatible with natural areas. The property could be managed to increase biodiversity. It doesn’t need to look like pre-settlement times. The history should be incorporated since people would find it interesting.

§ Mark – As we move forward we need to focus on removing invasives that are preventing things like oak seedlings from generating. Also agree with the importance of the historical remnants. The history is worth displaying and having as an attraction.

§ Paul – Wanted to come up with a philosophy before the Council proceeded with developments to the property. Do we need to do that? Are the goals outlined in the Declaration document adequate for our purposes?

§ Steve – The goals embrace the philosophy. They are complete. If an issue comes up the Council can discuss it.

§ Paul - Regardless, the Council has to agree before they can proceed with matters.

§ Tom –All 3 goals need to be treated equally.

§ Bob – The Focus Group encouraged simplicity, which allows for flexibility within the Council. The Focus Group also stressed the importance of maintaining orientation to our governing documents. We shouldn’t make the Council procedures too complicated.

§ There was general agreement that preserving the historical integrity of the property is important and compatible with ecosystem management.

§ It was agreed that the Council should pursue improvements to the property but with careful consideration.

§ It was agreed that the goals included in the Declaration of Conservation Restrictions document for Asylum Lake are complete, detailed, well-thought out and embrace the philosophy of the property. As issues come up the Council should discuss them individually and refer to the governing documents.

VI. New Business
None.

VII. Project/Special Committee Reports
a. Research/Education Committee
GEOG 6200 Application

Cari was in the Biogeography class field trip to Asylum Lake. She gave a summary of the activities. The class walked the trails of the prairie and around the lakes to examine various plant species as well as take soil samples. A soil core was taken from 5 different locations around the property. The soil was examined and left on the property. Research & Education committee approved this application.

b. Operations Committee
Nothing to report.

c. PR Subcommittee
Logo for ALPMC
Cari DeLong
A revised version of the Asylum Lake logo was passed out. There was consensus that the logo was an acceptable representation of the Council.

d. Trails Subcommittee
Trails subcommittee will be meeting soon.

VIII. Public Comments

Sam Cooper introduced herself as the new coordinator for the Gibbs House. She announced the development of an events calendar for the Gibbs House. She mentioned that the Gibbs House would like to hold a survival shelter building workshop for 10-12 students at Asylum Lake. They would be gathering leaves and sticks to show how to build survival shelters. She was advised of the Asylum Lake protocols for such activities at the property. Paul mentioned that the Orchard Property could be used for these purposes without protocols.

IX. Council/Staff Comments

§ Bob Nagler raised concern with people using floatation devices on Asylum Lake. It is prohibited by the Declaration of Conservation Restrictions. He has seen this multiple times. When he asked, he was told they had received authorization from WMU police to take a floatation device on the lake as long as it was not propelled by a motor. Bob would like WMU police to be reminded that this is not the case.

§ Duane asked about the harm of floating devices.

§ Mark explained that the Focus Group had reasoned that this property was established as a wildlife preserve and floatation devices would interfere with waterfowl.

§ Philip brought up the point that people using floatation devices on the lake may be a liability issue for WMU.

§ Paul asked the Council if there was support for the notion that floatation devices should be allowed on the lakes. There was no support.

§ There was consensus that floatation devices should not be allowed on the lake. Paul will contact University Police Dept. and inform them.

§ Michael Nassaney announced his resignation from the Council as representation for the Planning and Finance Committee.

X. Adjournment
Meeting was adjourned at 8:12p.m.