Kellie Layman
201 West Kalamazoo Avenue, Rm. 202
Kalamazoo, MI 49007
Phone: (269) 384-8117 - Fax: (269) 383-8920
kllaym@kalcounty.com

Introduction

The natural and open space features of West Michigan - lakes, rivers, and streams, rolling hillsides, wetlands, and forests - reflect its character.

Development that destroys natural features and removes open space has a significant effect on water quality, aesthetic values, wildlife preservation and overall quality of life.

Major alteration or destruction of these features creates an increasingly urban character in areas once considered "rural."

Some of the general benefits of protecting and conserving these natural features, open space, and agricultural land include:

• Pure supplies of municipal and private water systems.

• Wildlife habitat

• Groundwater recharge and purification, flood control, pollution protection and the support of unique plant and animal life.

• Recreational opportunities including hunting, fishing, snowmobiling, skiing, skating, swimming, sledding, hiking, nature study, photography, and related pursuits.

• Aesthetics (views, serenity, rural nature, etc.)

• Educational opportunities (natural history, biology, geology, ecology, etc.)

• Economic opportunities in areas such as farming and tourism.

• Preservation of agricultural land as a resource for the production of food, feed and fiber for future generations.

Funding Sources

Some sources of funding can be derived from several areas such as:

• Private contributions or donations fromspecial interest groups and organizations.
• Local general tax revenues and voter approvedtax levis to support the purchase of property for open spaceor the purchase of development rights on farmland.
• County allocation of funds for larger areasof benefit.
• Grant funding from state and federal sourcesfor specific projects with extensive review for approval andtypically including cost sharing i.e Michigan Natural ResourcesTrust Fund (MNRTF - state dollars), Land and Water ConservationFund (LWCF - federal dollars).
• Local initiatives to provide for selectivepurchase and set aside of land for open space preservation.

**This information serves as an introduction to the primary tools in land preservation. This is not intended to be a comprehensive explanation. Readers will want to consult with attorneys, community planners and other experts in the field.