Resolution Supporting the Lower Grand River Water Trail

RESOLUTION INDICATING SUPPORTING GRAND RIVER WATER TRAIL

At a regular meeting of the Ottawa County Board of Commissioners of the County of Ottawa, Michigan, held in the Ottawa County Fillmore Street Complex, West Olive, Michigan, in said County on the 24th day of May, 2022 at 1:30 o’clock p.m. local time.

PRESENT: Allen Dannenberg, Joseph Baumann, Roger Bergman, Randall Meppelink, Kyle Terpstra, Francisco Garcia, Gregory DeJong, James Holtvluwer, Douglas Zylstra, Philip Kuyers, Matthew Fenske

It was moved by Commissioner Gregory DeJong and supported by Commissioner that the following Resolution be adopted:

WHEREAS, the citizens of Ottawa County value its natural resources and outdoor recreation opportunities afforded by the Grand River; and

WHEREAS, the citizens value the Grand River for water quality and fish and wildlife habitat; and

WHEREAS, the citizens of the County will greatly benefit from the recreational, natural and cultural experiences provided by the water trail; and

WHEREAS, water trails present great opportunities to grow local and regional economies, strengthen regional identity, attract out-of-state tourists and workers, promote healthy lifestyles, and showcase Michigan’s incredible water resources; and

WHEREAS, the Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan, the Michigan Comprehensive Trail Plan, the Michigan Department of Natural Resources Parks and Recreation Division Strategic Plan, and the Michigan Water Strategy all call for the establishment of a statewide system of designated water trails; and

WHEREAS, a State Water Trail Designation will provide sound information to help customers make recreational activity choices and to provide clear, consistent communication about trails that contribute to successful recruitment and retention of new water trail users and encourage return visits to regional destinations; and

WHEREAS, a water trail will be successful if it can provide a quality trail experience for users and possess broad community support and local partnerships; and

WHEREAS, this water trail is consistent with the 2021 Ottawa County Parks, Open Space, and Recreation Plan for recreational facilities for its citizens; and

WHEREAS, the County has previously supported activities that promote recreation on the river, including receiving a state designation as a “Heritage Water Trail” for the Ottawa County section of the Grand River under Public 454 of 2002 and the Grand River Greenway initiative whose vision is to make the river a “model ecological and cultural-multi-use corridor”; and

WHEREAS, incorporating the Grand River Heritage Water Trail into an overall Grand River Water Trail furthers long-term efforts by Ottawa County Parks to work together on a regional basis with stakeholders through the Grand River Watershed;

WHEREAS, the citizens of Ottawa County have indicated their support for the water trail; and WHEREAS, Ottawa County affirms and supports the water trail, beginning in Jackson County and ending at Ottawa County to be of value and benefit to the citizens of Ottawa County and its neighboring counties.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Board of Commissioner of Ottawa County, Michigan; Section 1: That the Grand River Water Trail on the Grand River in Ottawa County is hereby recognized and accepted by the Board of Commissioners on behalf of the citizens of Ottawa County, and visitors from throughout the State of Michigan and the United States; Section 2: That this Resolution shall take effect immediately upon its adoption; and

Section 3: That we hereby direct each department in the County to support and implement the water trail. Adopted/Issued this date by the Ottawa County Board of Commissioners

YEAS: Allen Dannenberg, Joseph Baumann, Roger Bergman, Randall Meppelink, Kyle Terpstra, Francisco Garcia, Gregory DeJong, James Holtvluwer, Douglas Zylstra, Philip Kuyers, Matthew Fenske
NAYS: None
ABSTENTIONS: None