http://www.change.org/petitions/save-ott-biological-preserve-from-pavement-and-development Ott Biological Preserve was purchased by Calhoun County in 1977 from Albion College, with a Michigan Department of Natural Resources Land and Water Conservation Trust Fund Grant for the purpose of creating a "nature preserve ." The properties unique features have at least been recognized since 1911, when Ed
Brigham, a well-known naturalist, bought 105 acres with a friend to study and protect. At some point, Brigham purchased more property as an agent for John Harvey Kellogg. Kellogg formed Battle Creek College in 1923; the Preserve was donated to the college for biological studies and research. Battle Creek College closed in 1938. In 1946, Harvey N. Ott, an Albion College benefactor purchased the Preserve and bequested it to Albion College. Albion used the Preserve extensively until closer property became available for their use (Whitehouse Nature Center). (Conservancy: The Land Trust Movement in America, Richard Brewer)
The Calhoun County Road Commission is charged with its care and maintenance; since 1977 it has been owned by Calhoun County. Per County rules, all plants and animals are protected; no hunting, fishing, flower-picking or motorized vehicles are permitted with the exception of motorized wheelchairs for disabled persons. The Calhoun County Trailway Alliance, a nonprofit organization, in conjunction with the Calhoun County Road/Parks Commission, have joined forces to "connect" county trails to others across the County. Trailway representative Bob Gregerson would not disclose funding sources at a public (but not widely advertised) trailway walkthrough on January 27, 2011. Yet the Road Commission staff and Alliance stated that they had received an undisclosed amount of money from what was referred to as a "ghost" source to further proceed with 10-foot wide trailway, with 2 feet of clearance on each side, throughout the Preserve. The surface has been reported to be of pavement/asphalt or other bituminous "smooth surface" so that the trail is easily accessible to wheelchairs and bicycles, rollerblades, skateboards etc. Reportedly the width and surface requirements derive from meeting yet-to-be-given grant requirements from the Michigan Department of Transportation (Transportation Enhancement Fund). No funding from this source has been granted as of yet. As lack of public support continues to rise, the Alliance continues to change their story on specific Ott trail location and surface type. Many of the current well-maintained trails are over 100 years old, and are adjacent to fragile ecosystems. Non-consumptive recreational users such as bird-watchers, hikers, nature enthusiasts, photographers, youth and families come to enjoy Ott to escape the cement and sounds of the city for the peaceful tranquility that the Preserve offers. The construction process will inherently require the clear-cutting of trees and plant-life that have been untouched for decades. Many species of birds and mammals will be displaced in the process, likely during breeding season. Fragile wetland systems and unique geologic features such as eskers (shaped by glacial systems,) risk being damaged or irreversibly ruined. We are NOT opposed to trail systems, rather, there are suitable alternatives to fragmenting Calhoun County's 300-acre "jewel." Potential perimeter alternative routes have been suggested: One is straight down the already-cleared Consumers Energy power line right-of-way, along the West boundary of the Preserve, and straight down to East Michigan Avenue. That exit point places you right across the street, a mere 50 feet from where the Alliance proposes that their trail meet back up with the same exact power lines in Kimball Pines. This alternative route keeps the Preserve’s sensitive natural features-- including the 10,000 year old glacial eskers, free of negative impacts. It could incorporate the placement of a currently un-used historic bridge over the tributary to the Kalamazoo River. The diversity of “edge-loving” species of birds and mammals that inhabit areas between forest and open habitats makes this alternative route rich in wildlife viewing opportunities. This plan has not been submitted for approval simply because the Alliance doesn't want it to be. There are no rare wetlands impacted via this route; afterall this is a Consumer Energy truck maintenance route! Without any biological inventories in existence and a plagarized environmental assessment included in Calhoun County Road Commission's "request for proposal", there is much to be analyzed BEFORE any trail is constructed/developed. Many would prefer the alternative option of simply removing the trail from Ott entirely, and we would agree. Afterall, there are accessible trails there ALREADY! Please join us in showing support for keeping the Preserve in its natural state: with no further development!
