Pier Cove Restoration Management Plan

Abstract

The goal of this project is to create a management plan for rejuvenating Pier Cove Ravine. Located in southwest Michigan, this historic property has served its community for over one hundred years as a place for outdoor recreation, reflection, and retreat. Pier Cove’s founder, O.C. Simonds, created this property with the intention to connect people with nature. As a result, Pier Cove has become an important local green space home to many species of plants and animals. Through natural processes, and the passage of time, the property faces various challenges like streambank erosion, trail degradation, and invasion by non-native plants. Although the stream running through the property is small, it is not immune to disturbances (both anthropogenic and natural). All streams are prone to bank erosion from the flow of water. Erosion from the natural flow of a stream over time, plus rapid erosion from large storms, can destabilize banks. This can cause nearby trees to fall into the stream, creating further erosion (Bigham, 2020). Severely eroded stream banks throughout Pier Cove will need to be addressed for both the health of the stream habitat and for stream accessibility. Many invasive plant species are located throughout the property and have become an issue. Invasive plants are known to outcompete native species and create an unfavorable habitat for wildlife (Fan et al., 2013). Common invasive species in southwestern Michigan include autumn olive, honeysuckle, multiflora rose, and many others (Borland et al., 2009). All of the aforementioned species exhibit rapid growth patterns and are known to overtake a landscape once they have been established. Once again, for the health of the ecosystem on the property and its future accessibility to visitors, there is a crucial need for creating a management plan to manage invasive species on the property. The final challenge that needs to be addressed in this management plan is the degradation of the trail running through the property (Figure 1). While this property is a space for nature to exist on its own, it was created with the idea that people could come to the property to reconnect with nature. Thus, there is a small trail that runs through the property for people to use. Over the years, sections of the trails are no longer used due to the overgrowth of plant species. There are also various boardwalks and bridges that will need to be repaired, or improved, to keep the trail connected and for safe navigation. In addition, the “upper path” of the property was once accessible with vehicles for the enjoyment of older patrons as well as for maintenance and emergencies. This path has been narrowed considerably from overgrowth and will need to be addressed within this management plan. Pier Cove has immense potential to be restored and preserved for generations to come. Although the property is affected by habitat alteration, invasive species, and trail degradation, these issues are not unsolvable. By successfully rejuvenating Pier Cove, and addressing these concerns, community members and visitors will have improved accessibility to a historic and protected natural area for years to come.

To restore and maintain the property for the next several generations, this management plan includes the following: 1. A baseline inventory of Pier Cove’s vegetation 2. Scenarios for restoring and enhancing Pier Cove’s cultural and natural features 3. Possible partnerships and/or strategies for the Trust to expand its property holdings 4. Opportunities for fundraising initiatives for supporting the work of the Trust 5. Interpretive materials/strategies for sharing the history and unique natural features of the ravine with the local community.

To accomplish these goals and objectives the team outlined the project in three phases. In phase one, the group conducted the baseline inventory of Pier Cove’s vegetation using methods which will be outlined in further sections of this management plan. The team also conducted several surveys to understand the impact on steam erosion. In the second phase of the project, the team consolidated and analyzed the data acquired in phase one. During this phase the team also finalized references, identified courses of action, and began preparing the deliverables for distribution. In the final phase, the team will consolidate and finalize all materials to be distributed and presented to the Trust. During this final phase the group will present all materials from the study to the Board of Trustees, SEAS faculty and staff (School for Environment and Sustainability at the University of Michigan), and stakeholders.