Open
Space Committee
Open Space Committee News • 2001
Natural Features Nominations •
Land Preservation •
Purpose and Mission Statement
Open Space Committee News
What do we want our growing community to Look Like? Please click here to
download the Final Report.
A study of the area South and East of Lowell High School.
The Open Space Citizen Committee of Vergennes Township has been busy with several
initiatives. We've worked hard to obtain funding for a Natural Features Inventory
of the township, which is a clear "next step." The purpose of a Natural
Features Inventory is to
identify particularly interesting and valuable natural features in the township.
The value is to assist with long-term planning, which will enable Vergennes
to have every opportunity to retain its rural character for future generations.
The cost of the project is $11,495, and we are pleased to announce that funding has been secured. The Frey Foundation challenged Vergennes Township to a matching grant; each will pay $1,250. The Wege Foundation has granted $1,500. The Lowell Area Community Fund said "yes" to a request for $5,000. And the Charles Evenson Fund of the Grand Rapids Community Fund has committed the final $2,495.
In coming months, landowners may hear from someone from Calvin College requesting
permission to conduct a biological inventory of their property. You are welcome
to invite them in or not - your choice. Historically, most people are glad to
learn what trained biologists can tell them about the biodiversity of their
land. We trust you'll understand and appreciate the benefits of this information
to you. As part of the entire process, a scenic inventory is also being taken,
with an assessment done during each season of the year. This inventory will
not involve private property. The data collection and pictures will be taken
from public roads.
If you support what we're doing, please consider joining the committee or contacting
us so we can "keep you in the loop" with occasional communications.
The committee meets at 7:00 PM at the township hall the last Wednesday of most
months (see Township website for complete list). If you can't join us, let us
know of your support or contact us any time through Mari Stone, Township Clerk,
897-5671 x2, or clerk@vergennestwp.org.
4th Annual Educational Forum
The 4th Annual Educational Forum was held March 17, 2004 at the Wittenbach Center
at 7 PM. The forum gave updates on the latest options for preserving open space.
Presenters gave a demonstration of how our new Open Space Ordinance works, explained
the Kent County Purchase of Development Rights (PDR) Program, answered questions
and gave an explanation of the Natural Features Inventory project, as well as
other land preservation tools and processes.
Defining Rural Character Contest
2001
Natural Features Nominations
Selection Summary
Section Features
Summary
Site Descriptions by
Section
*Maps are available at the township office.
Land Preservation
Calendar
United Growth Project
Open
Space Citizens Committee
of Vergennes Township
Purpose and Mission Statement
A majority of Vergennes
Township residents have repeatedly sent a clear message that retaining the rural
character of our area is a top priority. At the same time, it is just as clear
and important to recognize that landowners must retain the right to do with
their land as they wish, consistent with existing laws and zoning regulations.
The Open Space Committee of Vergennes Township is a volunteer citizen committee
approved by the Township board. The committee is charged by the board to find
ways to preserve its rural character as the Township continues to change. The
committee recognizes that increased development in Vergennes Township is inevitable
and the need to engage people with various viewpoints is imperative.
The Mission of the Open Space Citizens Committee of Vergennes Township
is to promote protection of the township’s rural character, open spaces and
natural areas, while respecting property rights and enhancing property value.
The committee will work toward this goal by: