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The first phase of the Pere Marquette Township Conservation Park included a boat launch on the PM River
PERE MARQUETTE TOWNSHIP — Pere Marquette Charter Township trustees will discuss several conservation grant opportunities and ongoing habitat restoration projects at Pere Marquette Conservation Park during the township board’s regular meeting at 4 p.m. Tuesday, May 12 at township hall, 1699 S. Pere Marquette Highway.
The projects are being coordinated in partnership with the Mason-Lake Conservation District and West Michigan Shoreline Regional Development Commission.
According to information provided by Mason-Lake Conservation District Executive Director Dani McGarry, several conservation and shoreline restoration efforts are already underway this season at the park. Current work includes native plantings and erosion control at the township’s new boat launch, along with invasive plant removal projects taking place near the boat launch, Haul Road and other portions of the conservation park.
Township officials are also being asked to consider multiple grant-related proposals tied to future restoration and habitat management projects.
One pending proposal is a Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) High Water Grant application submitted by the conservation district. The project would focus on the north Pere Marquette River bank west of the boat launch parcel and would include design and permitting for bank stabilization, invasive species removal, native landscaping and improved land access.
The proposed project carries a $64,510 grant request and requires a $15,000 local match. West Michigan Shoreline Regional Development Commission (WMSRDC) is currently covering the match requirement during the application phase, though organizers hope the township would reimburse the match in 2027 if the grant is awarded. Work could begin in fall 2026.
Another proposal involves the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation’s National Coastal Resilience Fund. The joint pre-proposal would fund site assessment and preliminary engineering and design work for the park’s approximately 300-acre parcel.
The project would focus on habitat restoration intended to improve flood resilience and reduce shoreline erosion. Proposed work includes native plantings, slope stabilization and upland habitat improvements intended to support wildlife habitat and recreational uses such as fishing, hiking and wildlife observation.
McGarry said the planning and engineering work would position the township for future competitive grant applications tied to shoreline stabilization, habitat restoration and recreation access improvements.
The township also is being asked to authorize the conservation district to pursue a Michigan Department of Natural Resources Wildlife Habitat Grant Program application due June 25.
Under the proposal, the conservation district would serve as grant writer and project manager. Planned work would focus on upland habitat restoration through removal of invasive autumn olive, replanting with native prairie and forest species and thinning old conifer plantation areas within the park.
McGarry said the proposed habitat work aligns with priorities identified in the park’s management plan and would complement shoreline resilience efforts proposed through the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation application.
The DNR Wildlife Habitat Grant Program requires a minimum 10% local match. Depending on the project scope, township contributions could total approximately $20,000 to $25,000 through equipment purchases or rentals, staff time and grant management costs.
The township also would need to provide a landowner authorization letter and a letter committing matching funds.
The cost for the conservation district to provide grant writing and management services would be $2,000, with half due up front and the remainder payable if the grant is awarded.
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