Brandon Twp.-In January supporters of a proposed township nature preserve were denied a grant from The Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund’now they say, ‘we’ll try again.?
The 80 acres, just south of the Brandon High School is owned by the Casselman Family and includes a section of Kearsley Creek, dense forests and several acres of wetlands. The township along with the Brandon Preservation Committee a group part of the North Oakland Headwaters Land Conservancy has eyed the property for environmental education, outdoor classrooms and other learning facilities. A 25 percent match is also part of the package.
The group led by Lois Robbins, chairperson for the Brandon Preservation Committee applied for the $900,000 grant last year but was denied due to several weaknesses in the grant including the lack of a shooting range or hunting area. Also, says Robbins, access to the property is an issue since it’s shared by Brandon High School.
Robbins attended the Brandon School Board meeting on Monday to present her case requesting full access to property from the single entrance to the high school campus. The new grant application is due April 1.
‘We have fragile optimism to get this grant,? Robbins. It’s a very competitive grant access to the site was a sticking point when we were denied last time. It was one of serval points that could be improved.?
Robbins said, in the last grant application access using the high school entrance was not included in the property appraisal and the grant decision committee were concerned.
‘Without access I don’t think we can pull this project off.?
The school board referred the access issue to the Brandon Building and Site committee which will meet to discuss the feasibility of the share access driveway.
‘We support the concept,? said Bart Jenniches, Brandon school superintendent. ‘But, we have some liability and safety issues with regard to the shared access to both the high school and the property.?
‘We just don’t have the personnel to patrol the grounds if visitors are coming onto school grounds anytime.?
The Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund is a state program set up to help municipalities purchase property to protect natural resources. It is funded through the Michigan Department of Natural Resources.