Huron-Clinton Metroparks 35th Biennial Report as of December 31, 2011 MEMPHIS

ORTONVILLE LEONARD

53 ARMADA OXFORD HOLLY 75 ROMEO 15 OAKLAND RICHMOND COUNTY LAKE 19 ORION NEW LIVINGSTON CLARKSTON 24 3 2 HAVEN COUNTY 94 23 ROCHESTER NEW 4 PONTIAC BALTIMORE FOWLERVILLE HARTLAND ROCHESTER MACOMB 59 WATERFORD B.L. HILLS 29 75 AUBURN 150 53 96 59 24 HILLS COUNTY HIGHLAND Elizabeth 59 Lake Sylvan UTICA HOWELL Lake 59 Cass MT. Lake 75 CLEMENS MILFORD COMMERCE ORCHARD LAKE BLOOMFIELD WEST HILLS TROY STERLING WOLVERINE BLOOMFIELD HEIGHTS WolverineLAKE Lake 24 BIRMINGHAM 1 BRIGHTON WALLED FRASER Walled LAKE BEVERLY CLAWSON 5 Lake FRANKLIN WIXOM HILLS 96 1 WARREN NEW ROYAL HUDSON 696 BERLKEY OAK 696 Lake PINCKNEY ROSEVILLE FARMINGTON CENTERLINE 3 36 HILLS OAK St. Clair SOUTH NOVI SOUTHFIELD HAZEL 97 PARK PARK EAST- ST. CLAIR Huron River 6 53 LYON POINTE SHORES Baseline Portage Lake 102 Little Lake WHITMORE NORTHVILLE Portage HARPER Lake LAKE 275 WOODS 23 REDFORD 5 LIVONIA 75 GROSSE 10 94 POINTE 52 14 96 7 DEXTER PLYMOUTH WAYNE ROIT COUNTY 39 T CHELSEA 14 E 153 8 WESTLAND 94 9 D 14 ANN CANTON 94 3 ARBOR INKSTER RIVER Huron River 12 WAYNE ROUGE 275 ECORSE 94 YPSILANTI ALLEN PARK LINCOLN Administrative Offices 94 24 PARK SOUTHGATE WASHTENAW ROMULUS 52 TAYLOR 75 WYANDOTTE 13000 High Ridge Drive COUNTY BELLEVILLE 10 RIVERVIEW SALINE 23 85 Brighton, MI 48114-9058 12 24 TRENTON Lake MANCHESTER 11 Erie 810-227-2757 75 GILBRALTAR MILAN 12 13

Huron-Clinton Metroparks

1. Lake St. Clair Metropark 5. 10. (formerly Metro Beach Metropark) 2240 West Buno Road 17845 Savage Road 31300 Metro Parkway Milford, MI 48380 Belleville, MI 48111 Harrison Township, MI 48045 810-227-8910 734-697-9181 586-463-4581 6. Huron Meadows Metropark 11. 2. 8765 Hammel Road (Park Office located at 63841 Wolcott Road Brighton, MI 48116 Lower Huron Metropark) Ray, MI 48096 810-231-4084 734-697-9181 586-749-5997 7. 12. 3. 8801 North Territorial Road (Park Office located at 4300 Main Park Road Dexter, MI 48130 Lower Huron Metropark) Shelby Township, MI 48316 734-426-8211 734-697-9181 586-781-4242 8. Dexter-Huron Metropark 13. Metropark 4. (Park Office located at 32481 West Jefferson 5200 Indian Trail Hudson Mills Metropark) Brownstown, MI 48173 White Lake, MI 48386 734-426-8211 734-379-5020 248-625-6640 9. (Park Office located at Hudson Mills Metropark) 734-426-8211

www.metroparks.com 35th Biennial Report of the Board of Commissioners of the Huron-Clinton Metropolitan Authority as of December 31, 2011

A report to the Honorable Rick Snyder, Governor of the State of and to the Members of the Board of Commissioners of the counties of Livingston, Macomb, Oakland, Washtenaw and Wayne.

The Huron-Clinton Metropolitan Authority was sanctioned by the Michigan State Legislature in Act No. 147 of the Public Acts of 1939, and was approved in 1940 by the citizens of Livingston, Macomb, Oakland, Washtenaw and Wayne counties which constitute the metropolitan district. The Board of Commissioners held its first meeting in 1941. Funding for the Authority became available in 1942.

Mission Statement The Huron-Clinton Metropolitan Authority, a regional park system created in 1940 by the citizens of , provides excellent recreational and educational opportunities while serving as stewards of its natural resources. Our efforts are guided by the belief that the use of parks and exposure to natural environments enhance society’s health and quality of life.

Board of commissioners The governing body of the Huron-Clinton Metropolitan Authority is a seven-member Board of Commissioners. Two commissioners, who serve as representatives-at-large, are appointed by the Governor of Michigan for a term of four years. Five commissioners, one each to represent the counties of Livingston, Macomb, Oakland, Washtenaw and Wayne, are appointed for a term of six years by the boards of comissioners of the above-named counties; these representatives must reside in the counties they serve and represent. Members of the Huron-Clinton Metropolitan Authority Commission serve without salary.

Anthony V. Marrocco John E. La Belle John P. McCulloch John C. Hertel Chairman Vice Chairman Treasurer Secretary Macomb County Livingston County Oakland County Governor Appointee

Harry E. Lester Robert W. Marans Timothy J. McCarthy Wayne County Washtenaw County Governor Appointee Chairman’s Message

Anthony V. Marrocco Chairman Macomb County

As chairman of the Huron-Clinton Metropolitan Authority’s Board The following year, we endorsed investing another $3.1 million of Commissioners, it is my privilege to deliver the Chairman’s into 40 facilities. The two largest projects, both at Kensington message in this 35th Biennial Report. Metropark, involved constructing the final link to connect the park’s hike/bike trail to the Milford trail at a cost of $487,000, and It is an honor to serve as the Macomb County Representative building a new $1.5-million golf clubhouse. and as Chairman of this Board, which governs one of the top regional park systems in the country. The Board is made up Planning for the future also means setting priorities for land of five commissioners, one each to represent the counties of purchases. With the help of a $110,000 Michigan Natural Wayne, Macomb, Oakland, Livingston and Washtenaw, and Resources Trust Fund land acquisition grant, we added a 10- two commissioners, appointed by the Governor of Michigan, acre parcel to Indian Springs Metropark, which, along with two who serve as representatives-at-large. Together, we make previous 10-acre purchases, created a 30-acre expansion to the policy decisions for the Authority, which includes approving park’s undeveloped west side. At Wolcott Mill Metropark, we expenditures, acquiring land, planning new or replacement bought a 20-acre parcel that is crucial for future trail development facilities, approving fees and charges and awarding contracts in that park. through competitive bidding, as well as any park-related issues the public may bring to us. In addition to these decisions, several Commissioners challenged the Board to think out of the box, beyond the pages of budgets Like all governmental agencies in Michigan, the Metroparks and expenditures, to provide new visions for the parks. These system has felt the impact of decreasing housing values and challenges included looking at how we market the parks and related property tax revenue declines in 2010 and 2011. During operate various facilities. Out of those visions grew the initiative to this period, the Metroparks property tax revenues fell 15 percent, rename Metro Beach Metropark with a moniker that would better from $36 million to $30.7 million. We altered the Metroparks fit this recreational gem’s amenities and one-mile shore along 2008-2012 Five-Year Recreation Plan in 2009 in anticipation Lake St. Clair. For those reasons, we changed Metro Beach to of this decline, and in 2010 we again had to make further Lake St. Clair Metropark. I believe this change will have a positive adjustments by delaying or downsizing projects. We also adopted impact on the park as well as the Lake St. Clair tourism initiative. and implemented a Reorganization Plan, through which we administer the parks in districts. Together, these changes continue On behalf of the Board, thank you for your interest in the Huron- our progress toward upgrading aging facilities and managing our Clinton Metroparks, a regional park system providing the finest parks in anticipation of further shrinking tax revenues. recreational facilities in southeast Michigan.

Over the past several years, the Authority has been conserving cash and systematically building up the Reserve Fund to address the adverse impacts of falling tax revenues. The goal is to continue to maintain park service/programs, maintenance and security levels for the enjoyment of our visitors. Despite the unprecedented economic challenges of the last two years, we are pleased to report we are meeting these goals.

In 2010, the Board approved spending $3.9 million on 46 projects to improve or renovate park facilities. Four major projects replaced aging facilities at a cost of $1.6 million: the South Marina at Lake St. Clair Metropark (formerly Metro Beach Metropark), the Beach House and Grille at Kensington Metropark’s Martindale Beach, the swimming pool at Willow Metropark, and the playground at . In addition to these projects, park roadways and hike/bike trails were reconstructed at a cost of $743,000.

4 Director’s Message

David C. Moilanen Director

Greetings, and welcome to the Huron-Clinton Metroparks’ 35th loyal cadre of workers who truly care about the Metroparks. Biennial Report, our account of progress from January 2010 through December 2011. Although our volunteers help us tremendously, collaborative efforts are also bringing great improvements to our natural areas. With 13 parks encompassing 25,000 acres of scenic woods and One such example is at Lake St. Clair Metropark*, where our fragile waters in southeast Michigan, the Metroparks provide a natural coastal wetland is being enhanced through a $1.5-million marsh oasis from urban and suburban life as well as year-round restoration project made possible through combined efforts of recreational activities and events, hosting more than nine million Macomb County, the Clinton River Watershed Council, Wayne visitors each year. State University and Oakland University.

Every year, we challenge ourselves to develop new recreational Together, our staff, volunteers and partners work toward opportunities and interpretive programs that will encourage providing exceptional opportunities at the Metroparks during a more people to visit the Metroparks. By expanding our facilities, time when revenues are decreasing along with the number of events and programs, we hope to make each of our 13 parks a full-time park employees. destination where people can take a break from the stresses of daily living and realize the benefits of getting outdoors. The Metroparks provide a vital respite from everyday life, places where people can “get away from it all” without having to leave One of our priorities was to improve our email and social media southeast Michigan. Simple pleasures, such as watching the marketing so that we could better deliver news and information sunset over a lake, picnicking along a river or taking a quiet walk in about our programs and events directly to people in a timely the woods are all part of maintaining a balanced, healthy lifestyle. manner. We also wanted to make it easy for families to go The mixture of open spaces and facilities at the parks provide camping, so we developed new rustic camping weekends at two valued destinations, close to home, for the most populated area parks. As a member of Michigan’s No Child Left Inside Coalition, of Michigan. we worked to provide easy access to the outdoors through many of our interpretive programs.

Environmental stewardship continues to be a priority; increased stewardship and management activities, along with additional funding through grants, have boosted our efforts to manage our precious natural resources. During the past two years, we’ve recruited more volunteers to help remove invasive plants in natural areas and to collect native grass seeds to be used in restoration projects throughout the parks. These activities are labor-intensive, and we could not accomplish them without a

Staff Officers

Gregory J. Almas David L. Wahl George Phifer Deputy Director Controller Executive Secretary *Formerly Metro Beach Metropark 5 New South Marina, restrooms and showers

New Facilities Lake St. Clair Metropark South Marina The new South Marina at Lake St. Clair Metropark, which replaced the original built in 1959, includes 48 boat slips, a bathroom/ shower building, pump-out station, seawall, sidewalks and harbormaster building. A $1.5 million grant from the Michigan Waterways Commission helped fund this $3 million facility. The marina completed a multi-year effort to upgrade Lake St. Clair Metropark’s facilities including its golf course starter building, central plaza and picnic pavilion.

6 New Willow Pool

Willow Metropark Pool The new pool at Willow Metropark, which replaced the park’s original pool, is yet another example of the ongoing, multi-year effort to update aging facilities throughout the Metroparks system. At this $1.2 million facility, kids can plunge down a 10-foot high slide into the pool, or splash in the water jets and fountains. Plus, swimming and shooting hoops can provide hours of fun and exercise.

7 LakeBeach Erie’s House new and Children’s Grille Play Area

Kensington Metropark Lake Erie Metropark Beach House & Grille Children’s Play Area The new Beach House and Grille is the second of two projects to Another replacement project, the new playground at Lake Erie upgrade facilities at Kensington Metropark’s Martindale Beach. Metropark features slides, tunnels, ropes, and a rock climbing wall. This $2.7 million complex replaced the original bathhouse and concession building built in 1952. This new structure, along with the Splash ’n’ Blast sprayground/waterslide which opened in 2007, added more than $5 million to this area of the park.

Kensington’s Beach House and Grille

8 Kensington’s new golf clubhouse.

Under construction New Features Kensington Metropark Rustic Camping Weekends Golf Clubhouse Busy families looking for easy access to camping took advantage More than 50 years ago, the Metroparks opened its first golf of family-friendly rustic camping weekends at Stony Creek and course and starter building at Kensington Metropark. Through Lower Huron Metroparks offered for the first time in 2010, and the years, this popular golf course outgrew and outlived this expanded in 2011. From the response to these camping 60s-era building, which is also used as a ski center in the winter. weekends, planning began to develop campgrounds at both One of the larger redevelopments in 2011, this project included parks for 2012, with Lower Huron offering seasonal camping, and demolishing the original building, upgrading utilities and other Stony Creek continuing its special camping weekends. site work, along with landscaping and walkways, at a cost of $1.5 million. At 4,500 square feet, the new building, opening in 2012, will better accommodate golfers and skiers.

Repairing, replacing and renovating park infrastructure is a top priority. Projects included repaving roads and hike/bike trails, and making repairs to existing facilities, including repairing the pedestrian bridge at Kensington Metropark.

Rustic Camping at Stony Creek Metropark

Bridge repair at Kensington Metropark 9 Wolcott Mill Metropark Farm Center

Wolcott Mill Metropark Heritage Breed Cows With the arrival of two Milking Shorthorn heifers in April, 2011, Wolcott Mill Metropark Farm Center became the only known public farm in Michigan where all six major dairy cow breeds reside. The Farm’s collection of Ayrshire, Brown Swiss, Guernsey, Jersey, Milking Shorthorn and Holstein cows showcases not only where our milk comes from, but also preserves America’s dairy cow heritage. The heritage breeds, along with the farm’s dairy cows, produce over 480 gallons of milk each week through the use of an automatic milking machine. The milk is sold to a local milk plant, and then distributed locally.

Milking Shorthorn Jersey Environmental Discovery Center’s new interpretive displays

Indian Springs Metropark Interpretive Displays These new displays tell the story of plant and animal life of prairies and wetlands and the Huron River swamp found at the park. The life cycle of dragonflies, life in a colony of Allegheny mound building ants, and hibernation habits of the massassauga rattlesnake are featured among the interactive displays. Guernsey Brown Swiss

Holstein Ayrshire

10 Controlled burn at Lake St. Clair

Natural Resources Managing Resources It is crucial for the Metroparks to manage its woods, waters and open spaces to preserve and protect its precious natural resources. The Metroparks use a number of methods to manage high-quality natural areas throughout the parks, including removing invasive species and dangerous trees, conducting prescribed burns, and surveying plants. Eradicating invasive plants is a primary concern, because these invaders do not have any Volunteer Programs natural predators to keep their populations under control. As a In 2010 and 2011, more than 600 volunteers contributed more result, once they enter an area, they can quickly take over an than 3,000 hours on natural resources-related projects. Each ecosystem by out-competing native plants for available space month, park staff led at least two or three volunteer workdays, of and nutrients. In 2010 and 2011, Metroparks staff and volunteers which many were sponsored by corporate and civic organizations pulled out more than 22,000 pounds of invasive garlic mustard such as REI, Volkswagen and the Southeast Michigan Geocaching from natural areas. Staff and volunteers also cleared about 180 Organization. In addition, many Boy Scout and Girl Scout groups acres of invasive shrubs and vines throughout the parks. In participated at workdays to earn conservation badges. Most of addition to removing invasive plants, the Metroparks conducted these volunteer projects focused on removing invasive species prescribed burns on nearly 1,000 acres of land in a variety of such as garlic mustard and autumn olive from high-quality ecosystems, including prairies, savannas, oak forests, and natural areas. Other projects involved collecting native prairie wetlands. These prescribed fires stimulate the growth of native seeds to use in restoration projects and monitoring areas where vegetation, inhibit the spread of invasive species, and ensure restoration work had already taken place. In addition to helping proper soil nutrient cycling required for healthy natural maintain and restore our valuable natural areas, volunteer communities. This will encourage healthier, vigorous native workdays provide a unique educational experience and involve vegetation to grow in the future. volunteers of all ages and abilities.

Lake St. Clair burn Removing Garlic Mustard 11 Shoreline installation at Kent Lake.

Kensington Metropark Shoreline Demonstration Project Community Support Through a partnership with the Michigan Natural Shoreline Partnership (MNSP), and as part of the training and certification Each year, hundreds of people donate money, equipment and program for Certified Natural Shoreline Professionals, trainees supplies to the parks. Additionally, more than 3,000 volunteers installed a 110-foot bioengineered shoreline on Kent Lake at contributed nearly 20,000 hours of help at interpretive centers Kensington Metropark. For the project, 20 flats of plants were and natural areas, with hundreds more helping at annual spring inserted along with pre-vegetative root carpet to encourage the cleanups. People who donate their time and talent, along with binding of soil through strong root systems. All natural coir logs, individuals and organizations that donate money, goods and made of coconut husks, along with erosion blankets, were placed services, greatly enhance the Metroparks ability to provide top- to protect the new vegetation while it grows. These techniques quality programs, facilities and services. offer long-term shoreline protection, enhance the habitat for One person who exceeded expectations is Michael Muha, of wildlife and are aesthetically pleasing. The mission of the MNSP Wixom, who led an initiative to hold a Michigan Cup Series is to promote natural shorelines through the use of green sanctioned cross-country ski race at Huron Meadows Metropark landscaping technologies and bioengineered erosion control for in January 2010. The race was the first sanctioned cross-country the protection of Michigan inland lakes. ski race held in southern Michigan in 22 years, and the only race of its kind held south of Higgins Lake. The 2010 race drew 160 skiers from Michigan, Indiana and Ohio, and raised more than $2,400 for the park. The event became an annual event, bringing skiers and spectators to the park for training and competition, showcasing the park as one of the premier locations in the state to enjoy the sport. The Metroparks recognized Muha’s support and leadership by naming him Volunteer of the Year for 2010.

Recreational Equipment, Inc., (REI), has been a leader in supporting stewardship efforts at the Metroparks through their three Michigan stores during the past four years. In 2010 they sponsored seven workdays by recruiting volunteers and supplying water bottles and T-shirts. They also helped out on a youth volunteer day as well, during which more than 100 high school students from five states worked at Kensington Metropark. For the past four years, the REI, Inc., Michigan staff have nominated the Metroparks to receive funding from their corporate office to support water quality, education and stewardship programs. Together, these efforts garnered REI, Inc., the Metroparks’ Corporate Volunteer Award for 2011.

Frosty Free-Style Ski Race. 12 Educational Partnerships including herbicide applications, prescribed burns, and mowing, are being used to combat phragmites, or common Students and staff from several universities use the natural reed, an invasive plant that can ruin the marsh. Following these spaces at the Metroparks to study various aspects of our social management activities to control the phragmites, it is hoped and natural environments. For example, a team from Ohio State that dormant native seeds in the soil will take back their hold University is studying the effects of the emerald ash borer on the and replenish the zone with native plant life, thereby restoring spread of invasive plant species in the parks’ forested areas, while the native community. Chemical and mechanical treatments researchers from Michigan State University are using the parks as of the phragmites at Lake St. Clair have already taken place, and a living laboratory to find a biological control for this woodland treatments will begin at Lake Erie during 2012. As the marshes pest. A team from the University of Michigan is working with park recover, workers will be looking for the return of long absent staff to increase sustainable business practices, and a student wildlife such as black terns, and an increase in populations of rare from the University of Illinois Springfield is developing a park-wide species such as the eastern fox snake and marsh wren. recycling system. Additionally, scientists from Lake Superior State University are working with Metropark staff to monitor water quality in several parks. These partnerships help to preserve quality natural spaces, both within and outside of the Metroparks, for future generations. Sustainable Practices The Metroparks are committed to enhancing sustainable practices throughout the park system in order to reduce its impact on the local environment. One of the ways in which we are addressing this goal is through the use of alternative energy. Lake St. Clair Stormwater Project At Huron Meadows Metropark, new solar panels installed on the At Lake St. Clair Metropark, a grant from the Environmental roof of the golf cart storage building help power 70 electric golf Protection Agency and the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative carts. DTE Energy SolarCurrents program partially funded the will redevelop and redesign the park’s 20-acre main parking project with a $5,760 rebate and a $.11 per kilowatt-hour credit lot, replacing large expanses of concrete with smaller, on DTE bills. At Indian Springs Metropark, DTE Energy will install environmentally-engineered parking areas that divert storm water and operate a 390-kilowatt solar photovoltaic panel system on runoff to new vegetative areas and adjacent wetlands, which will approximately 2.7 acres of the south side of the park, which will help filter and improve the runoff water quality. be capable of providing energy to about 80 homes per year. This project enhances the educational mission of the park’s Environmental Discovery Center while also supporting the Metroparks overall goals for sustainability. Marshland Restoration As recently as the early 1900s, a vast expanse of wetlands existed along the shoreline of southeast Michigan. Although urbanization and development took over much of the area, rare, fragile remnants of this extremely rare Great Lakes Coastal Marsh remain at Lake St. Clair and Lake Erie Metroparks. Thanks to grants from the U. S. Environmental Protection Agency, the Metroparks, along with local partners, are restoring 400 acres of marsh at each park in an effort to bring back the wide variety of birds, plants and fish that once lived there. A variety of management practices, 13 Budget Summary 2010 2011 General Fund Revenues Property Taxes $ 34,528,432 $ 30,691,073 Park Operations: Metro Beach* $ 1,767,070 $ 1,639,040 Kensington 2,896,630 2,802,315 Lower Huron 1,496,553 1,544,161 Hudson Mills 969,111 887,294 Stony Creek 2,514,918 2,535,163 Willow/Oakwoods 1,131,561 804,158 Lake Erie 1,576,391 1,572,925 Wolcott Mill 471,291 469,845 Indian Springs 870,566 811,109 Huron Meadows 807,926 760,210 Other Metroparks 213,810 14,715,827 325,505 14,151,725 Interest 384,922 266,837 Grants 317,491 351,412 Donations 57,065 110,423 Other Financing Sources 24,161 28,460 Total General Fund Revenues $ 50,027,898 $ 45,599,930

General Fund Expenditures Capital: Engineering & Planning 591,541 444,112 Capital Improvements 3,902,851 3,012,780 Equipment 1,972,142 965,066 Land Acquisition 10,423 6,476,957 565,997 4,987,955

Operating: Major Maintenance 1,131,938 1,164,673 Administrative Office 5,571,405 5,590,120 Planning & Engineering 1,517,456 1,485,499 Park Operations: Metro Beach* 3,951,050 3,784,910 Kensington 6,529,008 6,486,029 Lower Huron 2,864,790 2,835,583 Hudson Mills 2,747,588 2,981,726 Stony Creek 4,230,227 4,058,406 Willow/Oakwoods 2,925,664 2,905,149 Lake Erie 3,425,448 3,379,534 Wolcott Mill 1,755,269 1,775,100 Indian Springs 2,194,572 2,052,636 Huron Meadows 1,199,291 1,055,361 Other Metroparks 308,915 32,131,822 403,545 31,717,979 Total General Fund Expenditures $ 46,829,578 $ 44,946,226 Excess (Deficit) of Revenues Over Expenditures $ 3,198,320 $ 653,704

*Renamed Lake St. Clair Metropark 1/1/2012.

The financial statements for the Huron-Clinton Metropolitan Authority as of December 31, 2010 and 2011, have been audited by an independent, certified public accounting firm. Copies of the complete audited financial statements are available upon request to the Huron-Clinton Metropolitan Authority, 13000 High Ridge Drive, Brighton, Michigan 48114-9058 14 General Fund

2010 Revenues 2011 Revenues

Donations, Grants Donations, Miscellaneous Miscellaneous 0.6% Grants & Other Interest & Other Interest 0.8% 0.2% 0.6% 0.3% 0.8%

Park Operations Park Operations 29.4% 31.0% Property Tax Property Tax 69.0% 67.3%

2010 Expenditures 2011 Expenditures

Engineering Capital Engineering Capital & Planning Improvements & Planning Improvements 4.5% 8.3% Equipment 4.3% 6.7% Equipment 4.2% Land 2.1% Aquisition Land 0.0% Aquisition 1.3% Major Major Maintenance Maintenance 2.4% 2.6%

Administrative Administrative Park Operations Office Park Operations Office 68.7% 11.9% 70.6% 12.4%

15 Huron-Clinton Metroparks Administrative Offices 13000 High Ridge Drive • Brighton • MI 48114-9058 www.metroparks.com