Dear Patrons of Kleinstuck Preserve,
The Kleinstuck Preserve is owned and managed by Western Michigan University. Following the Land Management plan for Kleinstuck Preserve, WMU has been clearing a wet meadow for the past three years that had been inundated by invasive shrubs such as Glossy and European Buckthorn. The cut shrubs have been placed in piles in the wet meadow of the preserve as they have been cut. WMU has received direction from Kalamazoo City Fire Marshall Williams on how to burn these piles to remove them from the area. This burn will take place while there is significant snow cover on the groundthe ground is wet during the Spring season to ensure safety. Following are details related to the brush pile burn that will take place in the preserve.
Who: Western Michigan University, working in cooperation with the Fire Marshal for the City of Kalamazoo. Personnel responsible for the burning of the brush piles will contact the fire department the day of the burn to receive a permit if conditions are deemed appropriate. The personnel will be available by cell phone throughout the burn.
What/How: Over a series of weeks, approximately up to 15 brush piles will be burned. Fire safety will be the highest priority. Efforts will be made to burn during weather conditions that will produce as little smoke drifting towards homes as much as possible. If excessive smoke is occurring, the piles will be extinguished.
When: While weather conditions are appropriate and approval is granted by the City of Kalamazoo Fire Marshal. It is expected that this will take place
Thursday, February 23, 2017 at 9:30 am. Jan
Where: In Kleinstuck Preserve, at a wet meadowlocated inside the main loop trail and at the south eastern edge of the marsh. See attached map.
Why: Until relatively recently, this area was a large wet meadow, hosting a variety of native plant and animal life and offering scenic beauty to the users of the preserve. Over the past several years, it has been inundated with a few exotic invasive species, particularly Glossy Buckthorn, compromising both the visual beauty of the area and the quality and diversity of plant and animal life. The wet meadow had been reduced to less than an acre in size, but restoration efforts have expanded it significantly. The open area will be even larger once the piles are removed, creating better habitat and creating a vista into the meadow.
Questions or concerns: