Osceola Township Recreation Plan 2011-2015Osceola Township Recreation Plan 2011-2015 Adopted January 13, 2011 Prepared for: Osceola Township•P.O. Box 437•Dollar Bay, MI 49922 Prepared

Osceola Township Recreation Plan 2011-2015

Adopted January 13, 2011

Prepared for: Osceola Township•P.O. Box 437•Dollar Bay, MI 49922

Prepared by: Western U.P. Planning & Development Region•P.O. Box 365•Houghton, MI 49931


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TABLE OF CONTENTS INTRODUCTION ....................................................................................................................................... 3

COMMUNITY DESCRIPTION ..................................................................................................................... 4

a. Location ....................................................................................................................................... 4

b. Population, Housing and Socio-Economic Characteristics ............................................................. 4

c. Land-Use and Zoning.................................................................................................................... 8

d. Economy ...................................................................................................................................... 8

e. Transportation Systems ............................................................................................................... 9

f. Topography ................................................................................................................................. 9

g. Geology and Soils ....................................................................................................................... 10

h. Climatic Conditions .................................................................................................................... 10

i. Water Resources ........................................................................................................................ 11

j. Vegetation and Wildlife ............................................................................................................. 11

ADMINISTRATIVE STRUCTURE ............................................................................................................... 12

RECREATION INVENTORY (See Figure 3) ................................................................................................ 13

a. Recreational Sites Within Osceola Township .............................................................................. 15

b. Recreational Sites Within Houghton County ............................................................................... 18

RECREATION GOAL ................................................................................................................................ 21

ACTION PROGRAM ................................................................................................................................ 22

SOURCES OF FUNDING .......................................................................................................................... 27

DESCRIPTION OF PLANNING PROCESS ................................................................................................... 28

APPENDIX A: RECREATION SURVEY & RESULTS .....................................................................................A-1

APPENDIX B: PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE, MEETING MINUTES & RESOLUTION ......................................... B-1


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INTRODUCTION

The 2011-2015 Osceola Township Recreation Plan (Plan) has been developed to guide

recreation improvements in the Township over the next five years. The Plan provides an

overview of the community, presents an inventory of existing recreational facilities, and

provides a framework for continued improvement and development of recreation facilities in

Osceola Township. The goal of the Plan is to establish a program of improvements that meets

the needs but is also affordable and achievable for the Township. A five-year plan also qualifies

Osceola Township to apply for Department of Natural Resources & Environment (DNRE) and

other grants.

This Plan, prepared by Western Upper Peninsula Planning and Development Region, was

developed under the guidance of a Recreation Plan Committee on behalf of the Osceola

Township Board. Public comments and suggestions were taken under consideration during the

development of the Plan. The Plan will continue to be updated, as needed, to address changing

needs of the community and its residents. The Osceola Township Board adopted the Plan on

January 13, 2011.


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COMMUNITY DESCRIPTION

a. LOCATION

Osceola Township is located in northern Houghton County, which is found in the western

Upper Peninsula of Michigan (see Figure 1: Location Map). The southern tip of the Township is

on the Portage shipping canal and its most northern boundary is close to the Keweenaw County

line. It is bounded on the east by Franklin Township, north by Calumet Township, and west by

Schoolcraft and Torch Lake Townships. The Township contains the four unincorporated

communities of Dollar Bay, Tamarack City, Tamarack Location and Osceola.

b. POPULATION, HOUSING AND SOCIO-ECONOMIC CHARACTERISTICS

Prior to the turn of the century and for many years thereafter, the area’s economy flourished.

With the decline of copper mining and lumbering the area experienced a steady out-migration

of residents in response to the decline of those industries. Over the years of economic decline

many people migrated out of the local area and the western Upper Peninsula. The mining

industry eventually closed down operations in Houghton County in 1968. Although the closing

of the mines placed the area in a state of economic depression that is still apparent today, there

are indications that the area is stabilizing as population totals show little change between 1990,

2000 and the 2009 estimate from the US Census Bureau.

Table 1: Osceola Township Population

Population

Osceola Township 1990 1,878

Osceola Township 2000 1,908

Osceola Township 2009 (estimated) 1,842

Source: US Census Bureau (2000)

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Analyzing population age distribution characteristics aids in determining the types of

recreation and community facilities needed. There are three main groups: 0-5 pre-school, 18

and over prime labor force, and 65 plus. The following table, based on 2000 census data,

summarizes the population (2010 census data was unavailable at time of plan development).

Table 2: Population Distribution

Population Distribution

2000 Census Persons Percent of Total

Male 965 50.6%

Female 943 49.4%

Under 5 Years Old 130 6.8%

5 to 17 Years Old 351 18.4%

18 to 64 Years Old 1133 59.4%

65 Years and Over 294 15.4%

White 1,870 98.0%

Black or African American 2 0.1%

American Indian, Eskimo or Aleut 8 0.4%

Asian or Pacific Islander 7 0.4%

Two or more races 21 1.1%

Mobility or Self Care Limitation (Age 21-64) 157 8.2 %

Total with Work Disability 83 53.1%

Prevented from Working 74 47.1%

Mobility or Self Care Limitation (Age 65 and over) 115 40.4%



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The residents in the 65 plus age group, which it slightly higher than the 12.8% state average,

represents those who were established in the area or are original natives of the area who

returned to retire in the Township. In recreation planning and programming, special

consideration should be given to this age group. While the percentage of the prime working

group is less than the norm, the school age group is equitable to the State level so accordingly,

these groups merit continuation of recreational facility planning and maintenance to meet their

demands. The high influx of tourists to the area each summer and winter also creates an

additional demand on local recreational facilities. Additional socioeconomic characteristics,

identified in the following tables, include income, housing costs and poverty levels.

Table 3: Income

Income

Median Household $31,278

Median Family $39,861

Per Capita $15,727


Table 4: Housing Costs

Housing Costs

Median Home Value $46,100

Median Contact Rent $388



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Table 5: Persons with Income below Poverty Status

Persons with Income below Poverty Status

2000 Census Total Persons Percent of Total

All Ages 211 11.5%

Under 18 Years of Age 63 14.8%

Over 18 Years of Age 148 10.4%

Families 36 1.9%


c. LAND-USE AND ZONING

The land cover/use in Osceola Township includes everything from urban areas (residential,

commercial, etc.) to forests. The primary residential areas are focused in the unincorporated

communities of Dollar Bay, Tamarack City and Osceola. The rest of the Township is

interspersed with a mix of agricultural lands with large forested regions. Osceola Township

presently is not zoned.

d. ECONOMY

Osceola Township residents are primarily dependent on employment opportunities available in

the surrounding communities of Houghton, Hancock, Calumet and Laurium. Michigan

Technological University is the largest employer with approximately 1,650 jobs and an

enrollment of about 7,100 students. Other major employers in the region include Finlandia

University, Portage Health, Keweenaw Aspirus, governmental entities and other private

businesses. Employment opportunities within the Township include Horner Flooring and a

number of small service type businesses.


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e. TRANSPORTATION SYSTEMS

Osceola Township has two major thoroughfares bisecting the north and south ends of the

Township. State Highway M-26 runs through the two unincorporated communities of Dollar

Bay and Tamarack City and U.S. 41 intersects the Township from southwest to northeast. A

well-maintained county road system compliments

the Federal and State highway system. Air service

is provided by United Express operated by

Skywest Airlines at the Houghton County Airport

between Hancock and Calumet off U.S. 41. There

are two daily flights to Chicago and intercity bus

service via Indian Trails is available in the City of

Hancock, which departs to Marquette, Green Bay,

Milwaukee and Chicago.

f. TOPOGRAPHY

Osceola Township’s topography

varies in elevation of

approximately 600 feet along

the banks of Portage Lake to

nearly 1,000 feet of elevation

away from the water. Osceola

Township has, for the most

part, the same physical features

as the rest of northern Houghton County with flat to gently rolling terrain. Slopes within the

Township can reach as much as 10-20%. Slopes, soil types, drainage and high water tables

inhibit some of the land in the county from being developed.


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g. GEOLOGY AND SOILS

The bedrock of the western portion of the Upper Peninsula and Osceola Township was formed

during the Precambrian Era and is crystalline in nature. The Keweenaw Peninsula bedrock is

made up of Copper Harbor Conglomerate, Portage Lake Lava Series and Jacobsville Sandstone

with the inactive Keweenaw fault running through the area. The most conspicuous geological

features are the rugged hills comprised of exposed bedrock, which can be seen throughout the

region. The Keweenaw Peninsula is much like other parts of Michigan, with an uneven blanket

of unconsolidated material covering the bedrock surface. This material, glacial drift, is a

mixture of sand, gravel, clay, and boulders. Glaciers that migrated south during the Pleistocene

Epoch transported this material. The two principal kinds of drift are stratified and unstratified.

h. CLIMATIC CONDITIONS

Lake Superior has a dominating effect on the climate of Osceola Township. Temperatures are

moderated and annual snowfalls in excess of 200 inches are created by the lake effect.

Excessive snowfall is possible and in 1978, 355

inches of snow fell at Houghton County’s

weather station. Data from the Houghton

County Airport weather station indicates that

the average annual precipitation is 36.03 inches,

while an average of 222.2 inches of snow falls

annually. The coldest month is January, when

temperatures average 13.7o. The hottest month

is July, with an average temperature of 66.1o.


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i. WATER RESOURCES

The lakes, rivers and streams in and around Osceola Township are the most prominent natural

features, particularly Portage Lake and Torch Lake. With many miles of shoreline along both

lakes, the Township possesses unique opportunities for recreational development.

Glacial drift and bedrock aquifers supply the wells in Houghton

County. Where present the thickness of glacial drift ranges from a

few feet to at least 312 feet. The groundwater quality from most

wells is satisfactory for most uses, though some wells contain

objectionable amounts of iron. The water supply used by the

communities in Houghton County is extracted from groundwater or

springs. In the southern part of the county a few farms developed

springs to supply enough water for both household and stock use.

j. VEGETATION AND WILDLIFE

Northern hardwoods characterize the predominant forest cover (of approximately 338,155

acres) in Houghton County. These forest lands are located primarily in the central and inland

areas of the County. Osceola Township, partially located inland in the County, has a total of

16,565 acres of which 37% or 6,024 acres are forested. The wildlife within the county includes

raccoons, skunks, rabbits, porcupines, squirrels, chipmunks and a variety of bird species.

Outside the developed areas, whitetail deer, black bear, fox, otter and beaver are also present.


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Osceola Township Board

Township Supervisor

Public Works

Crew in Charge

Parks Maintenance

Clerk's Office Treasurer's Office

Recreation Committee

Community Schools

ADMINISTRATIVE STRUCTURE

In Osceola Township, park and recreational facilities are managed by the Township Board, with

the exception of the school-related properties and snowmobile trails. Current board members

are: Steven Karpiak—Supervisor, Judy Odgers—Clerk, Mary Ringler—Treasurer, Bonnie

Joyal—Trustee, and Aaron Janke—Trustee. Osceola Township supports and maintains

recreation facilities through annual budget appropriations. Maintenance is carried out by

Township employees. The Annual Recreation budget provides approximately $7,400 for

operations and maintenance of existing facilities. Additional funding is appropriated as needed

to match recreation development grants.

Figure 2: Administrative Structure


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RECREATION INVENTORY (SEE FIGURE 3)

Osceola Township maintains access to a number of recreation facilities for both local residents

and tourists. The following recreation inventory describes the types and location (See Figure 3)

of recreation facilities currently available in the Township and nearby. In addition, accessibility

assessments and rankings are provided for each site based on the parameters outlined in the

“DNRE Guidelines for the Development of Community Park, Recreation, Open Space, and

Greenway Plans” as follows:

1=none of the facilities/park areas meet accessibility guidelines

2=some of the facilities/park areas meet accessibility guidelines

3=most of the facilities/park areas meet accessibility guidelines

4=the entire park meets accessibility guidelines

5-the entire park was developed/renovated using the principals of universal design

Based on this inventory the need for improvements and additional recreational facilities can be

fully evaluated. The map in Figure 3 identifies the locations of Osceola Township’s recreation

sites.

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a. RECREATIONAL SITES WITHIN OSCEOLA TOWNSHIP

1. Tamarack Mill Park—6.12 acre site owned by Osceola Township. Former stamp mill site

that has been partially remediated. A

Department of Environmental

Quality Grant in 2004 provided soil

with seed on the southern portion of

the park, and a sidewalk was

constructed to provide barrier-free

access to much of the site. New

developments since the last Osceola

Township Recreation Plan Update in

2006 include a basketball court,

playground, pavilion, and electricity. Funding in the amount of $52,000 for these

projects came primarily from local fundraising efforts ($46,000) matched by funds from

Osceola Township and Tamarack City ($6,000). The park is used by local residents and

visitors of Tamarack City and the Township. Accessibility assessment=3.

2. Quincy Dredge—7.2 acre historic site

owned by Osceola Township located in a

historic district on the waterfront of the

Portage Lake Shipping Canal. The site

contains a partially submerged dredge

and smokestacks, which provided power

to the former mill. A common photo stop

for tourists along M26 and also viewed


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from the recreation trail that runs along the site. General access to the site is limited.

Accessibility assessment=1.

3. Sandy Bottom Park—Township owned 2.7 waterfront acres located on Lower Point Mills

Road less than two miles

from M-26, with an

additional 42 acres across

Point Mills Road. Sandy

Bottom Park is a day park

consisting of a swimming

beach, picnic area, pavilion

and boat launch. In 2004, a

combination of MDNR Trust

Fund Grants and Coastal

Management Program along with

Township support provided funds to

construct a restroom building,

swimming beach with swimming

delineation and shoreline protection

wall, paved parking lot with paved

pathways to improved boat launch

and beach, and construction of

covered and uncovered picnic tables. Township residents and visitors use the site.



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4. Veteran’s Field—4.57 acre site owned

by Veteran’s of Foreign Wars and

consists of a baseball field with

dugouts, barbeque pits, a memorial

bridge and a monolith that honors the

veterans. The baseball field is used by

youth and adult community baseball

leagues during the summer.


5. Dollar Bay Recreation Facility—Owned

by Osceola Township and located on

Main Street in Dollar Bay, the park

consists of an ice rink, warming hut,

tennis courts, basketball court and

horseshoe pit. The site is heavily used

in all seasons for general recreation.


6. Gooseneck Park—Owned by the Township, this approximate 4 acre site is located on M-

26 just outside of Dollar Bay. The property transferred ownership to the township from

Michigan Department of Transportation for recreation use only. At one time Gooseneck

Park was a roadside park complete with picnic, swimming, and play areas. Currently, the

site consists of a dirt road and grass areas which are maintained by the Township.



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7. Dollar Bay Head Start Playground—Owned by

Dollar Bay-Tamarack City Area Schools, the

playground is used by children in the Head Start

Program, and is adjacent to Dollar Bay Elementary

on North Maple Street. The playground is also

used by school and neighborhood children.


b. RECREATIONAL SITES WITHIN HOUGHTON COUNTY

Osceola Township is one of many recreational providers within Houghton County. There are a

number of recreational facilities within close proximity to Osceola Township that provide

opportunities to residents and visitors including:

1. Houghton County Arena—Located in

the City of Hancock, the Arena is a

multi-purpose facility serving a large

number of County residents through

various programs and services year-

round. It serves as the primary practice

and game facility for over 600 Junior

Hockey players including senior and

high school teams. Figure skating and

public skating for youth and senior citizens are also scheduled at the facility. Ice is

maintained at the Arena for six months of the year. The grounds also serve as a rest

station for the adjacent Maasto Hiito ski trails. It is used extensively for 4-H, the County

Fair, and other recreational and community programs and organizations.


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2. Houghton County Marina—The marina is located just outside the City of Hancock to the

east of the Portage Lake Lift Bridge and three miles west of Dollar Bay. The marina is full

service offering 54 slips, gas/diesel fuel, transient slips, pump-out station, picnic

facilities for boaters, ice cooler, and nautical charts.

3. Mont Ripley—Mont Ripley is a ski hill owned and operated by Michigan Technological

University. It is open during the winter season, and offers a complete rental shop and

skiing and snowboarding lessons. A high tech snow machine supplements the 20 feet of

natural snow Mont Ripley receives each year. Mont Ripley hosts a racing league for

adults as well as ski and snowboard bordercross racing, and is home to various school-

based ski teams. A National Nordic Ski Patrol provides first-aid and other services.

4. Beaches—Several sandy beaches are

accessible to the public and provide

opportunities for swimming and sunbathing.

Nearby Houghton County beaches include:

Lake Linden Recreation Area, Hancock Beach

and Campground, Houghton Waterfront

Park and Calumet Waterworks Park.

5. Trails—The region hosts a network of snowmobile/multipurpose trails that

complement Hancock’s offerings including the Jack Steven’s Rail-Trail from Hancock to

Calumet, the snowmobile trail from Hancock to Lake Linden, the Chassell-Houghton

Rail-Trail, MTU Ski Trails and the Swedetown Trails in Calumet. Opportunities for these

trails provide motorized and non-motorized activities such as biking, cross-country

skiing, hiking, snowshoeing, skijoring, ATV and snowmobiling.


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Houghton County also serves as one of the primary gateways to Isle Royale National Park. The

western Upper Peninsula also has countless sites offering more passive recreational

opportunities and would include the Keweenaw National Historical Park, Copper Country Trail

National Byway, museums, mine tours, scenic drives, etc.

Outside of Houghton County are

numerous facilities that allow for any

number of recreational pursuits, most

notably the Porcupine Mountains State

Park, Ottawa National Forest, and Fort

Wilkins State Park.


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RECREATION GOAL

The goal of Osceola Township is to define an affordable and achievable recreation improvement

program for the Township that will provide for the needs of residents and visitors and also

increase use and user satisfaction at Township facilities. Osceola Township is active in pursuing

recreation improvements at all of its recreational sites in order to provide for a wide range of

needs related to its diverse range of residents and long winter months. Needs in the Township

include updating facilities, expanding and extending the use of existing facilities, and

acquisition of additional recreation sites. The Township also encourages non-motorized

improvements (shoulders or separate pathways) as feasible with all road

construction/improvements.


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ACTION PROGRAM

In order to expand and extend the use of facilities as well as add to the current inventory, a

number of projects have been proposed. These projects were identified in previous plans and

through community input. Recreation projects were prioritized based on results from a

community survey (see Appendix A) and according to the current and projected needs of

Osceola Township determined by the Recreation Committee. The projects are addressed in the

following five-year capital improvement schedule. The capital improvement schedule will be

reviewed annually by the Recreation Committee and Township Board and acted upon based on

available funding and changing priorities or needs. It is the intent of Osceola Township to

review and amend this plan and implementation schedule as needed to support local efforts in

recreational programming. Acronyms used in the following table include:

MDNRE: Michigan Department of Natural Resources & Environment EPA: Environmental Protection Agency MDEQ: Michigan Department of Environmental Quality NSBG: National Scenic Byway Grant Program Table 6: Five-Year Capital Improvement Plan

Priority Year Project Cost Funding Source

2011

1 Tamarack Mill Park—Investigate land ownership and acquire land for ice rink

Unknown MDNRE/Local/

Township

2 Tamarack Mill Park—Construct ice skating rink & warming shack


Township

3 Sandy Bottom—Install playground area and equipment

$25,000 MDNRE/Local/

Township

4 Sandy Bottom—Install boulders along park’s boundary

$3,000 Township

5 Tamarack Hills Park—Investigate land ownership and acquire land for park area

Unknown MDNRE/Local


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2012

6 Dollar Bay Recreation Facility—Install roof over ice rink.


Township

7 Tamarack Mill Park—Construct toilet facility in or near pavilion


Township

8 Tamarack Mill Park—Fence in park along M-26

Unknown Local/Township

9 Gooseneck Park—Develop parking lot $10,000 MDNRE/Local/

Township

10 Gooseneck Park—Install picnic area $5,000 MDNRE/Local/

Township

2013

11 Tamarack Mill Park—Fence in pillars and remove hazardous materials

$200,000 EPA/MDEQ/

Township

12 Tamarack Mill Park—Environmental remediation (grass covering, etc.)

$10,000 EPA/MDEQ/

Township

13 Sandy Bottom—Install new water line and extend to toilet building and pavilion

$8,000 MDNRE/Local/

Township

14 Sandy Bottom—Install additional picnic tables

$11,000 Local/Township

15 Gooseneck Park—Install seasonal toilet facilities

Unknown Township

2014

16 Tamarack Hills Park—Install picnic table $1,000 Township

17 Tamarack Hills Park—Construct play area $20,000 MDNRE/Local/

Township

18 Tamarack Mill Park—Construct ball field Unknown MDNRE/Local

19 Acquire property to create Osceola Mine Memorial Park


Township/NSBG

20 Quincy Dredge—Install picnic area Unknown Local/Township


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21 Quincy Dredge—Install interpretive signage

$2,000 Local/Township/

NSBG

22 Quincy Dredge—Construct boat launch Unknown MDNRE/Local/

Township

23 Gooseneck Park—Install water $7,500 Local/Township

2015

24 Tamarack Mill Park—Create a nature walk with interpretive signage


Township/NSBG

25 Electric Park—Install interpretive signage Unknown MDNRE/Local/

Township/NSBG

26 Acquire property around Hungarian Falls & improve trails


Township

27 Sandy Bottom—Install 2 handicap accessible fishing piers


Township

28 Gooseneck Park—Construct pedestrian bridge


Township

29 Sandy Bottom—Develop RV park on adjacent land


Township

30 Tamarack Mill Park—Construct RV park Unknown MDNRE/Local/

Township

31 Tamarack Hills Park—Construct basketball court


Township

Rationale for improvements at each site includes:

a. ELECTRIC PARK

Project rationale: The Electric Park property is owned by Osceola Township. It is a 40

acre historical site, previously a stop on the 1930s Houghton County Street Car

Company’s route, and the proposed projects will restore the site to its former use as a

public recreation area.


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b. TAMARACK HILLS PARK

Project rationale: The Tamarack Hills property is currently owned by Osceola

Township. There are not presently similar recreational opportunities in the near

vicinity, which is located in a well-populated residential area.

c. QUINCY DREDGE

Project rationale: The Quincy Dredge property is currently owned by Osceola

Township. The submerged dredge and the abandoned adjacent mill are historical sites

and may be considered as a future Keweenaw Historical Park Heritage Site.

Development of the site will also restrict access and improve safety conditions for the

general public on the property.

d. TAMARACK MILL PARK

Project rationale: A Michigan DNR Trust Fund Application was submitted in 2005, to

implement Phase II of the Tamarack Mill Park Master Plan, which included installing

utilities, a play structure, seating, bike hoops and picnic tables, in addition to

constructing a pavilion. Osceola Township did not receive the grant, but through local

fundraising efforts were able to accomplish most components of Phase II. Phase III of

the plan includes construction of an ice skating rink, ball field, basketball courts and a

nature walk with interpretive signage. Additional plans for the stamp mill include

fencing in pillars and removing hazardous materials between them and environmental

remediation. Future projects will increase safety and accessibility for park users.

e. SANDY BOTTOM PARK

Project Rationale: A 2005 Michigan DNR Trust Fund application was awarded to add

two handicapped accessible fishing piers, install additional picnic tables, a play

structure, extend the existing water line to the toilet building and pavilion, and install

boulders along with park’s boundary. Although the Township was awarded the grant,

issues concerning the match occurred and the grant was turned back to the state. Prior


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to 2005 other construction at the park led it to become a popular recreation area for

local residents. The 2005 Recreation improvements are still a priority for the township

to address accessibility, and provide greater opportunities for public or community

gatherings.

f. HUNGARIAN FALLS

Project Rationale: Hungarian Falls is already a popular recreation site for both local

residents and visitors to the area. Acquisition and construction will increase both

accessibility and safety of the site.

g. DOLLAR BAY RECREATION FACILITY

Project Rationale: The facility is already a heavily used recreation area, and further

development would extend the current use of the ice rink.

BEYOND FIVE YEARS

Beyond five years the Osceola Township Recreation Committee recognizes a variety of

potential recreation projects suggested in other community plans and by community

members. While it is unlikely the projects will be accomplished in the next five years, the

Committee was unanimous in including the projects in this plan.

Develop Torch Lake Recreation Area

o Acquire property to create Torch Lake Recreation Area

o Develop cross country ski/nature trails on current ATV trails near proposed site

o Provide portage for kayakers and canoeists from Dollar Bay to Torch Lake

o Create a gravel trail entry point at Gooseneck Creek for kayakers and silent

boaters

Develop Electric Park

o Construct playground

o Construct gravel parking area

o Rebuild pavilion and concession building

Gooseneck Park

o Install volleyball court


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SOURCES OF FUNDING

A number of possible sources of funding for recreation projects within the City of Hancock are

available and include the following:

Table 7: Possible Funding Sources

Description Match Source

Local Funds — Township

Community Foundation/Other (local service organizations and businesses)

— Local

Great Lakes Restoration Initiative (GLRI) — GLRI

Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund (MNRTF) 75/25 grant DNRE

Land & Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) 50/50 grant DNRE

Boating Infrastructure Grants (BIG) 75/25 grant DNRE

Off Road Vehicle (ORV)/Snowmobile Grants — DNRE

Coastal Zone Management (CZM) 50/50 grant DNRE

National Scenic Byway Grant Program (NSBG) 80/20 grant NSBG

Miscellaneous Grants — Various


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DESCRIPTION OF PLANNING PROCESS The Osceola Township board recognizes the need for a recreation plan in order to provide its

residents with recreation opportunities. To obtain maximum input from all residents the

Township Supervisor appointed a recreation plan committee to represent interests of the

Township as a whole. The committee consisted of: Steven Karpiak, Aaron Janke, Jim Roberts,

and Don Wareham. The Board contracted with Western Upper Peninsula Planning and

Development Region to work with this committee in updating this plan. The first step in the

planning process was for the committee to obtain local input from recreation users. This was

accomplished through a recreation survey offered online for six weeks. Additionally, paper

surveys were available of which several committee members distributed in township

neighborhoods. Notices of the survey were published in the local newspaper, posted online,

sent to the Chamber of Commerce list, published on Twitter, and through word of mouth. The

survey generated responses from 99 participants representing one to 11 member families (the

survey and results are located in Appendix A). Based on survey results and needs identified by

the committee, a list of prioritized recreation projects was created.

The Township Board called a public meeting for citizens after the 30-day public review period

to comment on the proposed recreation plan update. The public hearing was held at 6:30 p.m.

on Thursday, January 13, 2011, where no comments were received, and the plan was

subsequently adopted by the Osceola Township Board at a regularly scheduled Board meeting

held on the same evening.

All notices of hearings were publicized to invite citizen comment and review of the new

recreation plan. The Osceola Township Board Resolution of Adoption, public hearing notice

and minutes are included in Appendix B.


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APPENDIX A: RECREATION SURVEY & RESULTS


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APPENDIX B: PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE, MEETING MINUTES & RESOLUTION

Documents

Osceola Township Recreation Plan 2011-2015Osceola Township Recreation Plan 2011-2015 Adopted January 13, 2011 Prepared for: Osceola Township•P.O. Box 437•Dollar Bay, MI 49922 Prepared