Grand River Heritage Water Trail
Grand River Greenway Initiative
The Grand River meanders across Ottawa County for a distance of about 28 miles. Although development pressure is increasing rapidly, much of the river corridor remains natural and undeveloped and contains many of Ottawa County’s best remaining natural areas. With its expansive floodplain, many bayous and marshes, large tracts of forest land and steep ravines, the Grand River corridor is truly a special place in Ottawa County.
What is a Greenway?
By definition, a greenway is linear open space established along a corridor that has value in linking parks, nature preserves, cultural features and historic sites with each other and with populated areas. County park plans describe the vision of a Grand River Greenway as follows:
- Prime natural features including many of Ottawa County’s best remaining wetlands, floodplain forests, ravines, rare plant communities and other ecologically sensitive areas will be protected.
- Areas along the river will be acquired and made available for a wide range of outdoor recreational activities.
- An extensive natural corridor will be preserved which provides a route for wildlife migration.
- Pathways will connect parks and preserves providing opportunities for bicycling, hiking and other trail uses.
- Greenway planning and implementation will be a cooperative effort of all levels of governments and the private sector (i.e. county, township, city parks and state parks, Land Conservancy, etc.).
- Private landowner rights will be respected. Land acquisition will occur only with the cooperation and agreement of the owners.
Need for a Greenway
Ottawa County is among the fastest growing counties in Michigan. Among the challenges facing the region is the protection of those features which have made it a desirable place in which to live and visit. Communities around the country are recognizing the value of preserving interconnected networks of waterways, wetlands, woodlands and wildlife habitats. The term “green infrastructure” is being used to describe the core natural lands needed to sustain natural ecological processes. This contributes to the quality of life for residents of the area.
The Grand River Greenway is a vital part of Ottawa County’s green infrastructure. It preserves and provides public access to unique natural and historic places along the river that are valued by local communities.
How Can You Help?
If you are a river corridor landowner, you can maintain a buffer of natural vegetation along the river and explore other ways to manage your land to positively impact water quality and wildlife habitat. If your property has special natural or cultural value, you could explore permanent protection by creating a park or preserve or consider granting a conservation easement that could offer tax benefits while keeping your land private and limiting future development. You can encourage and support the efforts of state and local governments in the area to preserve lands and provide recreation opportunities along the river.
For more information about conservation options, contact Ottawa County Parks or the Land Conservancy of West Michigan.
