Western Michigan University (WMU) and Kalamazoo County officials are discussing a proposal that could change management of Asylum Lake Preserve from the university to the county.
Asylum Lake Preserve is a 274-acre natural area located near the intersection of Drake Road and Parkview Avenue. The preserve is currently owned and managed by WMU and is frequently used by community members for leisure, studying nature and academic research.
Under the proposal, Kalamazoo County would take over daily management of the preserve. University officials say the change would place stewardship of the land with a public entity that specializes in managing parks and natural resources…