Save Jean Klock Park

Friends of Jean Klock Park | PO Box 8988 | Benton Harbor, MI 49023
info@savejeanklockpark.org | www.savejeanklockpark.org
© 2009 Friends of Jean Klock Park. All Rights Reserved.
    Jean Klock Park (JKP) park hosts a more than 100 year
    old population of the State Threatened plant species
    rose-pink (sabatia angularis), the largest and most viable
    population in the State of Michigan.

    A May 2007 DEQ permit requires that in areas where
    threatened species are known to occur, the permittee,
    Harbor Shores (partner of the Whirlpool
    corporation), must implement all necessary measures
    to avoid a take. To avoid any impact to the population
    precautionary steps both construction, and post-
    construction, are to be strictly adhered to. But once
    again, Harbor Shores did not abide to its contractual
    obligations, and under it's careless and disrespectful
    stewardship, the rose-pink has been considerably
    impacted.
    Considering all of the measures that were required to be in place, one would wonder
    why Harbor Shores would continue to disregard the conditions and requirements of
    State and Federal agencies.

    The FJKP alerted the Michigan Department of Natural Resources and Environment  
    (MDNRE) of the situation. About a week later three sparsely placed signs were
    installed to indicate that the rose-pink area is "Environmentally Sensitive." In the
    meantime, this rose-pink population is seriously in danger. Read the documents
    below that outline what was required of Harbor Shores - things they completely blew
    off ...

    In March of 2007, the MDNR Endangered Species Coordinator wrote to Joseph R.
    von Wahlde of JFNew, the person responsible for the Management Plan for
    Endangered Species, and who is supposed to be monitoring the rose-pink population.
    The letter clearly outlined measures that needed to be followed in order to avoid
    "take" of the rose-pink . Excerpts follow below:

    Rose-pink near ninth hole

    "All contractors associated with the construction ands subsequent maintenance and
    management of the fairway must be informed of these requirements, verbally and in
    writing."

    "Following the construction of the ninth hole, maintenance and management of the
    fairway must be informed of these requirements."

    "Reasonable measures must be taken to prevent golfers from entering the area of the
    rose-pink population. Barriers such as split rail fences, boulders, walls or shrubs may
    be used to help prevent entry. In addition clearly visible signs must indicate that entry
    is prohibited and that golfers may not retrieve golf balls that land in this area. Golf
    course workers may enter the area only as necessary to remove woody vegetation."
    Read letter...


    DEQ Permit
    In May of 2007, the DEQ issued a permit to Harbor Shores, that required the
    following:

    "In areas where threatened species are known to occur, the permittee shall implement
    all necessary measures to avoid a take. Precautionary steps must be taken in design,
    construction, and post-construction. The permittee shall comply with all
    requirements and conditions of the attached March 21, 2007 letter from Todd
    C. Hogrefe of the Michigan DNR, to Harbor Shores’ agent, Joseph R. von
    Wahlde of JFNew."
    Read Permit...


    2008 Lease Agreement
    In the July 2008 black-lined lease proposal Harbor Shores agrees to comply with
    the MDNR requirements.

    "Harbor Shores acknowledges that Jean Klock Park and Parcel 8a have state
    listed endangered plant species and that Harbor Shores shall reasonably comply
    with necessary and appropriate design and construction  so that such threatened
    plants species are not threatened or adversely impacted."
    Read full excerpt...


    "Precautionary steps will be taken in the area of the rose-pink, during and post-
    construction."
    On Wednesday, July 14th, a member of the Friends of Jean Klock Park (FJKP)
    spotted workers chopping brush in the area of the threatened rose-pink. The
    workers' supervisor was approached by the member of the FJKP who explained that
    the area of the rose-pink was not to be impacted. Although it is part of the DNR
    requirements and conditions (see links below) that he was to be made aware about
    the restrictions of the"take" of, or impact to, the rose-pink, the supervisor was
    completely unaware of the rose-pink population:

    "... All contractors associated with the construction and subsequent
    maintenance and management of the fairway must be informed of these
    requirements, verbally and in writing."

    Returning two days later to further monitor the blooming period of the rose pink, the
    same member of FJKP ventured a bit further into the population to get an idea of the
    extent of this years blooms and discovered many plants had been completely
    trampled. Whether by workers or golfers it makes no difference as the required
    signage and a barrier restricting access to the population hasn't yet been put into
    place. Talk about not being on the ball....

    Click on the three photos below to observe some examples of the damage:
Click on photo
to enlarge
    The next grim discovery was a fresh path
    that led from an old dirt two track into
    other areas where the rose-pink exists. At
    the end of that newly beaten path was a
    fresh pile of cut brush that was loaded
    directly on top of the rose-pink. The
    flowers are very small and delicate but we
    did our best to point out a few around the
    edges. Click on picture to the right.