The Hagar Township Board of Trustees is moving toward the approval of a contract to combat erosion at Hagar Park Beach.
Township Supervisor Izzy DiMaggio tells us a variety of factors have contributed to the collapse of part of the bluff at the popular attraction, and the initial estimate received by the township to fix it was more than $400,000. However, after meeting with the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy and other partners, an alternative plan has been identified.
“It was agreed that we could get by with fixing, making the repairs without a revetment,” DiMaggio said. “Therefore, I contacted an outfit in South Haven, deBest Landscaping, who’s done a lot of erosion work. They came up with an estimate of about $90,000.”
DiMaggio says the plan from deBest involves filling in some of the eroded area, a water management program above the bluff, and the planting of a lot of native vegetation. That vegetation can stabilize the bluff, while the water management program would reduce storm water runoff.
So, how bad is the erosion?
“The sand has all been eliminated in an area probably about 20 foot wide and probably about 100 feet, the length of the thing. So, it’s a good chunk of the bluff.”
DiMaggio says the township board heard an update on this new proposal this week and will have a meeting with deBest Landscaping for more detailed information later this month. It could then approve a contract.
DiMaggio says the recently-approved township budget includes funds for this project.
