DNR seeks input as it considers improvements at Fort Custer Recreation Area

Greyson Steele, Battle Creek Enquirer
·3 min read

AUGUSTA — The Michigan Department of Natural Resources is seeking public input as it considers future improvements at Fort Custer Recreation Area.

The DNR is in the process of re-evaluating the general management plan for the 3,033-acre state park, last updated in 2010. Upgrades to the western portion of the campground and added parking at the Eagle Lake launch are among the proposed improvements included in a draft 10-year action plan proposed by the DNR.

A portion of those projects are currently in the works, while others have yet to be funded, according to Fort Custer Park Manager Tony Trojanowski.

"The more critical projects for us to get done are replacing the two campground toilet shower buildings, which are really beginning to show their age, and replacing the electrical system in the west half of our campground," Trojanowski said, acknowledging both projects will be supported by American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds. "That's going to be a huge improvement. With the upgrades, it will match the east half that was upgraded in 2018."

Other proposed action goals include completing a feasibility study for an alternative park entrance off of Dickman Road, upgrading the mountain bike staging area and working with the Michigan Department of Military and Veterans Affairs (DMVA) to incorporate the former antenna field into the park through lease or land exchange.

The public can help prioritize proposed actions and provide other comments on the draft plan through an online survey available through Sept. 11. The general management plan is expected to be finalized by the DNR in December.

"(The feedback is) extremely valuable," Trojanowski said. "We look at it from the inside out as to what we have, what we’re offering and what we think we need to offer moving forward. We need folks looking at the recreation area and our planning process from the outside in so we know where their interests are turning, or remaining. ... We need that feedback coming in to us so we know what (things) folks are becoming interested in that we may not be considering."

Fort Custer Recreation Area features three lakes, the Kalamazoo River, a modern and equestrian campground, a swimming beach, boat rentals and more than 40 miles of trails. The park has accessible tent and RV camp sites, accessible routes from accessible camp sites to accessible bathrooms, accessible boat docks and accessible beaches.

The number of people visiting the park has increased steady over the past two decades, from 482,013 visitors in 2004 to 552,084 visitors in 2019, according to the DNR.

Numbers have climbed even higher during the COVID-19 pandemic, with 802,023 visitors in 2020 and 845,857 in 2021.

The latest draft general management plan for Fort Custer Recreation Area includes the following action goals:

  • Investigate a feasible off-road equestrian trail connection from the equestrian trailhead north along Augusta Climax Road

  • Rescind administrative rule restricting boats on Eagle Lake to electric motor only (no-wake order would still apply)

  • Update the natural resource stewardship plan

  • Create a plan for interpretation of the landscape history

  • Work with the Michigan Department of Military and Veterans Affairs to incorporate former antenna field into the park through lease or land exchange

  • Construct the Kalamazoo River Valley Trail through the park

  • Design and construct additional parking at Eagle Lake launch, considering non-motorized watercraft access

  • Complete connection of campground to city of Battle Creek sewer system

  • Replace electricity in west campground loop

  • Replace two toilet shower buildings in the campground

  • Replace and reconstruct park roads as needed

  • Install cold storage building at park headquarters and consider removal of old park manager's house

  • Complete feasibility study for alternative entrance off Dickman Road

  • Complete installation of solar array in the campground

  • Implement mountain bike staging area improvements

  • Coordinate with Fort Custer Horse Friends Association to construct an equipment storage shed in the service yard

  • Implement equestrian campground improvements, considering electricity, shade and running water

  • Install shade shelter in mountain bike staging area

For more information, visit michigan.gov/dnr.

Contact reporter Greyson Steele at gsteele@battlecreekenquirer.com. Follow him on Twitter: G_SteeleBC

This article originally appeared on Battle Creek Enquirer: DNR seeks input for improvements at Fort Custer Recreation Area