Dune grass to combat erosion at Laketown Beach

Mitchell Boatman, Holland Sentinel
Updated ·2 min read
Workers from Olde Paths Inc. of Holland plant dune grass on recently acquired land at Laketown Township Beach on 142nd Avenue.
Workers from Olde Paths Inc. of Holland plant dune grass on recently acquired land at Laketown Township Beach on 142nd Avenue.

LAKETOWN TWP. — Laketown Township is looking to combat erosion on its newest property by planting dune grass.

Around 63,000 sprigs of dune grass were planted last week on a piece of property adjoining Laketown Beach Park, which the township purchased earlier this year, according to a release.

“We needed to act there this year because of the amount of erosion that had occurred. Our goal is to stop and reverse the erosion,” township Manager Al Meshkin stated.

The signs at Laketown Township Beach at the end of 142nd Avenue.
The signs at Laketown Township Beach at the end of 142nd Avenue.

Laketown purchased a 3.17 acre parcel on Jan. 11 to expand Laketown Beach. The new property doesn’t directly touch Lake Michigan, but does have a view of the water. With the latest parcel purchase, the township now owns about 9 acres at the end of 142nd Avenue.

More: Laketown Township’s oldest park is expanding for the fifth time

Signage will be posted around the new area to request visitors to stay off the new grass and allow it to grow.

“The newly acquired property at Laketown Beach has some potential erosion issues and I am glad we could focus this spring’s dune-grass planting in that area,” stated Brad Laninga, chairperson of the Laketown Township Parks and Recreation Commission. “In order for these new sprigs to flourish, I ask visitors to respect the new plantings and stay clear of the area marked by signage so the grass can effectively take root.”

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Laketown began a dune grass planting program in the fall of 2022. Planting is being done by Olde Paths Inc. in Holland. Laketown spent $35,035 for the most recent round of planting on 0.4 acres of land.

Laketown Beach, the township’s oldest park, is located at 6710 142nd Avenue in Laketown Township.

— Contact reporter Mitchell Boatman at mboatman@hollandsentinel.com.

This article originally appeared on The Holland Sentinel: Dune grass to combat erosion at Laketown Beach