GRAND RAPIDS – The West Michigan Strategic Alliance has appointed Ken Freestone as interim Green Infrastructure Project Manager, replacing Katie Kahl, who stepped down to complete a Ph.D. in Fisheries and Wildlife Management at Michigan State University.
Freestone has worked with the WMSA in the past, contributing to the “Common Framework” publication and serving on the Green Infrastructure Task Force. He also has been a consistent contributor to the community of Holland and the broader West Michigan region in leadership roles with environmental organizations, alternative energy projects, the Holland Area Chamber of Commerce, and the Holland City Council. He most recently worked as an independent contractor with Whitaker Associates, the AuSable Institute for Environmental Studies, and the Holland Area Arts Council.
The Green Infrastructure Initiative mission is to encourage regional collaboration and translate best practices in green infrastructure planning to decision makers and communities, creating, enhancing and protecting a sustainable green infrastructure network throughout West Michigan. The initiative is led by the project manager and the Green Infrastructure Leadership Council (GILC), a group of 30 individuals representing various organizations and interests from the seven-county West Michigan region. Working with representatives from the council, WMSA President, Greg Northrup indicated a formal search will be conducted to select a permanent replacement.
Freestone will lead key 2008 work objectives that include facilitating six regional focus groups to be held February through April. The focus groups will help inform the GILC on regional thought surrounding the Green Infrastructure Initiative?s six priority focus areas:
? Protect critical areas of biodiversity
? Encourage watershed management and planning
? Protect shoreline and dune ecosystems
? Promote a regional trails and greenways network
? Promote regional farmland preservation
? Integrate green infrastructure into urban areas and real estate transactions.
The focus groups will inform the GILC’s strategic plan prioritization, fill information gaps, direct research and give regional decision makers the opportunity to convene in an informative and neutral forum.
“The GILC really got some momentum going in the past 16 months,” said Bonnie Blackledge, Cannon Township Clerk and the GILC Chair. “We are looking forward to a productive 2008 with Ken Freestone applying his experience and talent to the work plans and time lines already in place.”
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