Committee flags trail damage and unauthorized structures; Detroit Zoo conservationist to visit Feb. 11

Members of the Grosse Ile Greenways Open Space Committee raised concerns about trail damage, unauthorized digging and makeshift structures on township trails, and discussed plans for repairs, culverts and a bridge relocation. The committee also announced a visit by a conservation expert from the Detroit Zoological Society on Feb. 11 to survey amphibian habitat and advise on hydrological work.

The committee reported several incidents: contractors cutting a tree near a bridge left ruts that required smoothing, and someone — not township staff — dug several trenches across the Meridian Trail that are now creating drainage problems and safety hazards. Committee members described the trenches as "2, 3 feet, maybe? Deep?" and up to "10, 12 feet wide" in places, and said they do not know who made them. Committee maintenance lead John Keim (as referenced) smoothed ruts created by earlier work.

Committee members also described informal, semi-permanent structures and a "little log cabin" built in a wet area, and they asked the township's zoning/ordinance staff to inspect and address unauthorized structures. "I sent did everybody get the pictures I sent? Okay. Of, like, okay. Kids in the woods, which is all fine and good, but some of these are like they look like permanent structures," the chair said. Committee members asked the newly recommended liaison, James Brock, to walk the trails with staff and review enforcement options.

Work already underway includes trail grooming and gravel placement at the East River Connector in Meridian Woods to create a small parking area; members reported the gravel is being used. The committee discussed moving a surplus pedestrian bridge segment to cross a drainage ditch in Meridian Woods to improve trail connectivity; John Keim has begun preparatory work but got bogged down and will return when ground conditions permit.

The committee is evaluating adding formal culverts and walk-over structures at persistent wet spots on the Meridian Trail to reduce flooding and tree loss. Members asked whether township approval is required for culvert installation; staff said they would find out. One member urged prioritizing culverts because the area "is always flooded out" and trees could die if flow is not maintained.

The Detroit Zoological Society's head of conservation, Dr. David Dimitri, is scheduled to visit on Feb. 11 to walk township trails and advise on amphibian conservation and wetland hydrology. Committee members said the visit will include a trip to the Detroit River International Wildlife Refuge's Humbug Marsh area and could inform placement of culverts, signage and other trail work.

Committee leaders emphasized safety and liability concerns for damaged trail segments and called for removal of unauthorized trenches and structures while coordinating any restoration with hydrological and conservation advice from visiting experts.