As summer temperatures linger into fall, it's easy to daydream about walking on trails along the edge of the Saginaw Bay while birds sing overhead and the fragrance of native plants fills the air.
Right now, that picture exists only in our imaginations. But a greenway study released this week outlines a vision for parks, natural habitats, and clean energy housed at the former
Dan E. Karn Generating Plant on the Saginaw Bay and River in Hampton Township.
![]()
Graphic courtesy of Saginaw Basin Land ConservancyThe study, titled
"Where the River Meets the Bay," was led by the
Saginaw Basin Land Conservancy and the
Environmental Law & Policy Center. The two agencies worked with area leaders and Consumers Energy to hold a series of public workshops held early in 2024. Those workshops led to the study.
The concept has the support of Bay County and Hampton Township; Consumers Energy; the Bay Area Chamber of Commerce; and environmental groups.
Consumers has already said it will create on the 2,400-acre site a
solar farm large enough to power 20,000 homes. The 42-page greenway study focuses on the 400 acres that could be designated for outdoor recreation and Saginaw Bay access.
The study details the process used to generate the document, including comments made during the winter 2024 workshops and the philosophy behind the design. It also includes maps of the existing site and others showing where outdoor recreation centers could be located.
Graphics explain mixed-used development and describe why one area may provide waterfront recreation space, while another requires seawalls. The study names specific plants that would thrive in that area.
The study also calls for creating a series of outdoor activity centers, linking the new site to a regional trail network, and increasing public access to the Saginaw Bay waterfront.
It's hard to overstate the potential for creating recreation opportunities and natural habitats on the property.
![]()
Photo courtesy of Saginaw Basin Land ConservancyTitled 'Where the River Meets the Bay,' the proposal includes suggestions such as outdoor activity centers, trails, habitat restoration, and mixed-use development."The idea is there's a tremendous once-in-a-generation opportunity out here and let's all find a way to get together and make this happen," says Zachary Branigan, Executive Director of the Saginaw Basin Land Conservancy. "What a magical thing to happen for Bay County."
Hampton Township Supervisor Terri Close says she supports efforts to revitalize the area.
"Given that the area is zoned industrial, I hope some of the property can attract new businesses and create jobs, boosting our local economy," Close said in a prepared statement. "Moreover, SBLC's proposal to improve waterfront access to the Saginaw Bay is particularly exciting. Despite having approximately 9 miles of Saginaw Bay shoreline, Hampton Township currently has limited access points for residents to enjoy the waterfront."
Branigan cautions that the study is just a glimpse of what's possible. Consumers retains ownership of the property and will determine the shape public access will take.
Consumers spokesperson Tracy Wimmer says more information is needed before a timeline can be set.
"We are currently demolishing the two former coal units at Karn and are on track for the site restoration of those units by 2026," Wimmer says. "Any moves toward opening access would come after that, following appropriate regulatory and safety approvals."
Brandon Hofmeister, Senior Vice President of Consumers Energy, praised the project in a prepared statement.
![]()
Graphic courtesy of Saginaw Basin Land Conservancy"For over 130 years, Consumers Energy has served Michigan communities by maintaining good corporate citizenship with residents. We strive to incorporate community input in project development opportunities – including the Karn site. Based on our conversations, we intend to align with the feedback and allow access to waterways while balancing safety requirements that may arise should we seek to develop this area with future economic or grid development projects."
Branigan says his agency's role was to help Consumers explore its options and to gather public input.
"It's going to take several years to even determine what's actually going to be possible," he says. "The general intent of this document was to provide some response from the community about what character and use would the community be interested in."
Consumers representatives have seen the report, Branigan says. They also observed the workshops.
![]()
Photo courtesy of Saginaw Basin Land ConservancyThe area encompasses more than 2,000 acres. The proposal calls for 400 acres to be used for recreation."They were at every meeting and did not speak up during the meeting unless there was a specific question. They were just there to listen," Branigan says.
He also points out that Consumers invited the Conservancy to be part of the project and asked the agency to gather public input.
![]()
Graphic courtesy of Saginaw Basin Land Conservancy"We had been in touch with Consumers for years about the future of that site. We've had people from Consumers volunteering for us and working with us for a long time. Their hearts are in it for sure," Branigan says. "Their actions definitely speak to that. They didn't have to do any of this."
The project also has the support of Bay County Executive Jim Barcia and Bay Area Chamber of Commerce President Magen Samyn.
A specific timeline for the project has not been developed, but the greenway study suggests it be completed in phases. Two natural gas and fuel units at the site remain in use through 2031, supplying power during periods of peak demand.