Berrien County Development Plan Table of Contents ...

Berrien County Development Plan
Table of Contents
INTRODUCTION............................................................................................................ 3
Historical Settings/County Profile .................................................................................................................. 3
Historical Context ........................................................................................................................................... 3
CHAPTER 1 – PHYSICAL PROFILE ............................................................................ 7
Land Use ........................................................................................................................................................ 7
Geophysical Features .................................................................................................................................. 10
Geology..................................................................................................................................................... 10
Topography............................................................................................................................................... 10
Flood Zones.............................................................................................................................................. 12
Water Features ......................................................................................................................................... 12
Wetlands ................................................................................................................................................... 17
Soils........................................................................................................................................................... 17
High Risk Erosion Areas .......................................................................................................................... 19
Critical Dune Areas................................................................................................................................... 21
Farmlands..................................................................................................................................................... 23
Prime Farmlands ...................................................................................................................................... 23
Unique Farmlands .................................................................................................................................... 23
Farmland Preservation................................................................................................................................. 23
Purchase of Agricultural Easements (PA 116)........................................................................................ 25
Purchase of Development Rights (PDR)................................................................................................. 26
Quarter/Quarter Zoning............................................................................................................................ 26
Cluster Zoning .......................................................................................................................................... 27
Utilities and Services ................................................................................................................................ 27
Environmental Quality.................................................................................................................................. 27
Air Quality.................................................................................................................................................. 27
Groundwater Quality................................................................................................................................. 30
Surface Water Quality .............................................................................................................................. 30
Solid Waste Management........................................................................................................................ 32
CHAPTER 2 - SOCIOECONOMIC PROFILE .............................................................. 36
Population..................................................................................................................................................... 36
Population Projections ................................................................................................................................. 42
Housing......................................................................................................................................................... 43
Number of Households/Household Size ................................................................................................. 44
Housing Values......................................................................................................................................... 46
Quality of Housing .................................................................................................................................... 47
Housing Developments ............................................................................................................................ 47
Employment.................................................................................................................................................. 47
Unemployment ............................................................................................................................................. 49
Income Characteristics................................................................................................................................. 50
Education...................................................................................................................................................... 51
CHAPTER 3 – COMMUNITY FACILITIES .................................................................. 54
Parks and Recreation Facilities ................................................................................................................... 54
County Facilities ........................................................................................................................................... 57
Historic Sites................................................................................................................................................. 57
CHAPTER 4 – TRANSPORTATION............................................................................ 64
Regional Transportation............................................................................................................................... 64
1

Bus Systems............................................................................................................................................. 64
Train – Commuter Service ....................................................................................................................... 64
Airports – Regional General Aviation ...................................................................................................... 64
Airports – General Aviation ...................................................................................................................... 66
St. Joseph River Harbor........................................................................................................................... 66
Public Transportation Systems.................................................................................................................... 68
Berrien County Public Transportation (Berrien Bus)............................................................................... 68
Buchanan Dial-A-Ride.............................................................................................................................. 68
Niles Dial-A-Ride ...................................................................................................................................... 68
Twin Cities Transportation Authority (TCATA)........................................................................................ 69
Pedestrian/Non-motorized Transportation .............................................................................................. 69
Transportation Planning............................................................................................................................... 69
Urban Transportation Planning................................................................................................................ 69
Rural Transportation Planning ................................................................................................................. 73
CHAPTER 5 – TRENDS, PATTERNS AND PROBLEMS........................................... 75
Future Land Use Projections ....................................................................................................................... 75
CHAPTER 6 – GOALS, POLICIES AND STRATEGIES............................................. 78
Land Use ...................................................................................................................................................... 78
Environment.................................................................................................................................................. 79
Economy....................................................................................................................................................... 79
Transportation .............................................................................................................................................. 80
Strategies for Smart Growth ........................................................................................................................ 80
APPENDIX A - BIBLIOGRAPHY................................................................................. 81
2

INTRODUCTION
Historical Settings/County Profile
Berrien County is located in the extreme southwestern portion of Michigan, bordering
on Lake Michigan and Indiana (Map 1). It has a land area of 373,120 acres or 583
square miles. There are 86 inland lakes totaling 4,500 acres, and the County enjoys 42
miles of shoreline along Lake Michigan. Lake Michigan has a total area of 22,400
square miles and is 923 feet at its deepest point.
Three major rivers, the St. Joseph River, the Paw Paw River and the Galien River
empty into Lake Michigan. The St. Joseph River is the largest and most important to
the area. Its uses include recreational, agricultural irrigation, discharge, and
hydroelectricity. The St. Joseph River Basin is one of the larger basins in Michigan and
has a drainage area of 4,591 square miles.
Farming is one of the main economic enterprises in the County. Prevailing winds from
Lake Michigan moderate air temperature, making the climate in the northern part of the
County favorable for orchard crops and vineyards. The southern part of the County is
favorable for cash crops and livestock farming.
Lake Michigan modifies the climate in Berrien County to a considerable degree.
Prevailing westerly winds are cooled in the summer and warmed in the winter as they
cross the lake. Berrien County has an average temperature ranging from 29.4° in
January to 74.4° in July. The growing season is 184 days with an average annual
precipitation of 34.0 inches.
Berrien County contains 22 townships, 8 cities and 9 villages (Map 2), with the County
seat located in the City of St. Joseph. More information on Berrien County Government
Facilities can be found in Chapter 3.
Historical Context
Berrien County’s pioneer history dates back to the end of the Seventeenth Century.
The early French missionaries and explorers were the first Europeans in Berrien
County. In 1679, the French explorer LaSalle entered the mouth of the St. Joseph
River in search of a waterway to the Mississippi River. There, at the mouth of the St.
Joseph River, he established a small fortified post called Fort Miami. The fur trade
established in the early 1700’s was followed by more permanent agriculture based
settlements. Agriculture remains a major element of the County’s mixed economy and
is the dominant land use.
In 1691, the French built Fort St. Joseph south of the present site of Niles City, along
the eastern edge of the St. Joseph River. The region earned the nickname, ‘Land of
Four Flags’, because it had been claimed by France, England, Spain and America at
various times. It is the only area to hold such distinction in Michigan.
3

The County seat was originally in the town of Newberryport, presently the site of St.
Joseph City. In 1837, the County Seat was moved to Berrien Springs, where a
Courthouse was constructed in 1839. By decision of a popular vote, the County Seat
was moved to St. Joseph in 1894.
Organized in 1831, the County was named in honor of John M. Berrien, an Attorney
General in President Andrew Jackson’s cabinet. Berrien County originally consisted of
the townships of Berrien, Niles, and St. Joseph. In 1924, Baroda became the newest
township when it separated from Lake Township.
The current Berrien County Courthouse, which was built between Port Street and the
St. Joseph River in the City of St. Joseph, was formally dedicated on July 4, 1967.
Initially, Berrien County policy was administered by a Board of Supervisors. The Board
of Supervisors consisted of the township supervisors, city mayors and village
presidents. The County changed from supervisors to the County Board of
Commissioners in 1969 when the state constitution was amended. The County
Commissioners are elected positions, each serving two-year terms. There are
currently thirteen commissioners serving Berrien County.
4

Location in Michigan
W
N
E
S
Scale: 1" = 4.5 miles
BUFFALO
M239
ASH
Berrien County, Michigan
GALIEN RIVER
I94
LAKE ST
WARREN WOODS RD
BLUE JAY CREEK
5
CLEVELAND AV
CLEVELAND
NILES AV
M-139
NILES RD
ST. JOSEPH RIVER
US 31
I196
BLUE CREEK
RED ARROW HWY
MAIN
PAW PAW RIVER
PIPESTONE CREEK
ST JOSEPH
RED BUD TR
COLOMA RD
PIPESTONE RD
ST JOSEPH VAL PKY
US 12
OLD U S 31
NAPIER AV
WALTON RD
PAW PAW
LAKE
NILES-BUCHANAN RD
MILL CREEK
PAINTER SCHOOL RD
OLD M62
DOWAGIAC RIVER
BRANDYWINE CREEK
MAP 1

W
VILLAGE OF
GRAND BEACH
VILLAGE OF
MICHIANA
N
S
E
Scale: 1" = 4.5 miles
CITY OF
NEW BUFFALO
NEW BUFFALO
TOWNSHIP
Local Municipalities
CHIKAMING
TOWNSHIP
VILLAGE OF
THREE OAKS
THREE OAKS
TOWNSHIP
LAKE
TOWNSHIP
VILLAGE OF
SHOREHAM
CITY OF
BRIDGMAN
CITY OF
ST. JOSEPH
LINCOLN
TOWNSHIP
VILLAGE OF
STEVENSVILLE
WEESAW
TOWNSHIP
GALIEN
TOWNSHIP
6
ST. JOSEPH
TOWNSHIP
VILLAGE OF
BARODA
CITY OF
BENTON HARBOR
BARODA
TOWNSHIP
VILLAGE OF
GALIEN
ROYALTON
TOWNSHIP
HAGAR
TOWNSHIP
BENTON
TOWNSHIP
ORONOKO
TOWNSHIP
SODUS
TOWNSHIP
BUCHANAN
TOWNSHIP
CITY OF
BUCHANAN
BERTRAND
TOWNSHIP
COLOMA
TOWNSHIP
CITY OF
COLOMA
VILAGE OF
BERRIEN SPRINGS
CITY OF
WATERVLIET
BAINBRIDGE
TOWNSHIP
PIPESTONE
TOWNSHIP
VILLAGE OF
EAU CLAIRE
BERRIEN
TOWNSHIP
NILES TOWNSHIP
WATERVLIET
TOWNSHIP
CITY OF
NILES
MAP 2

CHAPTER 1 – PHYSICAL PROFILE
Land Use
Land use controls act as the tools that enable the County to grow in a managed
way, balancing the needs of the marketplace and property owners with the
overall desires of the community to maintain and promote a highly desirable
lifestyle for its citizens. Achieving this balance is among the most complex
challenges facing local decision-makers. While the County Master Plan has little
direct control over decisions made by local units of government, it can be an
important basis for encouraging coordination and cooperation by providing local
units of government and other agencies with broader criteria in their decision
making processes. The legitimate interests of land owners, developers and those
that seek to migrate to the County must be balanced with the desires of current
residents. This balance must be achieved in the context of the limited regulatory
powers of local government, acting with restricted resources and in a constantly
changing political environment. Given all of these challenges and obstacles, it is
important that the County maintain a realistic perspective concerning the degree
to which land use controls can be effective in the area of growth management.
In 1999, a Generalized Existing Land Use map was prepared, by the County,
using the County’s 1996 aerial photography along with the land use maps from
the development plans of each municipality. Each municipality received a draft
copy of the land use map and was asked to participate by updating any changes
in land use or correcting any inaccuracies in the map. The Generalized Existing
Land Use map (Map 3) details the predominant land uses in the County, using
the following categories:
Residential: All predominant residential areas including subdivisions,
cities, villages, and other areas where residential is the predominant land
use.
Commercial: Areas of wholesale or retail sales, offices and professional
services.
Industrial: Areas of industrial or manufacturing uses.
Public and Semi-Public: Churches, schools, municipal buildings,
cemeteries, parks, recreational areas and open public spaces.
Agriculture or Vacant: Areas under agricultural production; land not
presently being actively used and rural residential development.
The amount in acreage of each land use type can be found in Table 1.
7

LAND USE CLASSIFICATIONS
Residential
W
Commercial
Industrial
Public/Semi-Public
Agriculture or Vacant
Municipal Boundaries
Roads
N
S
Source: 1996 Aerial Photography,
Berrien County Planning Department
E
Scale: 1" = 4.5 miles
Generalized Land Use
8
MAP 3

Table 1: Land Use Type by Acreage
Land Use Type Acres % of Total
Agricultural/
Vacant
314,538
9
84.2%
Commercial 4,911 1.3%
Industrial 5,641 1.5%
Public/
Semi-Public
13,063
3.5%
Residential 35,197 9.4%
Total 373,350 100%
In most communities, the predominant residential land use consists of the fairly
low-density residential classification with the exception of the cities of St. Joseph,
Benton Harbor and Niles. The Lakefront is continually confronting growth
pressures for new residential development. An estimated 35,197 acres (9.4%)
make up the residential land use in Berrien County.
Commercial land uses in the County are centered in the core urban areas and
along major traffic corridors. The Fairplain area (Benton Township) has seen
substantial commercial development in the last 5 years and has built new roads
to keep up with the volume of traffic added to this area. There is an estimated
4,911 acres of commercial land in the county. Compared to the County
Development Plan of 1975, the county has doubled the amount of commercial
use.
The industrial uses throughout the county tend to gravitate toward the urban
areas. Industrial land uses make up about 5,641 acres of the total land
compared to the 2,608 acres referenced in the 1975 Development Plan. The
growth in industrial use is taking place predominantly in industrial parks. Tax
incentives have also attracted new industry to the county.
Public and semi-public land uses make up approximately 13,063 acres (3.5%) of
the land.
The majority of the land (84.2%) in the county is either agricultural or vacant.
The land is well suited for the production of a great variety of row crops, specialty
crops and livestock. These lands provide unique, aesthetic and economic
benefits to the citizens of Berrien County and are an important part of the
County’s heritage.

Geophysical Features
Geology
When the last glacier receded from Michigan, it left Berrien County with outwash
plains, river valleys, lake plains, moraines, till plains and glacial lakes. Many of
these lakes later became filled with plant remains, thus forming muck and peat
deposits. Well above the present lake level, glacial Lake Michigan deposited
sandy beach ridges on the slopes of hillsides, further contributing to the
complexity of the soils patterns in the County.
The western portion of Berrien County fronts Lake Michigan and the major
surface features in the order of their occurrence eastward from the lake shore
are: a narrow belt of discontinuous sand dunes and sandy shore lines; a gently
rolling lake plain followed by a higher, gently rolling to hilly morainal ridge; and an
outwash plain. (Map 4)
Topography
Elevations in Berrien County range from 580 feet above sea level along the
shores of Lake Michigan to a high of approximately 820 feet above sea level,
south of Buchanan. Along the lakefront and eastward the topography is relatively
flat with the exception of the dunes. The topographic profile indicates there are
four well defined divisions that extend roughly parallel to the Lake Michigan
shore. The first division is a discontinuous lake plain that is 10-15 feet above the
lakeshore and is covered in many places by sand dunes rising to over 200 feet
above Lake Michigan. These areas, devoid of the sand dunes, are near Grand
Mere Lakes and extend to the Paw Paw and St. Joseph River valleys.
A second division is a nearly level plain about 40-80 feet above Lake Michigan.
This division generally lies behind the dunes but reaches the lake in places,
terminating in steep bluffs. This area varies from 6 to 8 miles in width, except
where it widens and merges with the terraces of the St. Joseph River southeast
of St. Joseph. This plain is apparently the remnant floor of glacial Lake Chicago,
which covered earlier deposits of glacial till.
A third division consists of broad swells, inconspicuous smooth ridges, and
detached high plains lying at slightly higher levels than the second physiographic
division. The land is 80-120 feet above Lake Michigan. The absence of the
original inequalities and constructional features common to moraines indicates
erosion and depositional evens, possibly tied to wave action and deposition from
a smaller glacial lake that is ponded between this moraine and the Valpariso
Terminal Moraine to the east.
The fourth major division comprises most of the eastern two-thirds of the county.
This topographic division consists of a broad plateau like highland. In places
10

639455528810146435569971332553443629624531079244433 SNEWMunicipalBoundariesSource:United
11

there is an abrupt front facing the lake plains to the west. This area ranges from
100 to more than 300 feet above Lake Michigan. Map 5 illustrates this
topographic division.
Flood Zones
The 100-year floodplain is the measure used to gauge flood risk. The definition
of the 100-year flood is that flood level which has a one-percent chance of being
reached in any given year. The land along the St. Joseph, Paw Paw and Galien
Rivers predominantly make up the areas designated by the Federal Emergency
Management Agency (FEMA) as being within the 100 year floodplain. Map 6
identifies the flood zones, for those local municipalities that participate, for
Berrien County. Those municipalities on the map that are labeled as
undetermined are municipalities that did not participate in the flood insurance
rate program. FEMA’s Federal Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs) are the basis for
floodplain management, mitigation, and insurance activities for the National
Flood Insurance Program.
Most flood-prone communities in the United States have chosen to participate in
the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), as a condition for the availability of
federal flood insurance. The NFIP provides basic flood hazard data, and a flood
hazard management framework for every flood-prone community in the United
States. The NFIP offers insurance coverage and other benefits to local
communities conditioned on the communities undertaking certain flood hazard
mitigation steps.
The NFIP is implemented through the Federal Insurance Administration, which is
a component of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). Anyone
with questions about the program should either contact FEMA by telephone at
877-336-2627 or the offices of their local municipality.
Water Features
Berrien County’s abundant water resources provide many opportunities for
outdoor recreation and education. Overall, there are 3,078 acres of inland lakes,
500 miles of streams and rivers and 42 miles of Lake Michigan shoreline (Map
7).
The largest inland lakes in Berrien County are Paw Paw Lake near Watervliet
and Coloma [900 acres of surface area], and Lake Chapin near Berrien Springs
[600 acres of surface area]. Berrien’s three main rivers are the St. Joseph River
[46 miles], the Paw Paw River [13 miles] and the Galien River [33 miles]. Dams
on the St. Joseph River corridor have created impoundments near Niles,
Buchanan and Berrien Springs. Paw Paw Lake and Dayton Lake are
impoundments resulting from dams.
12

SNEWSource:UnitedStatesGeologicalSurveyScale:1"=4.5miles
TopographyMAP5USGSContours-Feet550-650651-70 14

Areasof100-yearflood;basefloodelevationsandfloodhazardfactorsnotdeterminedAreasof100-yearflood;basefloodelevationsandfloodhazardfac
15

W
N
S
Water Features
Lakes
Scale: 1" = 4.5 miles
Municipal Boundaries
E
S O
UTH
WARBURTON POND
BRANC H GALIEN R
GALIEN RIVER
KLUTES LAKES
Source: Berrien County, Planimetric Data (1996)
Water Features
GRAND
MERE
LAKES
16
HICKORY CREEK
B L UE JAY C R E EK
HESS LAKE
SINGER LAKE
PAW PAW RIVER
BLUE CREEK
PAW PAW LAKE
MILL CREEK
SMITH LAKE
PAINTER LAKE LAKE CHAPIN
BROWNS LAKE LONGS LAKE
LITTLE INDIAN LAKE
WEBSTER LAKE
STEINBAUER LAKE
BOYLE LAKE
MADRON LAKE
JUDY LAKE
WAGNER LAKE
MOON LAKE
YELLOW LAKE WEAVER LAKE
CLEAR LAKE
DAYTON LAKE
PIKE LAKE
ST. JOSEPH R IVER
HARRIS LAKE
LITTLE PAW PAW LAKE
SHERWOOD LAKE
BRANT LAKE??
SOUTH CLEAR LAKE
KIBLER LAKE
P I P ESTONE C R E EK
ST. JOS E PH RI V E R
PIPESTONE LAKE
JARVIS LAKE
BLACK LAKE
ROWE LAKE
MUD LAKE
B R A
BRUSH LAKE
BARNHART LAKE
MURPHY LAKE
RIGGINS LAKE
DOWAGIAC RIVER
NDY
WI N E CREEK
MAP 8

The St. Joseph and Paw Paw River valley are extensively terraced. The Galien
River is deeply entrenched with a steep gradient. The St. Joseph, Paw Paw
and Galien Rivers exhibit a relatively low level of development along their banks
with rather large wooded floodplain areas, which contribute, to their wild and
scenic character.
Wetlands
Wetlands serve as a transition zone between land and water. They are low
areas characterized by the presence of water at a frequency that is sufficient to
support wetland vegetation or aquatic life. They provide a variety of benefits that
include flood mitigation, soil erosion prevention, improved water quality, and
provide the habitat for a variety of vegetation and wildlife.
Wetlands found in Berrien County fall into four general categories – marshes,
swamps, bogs and fens. Marshes are wetlands dominated by soft-stemmed
vegetation, while swamps have mostly woody plants. Bogs are freshwater
wetlands, often formed in old glacial lakes, characterized by spongy peat
deposits, evergreen trees and shrubs, and a floor covered by a thick carpet of
sphagnum moss. Fens are freshwater peat-forming wetlands covered mostly by
grasses, sedges, reeds and wildflowers.
New Buffalo has the largest marsh remaining in wetlands. The National Wetland
Inventory (NWI) of the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service produces a map of wetlands
(Map 8). The Emergency Wetland Resources Act of 1986 requires that NWI
archive and disseminate wetland maps and add newly discovered wetlands to
the maps as they become available. Information on NWI can be obtained by
calling 727-570-5400.
Any wetlands greater than five acres in size or contiguous with a waterway are
regulated by the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality (MDEQ) through
the Goemaere-Anderson Wetland Protection Act, Public Act 203, as amended.
Any activity which requires these regulated wetlands be filled or drained requires
a permit from the MDEQ. Permits will generally not be granted unless the
issuance is in the public interest and necessary to realize the benefits derived
from the activity. If a wetland fill permit is granted, mitigation should be required
such as creating new wetlands within the same drainage way or enhancement of
existing wetlands. Questions about MDEQ regulations can be answered by
calling 517-373-1170.
Soils
The United States Department of Agriculture Soil Conservation Service published
the Soil Survey of Berrien County, Michigan in 1979. The Soil Survey describes
the characteristics of the soils in a given area, classifies the soils according to a
17

Scale:1"=4.5miles SNEWLacustrine-Lakesanddeepponds.Palustrine-Vegetatedwetlandstradionallycalledbysuchnamesasmarsh,swamp,bog,
18

standard classification system, and includes soil location maps. The Soil Survey
also interprets the uses and limitations of the different soil types. This
information is used to make a variety of land use, agricultural management,
engineering, and wildlife management decisions.
Most of the County is comprised of gently sloping soils that are dominantly well
drained or moderately well drained. These soils are well suited to agriculture and
urban development.
Broad areas that have a distinctive pattern of soils, relief and drainage are
referred to as soil associations. These associations are named for the major soil
types found in them. Of the 42 different soil types identified in Berrien County,
eight distinct associations were formed (Map 9).
High Risk Erosion Areas
High risk erosion areas are those shorelands of the Great Lakes and connecting
waters where recession of the zone of active erosion has been occurring at a
long-term average rate of one foot or more per year. The erosion can be caused
from one or several factors. High water levels, storms, wind, ground water
seepage, surface water runoff, and frost are important factors causing erosion.
In accordance with Part 323, Shorelands Protection and Management, of the
Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act, 1994, Public Act 451, the
Department the of Environmental Quality is required to notify all local
governmental agencies, along with the affected land owners, of the designation
of high risk erosion areas in their jurisdiction which are subject to zoning
regulations or other protective measures as specified in this act.
Picture 1: Erosion along Lake Michigan
19
More information on high
risk erosion areas can be
found by calling the Land
and Water Management
Division of the MDEQ at
517-373-1130.

82176351122223446784444111685333 GeneralSoilsMap Source:SoilSurveyofBerrienCounty,Michigan(US
20

Critical Dune Areas
Michigan's critical dune areas are a unique, irreplaceable, and fragile resource
that provides significant recreational, economic, scientific, scenic, educational
and ecological benefits to the people of Michigan and all who visit them. They
represent the largest assemblage of fresh water dunes in the world and support
numerous threatened and endangered species. Berrien County contains
approximately 4,000 acres (Map 10) of Michigan's 80,000 acres of critical dunes.
With over 1,200 acres of critical dunes falling within state and local parks, it is
easy to see the importance they have on the tourism industry in Berrien County.
Critical dune areas are designated by the Michigan Department of Environmental
Quality (MDEQ) in their Atlas of Critical Dune Areas, 1989. These critical dune
areas are regulated by Part 353, Sand Dune Protection and Management, of the
Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act, 1994 PA 451. The Sand
Dune Protection and Management Act regulates the sand mining industry, along
with developmental, silvicultural and recreational activities in Michigan's
designated dune areas.
The Sand Dune Protection and Management Act allows for local units to assume
permitting authority by adopting or amending a zoning ordinance that provides
the same or a greater level of protection for critical dune areas as the act's model
zoning plan. In the model, uses are prohibited on slopes measuring greater than
33 percent without a variance, and structures are prohibited on the first lakewardfacing
slope of a critical dune area. Environmental impact assessments are
required for special use projects. Currently, there are no municipalities in
Berrien County that have assumed permitting authority for critical dunes.
Picture 2: Critical Dunes
21
For more information
on critical dunes, call
the Land and Water
Management Division
of the MDEQ at 517-
373-1170.

M-140I-96REDARROWHWYI-94TERRITORIALRDM-140NAPIERAVEBR94M-63PIPESTONELAKESHOREDRNILESAVEM-139M-63CLEVELANDAVEPIPESTONERDUS31M-140WALTONRDUS31BR12US12M-51BR60US33REDBUDTRAILI-94WARRENWOODSRDREDARRO
22

Farmlands
Prime Farmlands
The National Environmental Policy Act defines several classifications of farmland
including Prime and Unique farmland. The Prime and Unique farmland in Berrien
County can be seen on Map 11.
Prime farmland is land that has the best combination of physical and chemical
characteristics for producing food, feed, forage, fiber, and oilseed crops, and is
also available for these uses (the land could be cropland, pastureland,
rangeland, forest land, or other land, but not urban built-up land or water). It has
the soil quality, growing season, and moisture supply needed to economically
produce sustained high yields of crops when treated and managed, including
water management, according to acceptable farming methods. In general, prime
farmlands have an adequate and dependable water supply from precipitation or
irrigation, a favorable temperature and growing season, acceptable acidity or
alkalinity, acceptable salt and sodium content, and few or no rocks. They are
permeable to water and air. Prime farmlands are not excessively erodible or
saturated with water for a long period of time, and they either do not flood
frequently or are protected from flooding.
Unique Farmlands
Unique farmland is land other than prime farmland that is used for the production
of specific high value food and fiber crops. It has the special combination of soil
quality, location, growing season, and moisture supply needed to economically
produce sustained high quality and/or high yields of a specific crop when treated
and managed according to acceptable farming methods.
Farmland Preservation
Berrien County is experiencing substantial residential development. The
population growth in Berrien County is not uniform in all jurisdictions. According
to the 2000 Census (See Chapter 2) the county’s population has increased by
1,075 people but there has been a loss of population in the urban areas. The
number of people and new housing is increasing in Lake, Royalton, Chikaming
and New Buffalo Townships. Historically, these communities were predominantly
farming communities and increasing growth pressures has resulted from sprawl
from the urban areas. The land that is suitable for farming is an irreplaceable
natural resource that cannot be regained once it has been lost to development.
23

Scale:1"=4.5milesSource:UnitedStatesDepartmentofAgriculture(1983) PrimeandUniqueFarmlands S
Residential Development Meets Farmland
24

Picture 3: Development Pressure
There are few issues as important, or overlooked as the preservation of
farmland. Farmland is an important part of Berrien County’s history, culture and
economic structure. According to the 1997 Census of Agriculture, there are
173,958 acres of farmland in Berrien County. That means that almost half of the
land in Berrien County is farmland. Yet very little has been done to preserve this
resource. Now is the time to use sound planning principles to direct urban
growth in a way that minimizes the negative impact on agriculture, before it is too
late.
There is a variety of programs and zoning strategies available to control this
growth and preserve farmland. Agricultural preservation methods primarily fall in
one of four categories: purchase of agricultural easement programs, right to farm
laws, agricultural protection zoning, and finally circuit breaker tax relief credits.
No one technique is right for all areas.
Purchase of Agricultural Easements (PA 116)
Michigan passed the Farmland and Open Space Preservation Act (Public Act
116) in 1974. The original purpose of this act was to slow the conversion of
farmland to non-farm uses, while providing tax relief to farm owners at the same
time.
Qualifying farmland owners temporarily transfer their development rights to the
state for a period of not less than 10 years in exchange for property tax credits. If
a development rights contract expires, the last seven years of PA 116 program
credits received are placed as a lien against the property. Repayment of the tax
lien is required before the development rights agreement is released and the land
can be converted to other uses.
For farmland to qualify it must meet one of three requirements:
25

1. 40 acres or more in size
2. 5 acres or more and less than 40 acres with at least $200 annual gross
income per acre of cleared and tillable land from agricultural production
3. a specialty farm of 15 or more acres producing an annual gross income of
$2,000 or more from agricultural uses and designated by the Michigan
Department of Agriculture as a specialty farm
For more information on PA 116, call Farmland and Open Space Preservation in
the Real Estate Division of the Michigan Department of Natural Resources
(MDNR) at 517-373-3328.
Purchase of Development Rights (PDR)
A purchase of Development Rights program is a means of compensating farmers
for their willingness to accept a permanent deed restriction on their land for nonagricultural
purposes. Land owners are compensated for the fair market value of
their land, based on the difference between what it could be sold for on the open
market with no restrictions and what it can be sold for once an easement is
placed on the land. The deed restriction prevents physical development of the
land, but allows the land to continue to be farmed by the owner.
In 1996, Michigan’s zoning enabling acts were amended to permit local
municipalities to establish their own Purchase of Development Rights programs.
Also, a statewide PDR was created. This is funded by money recaptured by PA
116 terminations and PA 260 (the agricultural ‘popup’ tax) money. In order to
participate, a local municipality is required to adopt a development rights
ordinance and provide a 25% match of funds.
For more information on Purchase of Development Rights in Michigan, call the
Farmland Preservation Office at the Michigan Department of Agriculture at 517-
373-3328.
The Federal Agricultural Improvement Act of 1996 (1996 Farmland Bill)
authorized a grant to provide 50% federal matching funds to selected state and
local farmland protection programs.
For information on federal farmland protection programs, call the local USDA
Service Center at 269-471-9111.
Quarter/Quarter Zoning
Quarter/quarter zoning limits landowners to one lot per 40 acres of farmland. If a
farmer owned a 200 acre parcel, 5 dwelling units would be allowed to be
constructed. But typically, those are limited to _ acre to 2 acres so as to
preserve the largest amount of the land for continued agricultural use.
26

Cluster Zoning
Cluster zoning is a way to allow development in a manner which leaves large
blocks of open space or farmland. Michigan Public Acts 177, 178 and 179 of
2001 mandates qualified communities to include cluster development provisions
in their zoning ordinances.
A qualified community includes any city, township, village or county that meets
the following criteria:
1. has a population of 1,800 or more; and
2. has an adopted zoning ordinance; and
3. has undeveloped land that is zoned for residential development at 2 dwelling
units or less per acre unsewered or 3 dwelling units or less per acre if on
public sewers
Cluster zoning groups dwellings on smaller lots on a smaller piece of
undeveloped tract of land in order to preserve the balance of the tract as open
space. The law requires qualified counties and townships to build open space
zoning, preserving a minimum of 50 percent of open space, into their ordinances.
The law requires qualified cities and villages to build open space zoning,
preserving a minimum of 20 percent of open space, into their ordinances.
Utilities and Services
Utility construction is a two-edged sword. The location of water and sanitary
sewer lines (Maps 12 & 13) will largely determine where development will take
place, if the placement of these utilities is not adequately correlated with a plan of
where development should take place, utility construction can accelerate
irrational dispersion and sprawl. Wherever you see water and sewer lines, you
can expect development to follow.
Environmental Quality
Berrien County is rich in natural resources, and accordingly, the environment is
an integral part of economic and recreational activities. The quality of life in this
area is dependent upon the conditions of air, water, and land. The following
section summarizes the current state and quality of these resources.
Air Quality
The Air quality in Berrien County is monitored by the Michigan Department of
Environmental Quality’s Air Quality Division (MDEQ’s AQD). Currently, there is
one air monitoring site within the County. It is located at 4689 Defield Road in
Coloma at the Paw Paw lake Waste Water Treatment Plant. Pollutant levels and
weather conditions are measured at this site. Specifically, the ozone level has
27

W
Municipal Boundaries
Water Lines
Scale: 1" = 4.5 miles
Source: Local Municipalities
N
S
E
Water Lines
28
MAP 17

W
Municipal Boundaries
Sewer Lines
N
S
E
Scale: 1" = 4.5 miles
Source: Local Municipalities
Sanitary Sewer Lines
29
MAP 16

een monitored on a daily basis since 1992, and levels of particulate matter with
diameter less than 2.5 um (micrometer) has been recorded since 1999. Other
parameters monitored include the air temperature, wind speed, wind direction,
and barometric pressure.
Additionally, this monitoring site is used to determine the overall daily health
hazards related to air pollution in the Benton Harbor metropolitan area. The Air
Quality Index created by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
categorizes each day based on a six point scale ranging from “good” to
“hazardous”. Since 1991, this areas has had eight days classified as “unhealthy”
for the general public. Specific data measurements for this air monitoring station
can be found in the AIRSData database on the EPA’s website
(www.epa.gov/airsweb/).
Groundwater Quality
Most of the drinking water that comes into the homes in Berrien County comes
from groundwater. Groundwater comes from precipitation that has fallen and
seeped through the surface of the ground. Areas in Berrien County are
monitored and tested through wells. These wells provide information on the
depth of the water table, contamination problems, and the strata of the
surrounding soil.
Berrien County contains groundwater that ranges in quality from very good to
contaminated. When examining the potential hazard of a particular area of
groundwater, it is best to look at the surrounding area. The fertilization of crops,
the salting of roads in the winter, and pesticide use are among the factors that
can contribute to groundwater contamination.
The level below ground of the water table, is an important factor in the quality of
the water. The deeper the water table, the deeper water must infiltrate providing
more chance that contamination can be filtered. The depth of the water table in
Berrien County ranges from 22’ to 96’ deep. This range of water table depths
can be seen in Map 14.
Surface Water Quality
Surface waters in Berrien County include Lake Michigan, numerous inland lakes,
and perennial and intermittent rivers. Overall, Michigan’s surface waters meet
the Water Quality Standards set by the state. However, these resources are
threatened by nonpoint source pollution from runoff near urban areas,
construction sites, and agricultural lands and by point discharges from municipal
and industrial processes. This can result in increased nutrient enrichment,
sedimentation, and toxins in the waters.
30

Water Table (feet)
W
N
S
22 - 28
29 - 33
34 - 45
46 - 56
57 - 96
Not Studied
E
Scale: 1" = 4.5 miles
Average Water Table Depth
Source: Berrien County Groundwater Mapping Notebook,
1981, Southwestern Michigan Commission
31
MAP 14

Lake Michigan is classified as having a moderate nutrient level, and its water
quality has improved with decreasing discharges of phosphorus from point
sources. However, the water quality is threatened by the introduction of exotic
aquatic species and the presence of persistent toxic pollutants. Due to
bioaccumulation of toxins in fish tissues, public health fish consumption
advisories are in effect for the Great Lakes.
Nutrient levels are of concern for inland lakes in the southern Lower Peninsula
because the majority of lakes in this area have high to excessive nutrient levels.
The only lake studied in Berrien County, Paw Paw Lake, was classified as
eutrophic (high nutrient levels). Elevated nutrient levels are problematic due to
the associated nuisance plant growth and algal blooms. Sources of excess
nutrients include sewage, fertilizers, detergents, and surface runoff. Additionally,
all of Michigan’s inland lakes are under a mercury-based fish consumption
advisory. The mercury largely enters the lake waters via atmospheric deposition.
Berrien County’s rivers, streams, and creeks are generally considered to be of
good quality. Areas of reduced river quality can be associated with urban areas
and human activities. According to a 1997 study, the majority of the Galien River
watershed meets the state’s Water Quality Standards. Sections of this
watershed that did not meet these Standards were harmed by untreated sewage
discharge, E. Coli, PCBs, and nuisance algal growths. Over 30 miles of the St.
Joseph River had similar water quality problems.
Solid Waste Management
Solid waste refers to garbage, rubbish, yard waste, some sludges and other solid
material byproducts of residential, commercial and institutional activities. Most of
the non-sludge solid waste generated within Berrien County is disposed of in one
of the three landfills located in the County. Of the remaining portion, roughly
10% is recycled (including municipal or commercial composting operations),
some is landfilled outside the county, while still more is handled directly by
residents through various methods (i.e. home composting, leaf & shrub burning
or burning household trash in burn barrels, as allowed by local ordinance). Also,
a small portion is dumped illegally as litter on roadsides, ravines and secluded
lots. Sludges, most especially from wastewater treatment plants, are primarily
applied to agricultural land as fertilizer.
Map 15 shows the primary solid waste management facilities within Berrien
County, none of which is currently owned or operated by the County. Transfer
stations consolidate collected solid waste before final transport to a landfill.
Orchard Hill and Forest Lawn are private for-profit landfills and Southeast Berrien
County is owned by an authority comprised of five municipalities in that corner of
the County.
32

#
W
Roads
Water
US 12
N
S
Solid Waste Management Facility Locations
Municipal Boundaries
Solid Waste Facilities
1. United For Survival (R)
2. Orchard Hill Landfill (L,R,C)
3. Gateway (R)
4. Southeast Berrien County Landfill &
Buchanan City MRF (L,R,C)
5. Forest Lawn Landfill (L,R)
6. Reliable Disposal (T)
7. Gateway West (R)
8. Michiana Recycling and
Disposal (R)
R = recyling facility
L = landfill
T = transfer station
C = composting site
M - 239
E
Scale: 1" = 4.5 miles
RED ARROW HWY
GALIEN RIVER
5
I-94
7
WARREN WOODS RD
US12 PULASKI HWY
6
SHAWNEE RD
Source: Berrien County Solid Waste Management Plan, 2001
I-94
33
LAKESHORE DR
1
NILES AVE
CLEVELAND AVE
PIPESTONE
M-63
M-139
US 31
M-63
BR 94
I-94
M-63
ST. JOSEPH RIVER
I-96
BLUE CREEK
PAW PAW RIVER
PIPESTONE CREEK
PIPESTONE RD
REDBUD TRAIL
RED ARROW HWY
3
SHAWNEE RD OLD US 31
RED BUD TR
COLOMA RD
US 31
WALTON RD
4
I-94
2
TERRITORIAL RD
US 31
NAPIER AVE
BR 12
M-140
M-140
US 12
WATERVLIET RD
M-140
PAINTER SCHOOL RD
US 33
M-62
M-51
DOWAGIAC RIVER
8
BR 12
BR 60
MAP 15

A County Solid Waste Management Plan (SWPlan) is developed periodically, as
required by Michigan's Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act
(NREPA) and as directed by the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality
(MDEQ). Berrien County's Planning Department serves as the Designated
Planning Agency, to lead its development, in consultation with a 14 member
committee. The most recent SWPlan was finalized in March, 2001 and locally
approved by municipalities in June. Final review and approval was granted by
the DEQ on January 28, 2002.
The SWPlan established three primary goals for Berrien County, as follows:
1. Promote a waste management system that protects public health and the
environment, through public and private sector cooperation.
2. Educational programs for the general public and school-aged children, to
inform them on the benefits and opportunities for use of sound solid waste
management practices (i.e. using trash collection services vs. creating air
pollution with burn barrels).
3. Establish new and maintain existing programs that employ or advance
waste reduction, recycling and other resource recovery methods.
The SWPlan identifies the Planning Department as the chief implementer of its
goals and objectives. Since 1995 the Department has dedicated a full-time staff
position to solid waste management issues, currently in the form of a Solid Waste
Management Coordinator. Additionally, the County recently added, at the
recommendation of the SWPlan, a full-time Resource Recovery Educator.
Several programs aimed at achieving the SWPlan's resource recovery objectives
are currently in operation, some for several years, while others are in
development. Highlights include:
1. Household Hazardous Waste Collections - Nine one-day collections are held
annually, for residents to properly dispose of potentially toxic waste items from
the home, garden and garage.
2. Clean Sweep (agricultural pesticide) Collections - In cooperation with the
MSU Extension services of Berrien, Cass and Van Buren counties, and with
financial assistance from a grant from the Michigan Dept. of Agriculture, area
growers can safely dispose of unwanted or unusable pesticides, at no cost.
3. Well testing, biennially, of randomly selected private property wells
surrounding the three landfills and monitoring of the landfills' own programs to
screen out improper waste from entering their facilities.
4. Grade appropriate classroom programs (K-8) and a quarterly newsletter
targeting teachers with information on resource recovery opportunities in a
school setting.
5. Expanded access to drop-off recycling sites for under-served rural
populations.
6. Specific collection programs for distinct waste streams, such as mercury
thermometers, medical sharps, tires, appliances and computers.
34

More information on these programs can be obtained either on the internet
(Http:\\www.berriencounty.org) or by calling 269-983-7111 x8350.
35

CHAPTER 2 - SOCIOECONOMIC PROFILE
A demographic analysis provides important insights about a community and
serves as a basis upon which future land use decisions can be made. Included
in this analysis is a review of aspects of the County’s population, housing,
employment trends and projections, tax base, and education. Current estimates,
historic trends and projections are presented.
Data from the 2000 U.S. Census of Population and Housing released in 2001
and 2002, and relatively current information compiled from other public and
private sources are provided in this chapter.
Population
Population change in Berrien County since 1960 is illustrated in Figure 1. In the
1970’s, the county had a significant increase in population.
Population
175,000
170,000
165,000
160,000
155,000
150,000
145,000
140,000
135,000
Figure 1: Population Change, 1990 to 2000
1960 1970 1980 1990 2000
1960 1970 1980 1990 2000
There is a slight growth in total population throughout the County since 1990.
The U.S. Census indicates that the county will see a slight drop in future
population projections. Indications from building permits and new construction of
homes can conclude that the increase in new homes is attracting populations
where the County is not their primary residence.
The following table identifies the population change from 1990 to 2000 by
municipality. This is also illustrated in Map #16.
36
Year

51.4
22.0
Population Change
W
-5.0
-12.8 - -4.4
-4.4 - -0.1
0.1 - 3
3.1 - 6
6.1 - 9.9
10 - 15
15 - 25
25.1 - 55
N
S
E
scale 1" = 4.5 miles
Percent Change in Population
From 1990 to 2000
2.0
-1.0
2.4
-0.1
13.5
26.6
16.7
-3.2
-2.3
37
Source: 2000 Census SF-1 and SF-3, 1990 Census STF1A and STF3A.
2.6
-4.6
30.6
4.5
5.5
-12.8
24.0
-3.6
-4.4
0.2
-3.4
8.0
3.2
3.6
-6.2
1.8
-5.0
32.8
9.3
3.9
7.4
-1.3
15.9
-2.0
1.3 6.8 3.9
MAP 16

Table 2: Change in Population, 1990 to 2000
Population Pop. Change
2000 1990 1990-2000
Berrien County 162,453 161,378 0.7%
Bainbridge Township 3,132 2,865 9.3%
Baroda Township 2,022 2,074 -2.5%
Baroda Village 858 657 30.6%
Benton Township 16,404 7,163 -4.4%
Berrien Township 4,419 4,203 5.1%
Eau Claire Village 656 494 32.8%
Bertrand Township 2,380 2,228 6.8%
Buchanan Township 3,510 3,402 3.2%
Chikaming Township 3,678 3,717 -1.0%
Coloma Township 5,217 5,123 1.8%
Galien Township 1,018 995 2.3%
Galien Village 593 596 -0.5%
Hagar Township 3,964 4,113 -3.6%
Lake Township 3,148 2,487 26.6%
Lincoln Township 12,761 12,374 3.1%
Stevensville Village 1,191 1,230 -3.2%
New Buffalo Township 2,047 2,109 -2.9%
Grand Beach Village 221 146 51.4%
Michiana Village 200 164 22.0%
Niles Township 13,325 12,828 3.9%
Oronoko Township 7,981 7,892 1.1%
Berrien Springs Village 1,862 1,927 -3.4%
Pipestone Township 2,474 2,303 7.4%
Royalton Township 3,888 3,135 24.0%
St. Joseph Township 9,182 8,876 3.4%
Shoreham Village 860 737 16.7%
Sodus Township 2,139 2,065 3.6%
Three Oaks Township 1,120 2,286 -51.0%
Three Oaks Village 1,829 1,786 2.4%
Watervliet Township 3,392 2,926 15.9%
Weesaw Township 2,065 2,114 -2.3%
Benton Harbor City 11,182 12,818 -12.8%
Bridgman City 2,428 2,140 13.5%
Buchanan City 4,681 4,992 -6.2%
Coloma City 1,595 1,679 -5.0%
New Buffalo City 2,200 2,317 -5.0%
Niles City 12,204 12,458 -2.0%
St. Joseph City 8,789 9,214 -4.6%
Watervliet City 1,843 1,867 -1.3%
Source: U.S. Census Bureau Summary File 1
38

Population density can be calculated by dividing the total population by the land
area. With 571 square miles of land area that make up the 39 municipalities, the
following table will show the population density of each community. At the county
level there is about .44 persons per acre.
Table 3: Population Density of Local Municipalities, 2000
Community Population Total Area Population Density
39
Square Miles Acres People/Acre
BERRIEN COUNTY 162,453 571 365,440 0.44
Bainbridge Township 3,132 35 22,632 0.14
Baroda Township 2,880 17 10,994 0.26
Benton Township 16,404 33 21,005 0.78
Berrien Township 5,075 36 23,161 0.22
Bertrand Township 2,380 35 22,436 0.11
Buchanan Township 3,510 38 24,520 0.14
Chikaming Township 3,678 22 14,164 0.26
Coloma Township 5,217 21 13,312 0.39
Galien Township 1,611 22 14,389 0.11
Hagar Township 3,964 19 11,964 0.33
Lake Township 3,148 19 11,915 0.26
Lincoln Township 13,952 17 10,989 1.27
New Buffalo Township 2,468 19 12,221 0.20
Niles Township 13,325 38 24,586 0.54
Oronoko Township 9,843 32 20,761 0.47
Pipestone Township 2,474 36 22,788 0.11
Royalton Township 3,888 19 11,857 0.33
St. Joseph Township 10,042 6 4,079 2.46
Sodus Township 2,139 20 12,830 0.17
Three Oaks Township 2,949 22 14,384 0.21
Watervliet Township 3,392 17 10,877 0.31
Weesaw Township 2,065 36 22,806 0.09
Benton Harbor City 11,182 4.5 2,860 3.91
Bridgman City 2,428 2.9 1,887 1.29
Buchanan City 4,681 2.6 1,661 2.82
Coloma City 1,595 0.9 568 2.81
New Buffalo City 2,200 2.4 1,550 1.42
Niles City 12,204 5.3 3,396 3.59
St. Joseph City 8,789 3.7 2,352 3.74
Watervliet City 1,843 1.3 808 2.28
Baroda Village 858 0.7 436 1.97
Berrien Springs Village 1,862 0.9 607 3.07
Eau Claire Village 656 0.8 487 1.35
Galien Village 593 0.4 272 2.18
Grand Beach Village 221 0.8 530 0.42
Michiana Village 200 0.4 233 0.86
Shoreham Village 860 0.6 366 2.35
Stevensville Village 1,191 1.1 673 1.77
Three Oaks Village 1,829 1.0 628 2.91

Age
Population counts by sex over the past three decades are exhibited in Table 4 .
Counts show that the male to female ratio in the County has remained fairly
constant and equal.
Male
Female
Table 4: Population by Sex in Berrien County
1980 % 1990 % 2000 %
82,642 48.6
88,634 51.4
40
77,324 48.4
84,054 51.6
Total 171,276 161,378 162,453
78,738 48.5
83,715 51.5
The change in population by age group from 1990 to 2000 reveals that the
median age has increased from 33.5 in 1990 to 37.4 in 2000. The graph shows
the change in age group from 1990 to 2000.
85 +
75-84
65-74
60-64
55-59
45-54
35-44
25-34
20-24
15-19
10 14
5 - 9
Under 5
Figure 2: Population by Age Group, 2000
- 5,000 10,000 15,000 20,000 25,000 30,000
Under 5 5 - 9 10 14 15-19 20-24 25-34 35-44 45-54 55-59 60-64 65-74 75-84 85 +
2000 Population 10,583 11,959 12,401 11,726 9,084 19,690 25,033 22,901 8,608 7,019 12,160 8,440 2,849
1990 Population 12,176 12,221 12,091 12,150 10,795 24,960 23,240 16,765 7,171 7,760 12,878 7,103 2,068
Population

50%
45%
40%
35%
30%
25%
20%
15%
10%
5%
0%
-5%
Racial composition among the county region varies significantly. The 2000
Census indicates that there has been an increase in minority populations and a
slight decrease in the majority (white) population. The following graph shows
that percent change in population by race. As the graph indicates, the County
has seen a high increase in the Hispanic, Latino population.
Figure 3: Percent Change in Population by Race, 1990 to 2000
Total Population White Black or African
American
Native American Asian Hispanic or Latino Other
Table 5: Population by Race
1990 2000 % Change
Total Population 161,378 162,453 1%
White 133,259 129,459 -3%
Black or African American 24,872 25,879 4%
Native American 685 691 1%
Asian 1,487 1,849 20%
Hispanic or Latino 2,683 4,888 45%
Other 1,075 1,845 42%
41

Population Projections
Three factors that modify the population of an area are births, deaths and
migration. The birth and death rate are factors that can be predicted based upon
trends. The in-and-out migration are largely influenced by the local economy,
transportation accessibility, development policies and local lending policies.
The inability to predict population growth with pinpoint accuracy does not
diminish the importance of projections as a guide to local decision-making. For
the purpose of this plan, projections are used to assess the effect of growth on
current and desired conditions in the County. Population projections serve as a
tool for the desired level of growth the community can bear without harming its
physical and social environment.
Table 6: Population Projections for Berrien County
Year 2000 2005 2010 2015 2020
Regional
Econometric Model,
Inc 1998
Michigan Department
of Management &
Budget
Michigan State
University – Census
2000 Project
162,453 162,482 162,636 164,496 167,284
162,300 161,800 160,800 159,700 158,900
162,268 161,761 160,788 159,721 158,914
Source: Michigan Department of Management and Budget, Office of the State Demographer, January 1996
Notes: The cohort-component method is used to prepare population projections for every five years from
1995 to 2020, based on 1990 census counts, and projected fertility, mortality, and migration rates by age,
sex, and race. Where appropriated, the preliminary July 1, 1995 estimates developed by the Census Bureau
through the Federal-State Cooperative Program are used to adjust the projections and benchmark the
projections from July 1, 1995. The projections represent the July 1 population for subsequent projection
years. The preliminary projections are subject to revision when more recent fertility, mortality, and migration
data become available.
The three population projections above can also be seen in Figure 4 below.
42

Housing
University – Census
Population
168,000
166,000
164,000
162,000
160,000
158,000
156,000
154,000
Figure 4: Population Projections
2000 2005 2010 2015 2020
Year
As the economy during the 1990’s was extremely strong, new housing stock was
the result. Overall, the current housing stock, consisting of 73,445 units, is
predominately old. Sixty –five percent of the housing stock is over 30 years old.
Table 7 illustrates the number of units built over the years.
Table 7: Housing Stock
Year Structure Built Number Percent
1999 to March 2000 1,199 1.6
1995 to 1998 3,475 4.7
1990 to 1994 3,413 4.6
1980 to 1989 6,044 8.2
1970 to 1979 11,664 15.9
1960 to 1969 11,432 15.6
1940 to 1959 20, 476 27.9
1939 or earlier 15,742 21.4
Source: U.S. Bureau of the Census, Census 2000 SF-3.
There is an increase in new development throughout the county. According to
the Berrien County Economic Development Department, in 2001, 1,416 building
permits were issued for residential uses. The figure represents any permit
necessary for residential uses, such as renovation or new construction.
While there are 73,445 total housing units, approximately 86.6 % (63,569) are
occupied. This figure includes homes for sale, which were unoccupied. Of the
13.4 percent that is vacant, 7.2 percent, (5,259) represents housing units for
seasonal, recreational or occasional use.
43
Regional
Econometric Model,
Inc 1998
Michigan Department
of Management &
Budget
Michigan State
2000 Project

The 2000 U.S. Census data shows change in the type of housing since 1990.
The majority of the housing units consist of single family (1-unit) which make up
about 76 percent of the housing stock. Duplexes have decreased by 8.6%
throughout the County.
As for unit sizes available, Forty percent of the County featured mostly two and
three bedroom units in 2000. Of the units available, only 8.9 percent have four
bedrooms and 8.1 percent have 5 or more bedrooms available.
Number of Households/Household Size
According to the 2000 Census, the number of households in Berrien County
increased by 2,544 from 61,025 in 1990 to 63,569 in 2000 (Table 8). The
change in total households by municipality can be seen on Map 17. The
increase in households is much higher than the increase of 1,075 in population.
The slower population growth being experienced by Berrien County can be
partially explained by the average household size. While the total number of
households has increased, the average household size decreased from 2.60 to
2.49. Given the 63,569 total households in 2000, if the average household size
had remained at 2.60 the population would have increased by 3,901 to a total of
165,279. The decrease in household size is likely related to the national trends
of couples getting married when they are older and waiting longer to have
children.
The following table illustrates the breakdown of Households by family type.
Table 8: Households by Family Type 2000 Census 1990-2000 1990 Census
Number % % change Number %
Total Households: 63,569 4.2 61,025
Family households (families) 43,336 68.2 -1.2 43,845 71.8
with own children under 18 19,850 31.2 -10.9 22,280 36.5
Married-couple family 32,550 51.2 -4.2 33,974 55.7
with own children under 18 13,283 20.9 -13.9 15,434 25.3
Female householder, no husband present 8,419 13.2 4 8,099 13.3
with own children under 18 5,283 8.3 -10.9 5,927 9.7
Nonfamily households 20,233 31.8 17.8 17,180 28.2
Householder living alone 17,196 27.1 15.7 14,861 24.4
Householder 65 years and over 6,883 10.8 7.4 6,406 10.5
Households with individuals under 18 years 21,934 34.5 -2.9 22,588 37
Households with individuals 65 years and over 16,474 25.9 4.7 15,729 25.8
Average household size 2.49 2.60
Average family size 3.01 3.10
44

56.5
31.7
W
Percent Change in Total Households
From 1990 to 2000
Percent Change in Number of Households
-13.1
-13.1 - -0.3
-0.3 - 4.2
4.2 - 7.5
7.5 - 12.2
12.2 - 25.5
25.5 - 56.5
N
S
-0.3
E
scale 1" = 4.5 miles
12.2
7.5
7.5
6.6
18.7
36.2
25.5
-3.5
7.1
4.2
8.8
45
Source: 2000 Census SF-1 and SF-3, 1990 Census STF1A and STF3A.
-13.1
-2.0
5.0
10.8
31.6
7.1
20.1
3.2
-1.1
9.5
5.5
6.3
-3.8
9.1
-3.7
10.9
-0.6
23.4
5.5
6.0
8.5
10.7
2.3
-1.6
18.3
MAP 17

Housing Values
The median housing value helps identify how the county and communities are
developing. The County Median Household Income is 38,567. The household
income is defined by the census as any income within the household (not
related). In a general term, the housing values along Lake Michigan are
comparably higher. Housing costs and values increased significantly countywide
over the past 10 years.
Table 9: Median Household Income and Median House Value
Community Median Hshld Median House Affordable
Income Value Unit Price*
BERRIEN COUNTY 38,567 94,700 96,418
Bainbridge Township 38,750 90,300 96,875
Baroda Township 44,219 109,700 110,548
Benton Township 25,942 64,400 64,855
Berrien Township 46,293 115,100 115,733
Bertrand Township 55,183 100,000 137,958
Buchanan Township 40,503 95,000 101,258
Chikaming Township 47,778 162,200 119,445
Coloma Township 40,029 95,400 100,073
Galien Township 37,434 77,100 93,585
Hagar Township 38,614 89,300 96,535
Lake Township 49,764 122,700 124,410
Lincoln Township 53,718 133,400 134,295
New Buffalo Township 46,991 169,500 117,478
Niles Township 37,794 80,000 94,485
Oronoko Township 35,980 111,600 89,950
Pipestone Township 41,440 89,800 103,600
Royalton Township 69,375 172,700 173,438
St. Joseph Township 54,158 113,500 135,395
Sodus Township 33,804 89,200 84,510
Three Oaks Township 36,989 86,400 92,473
Watervliet Township 39,152 89,800 97,880
Weesaw Township 41,434 92,600 103,585
Benton Harbor City 17,471 38,700 43,678
Bridgman City 48,292 122,600 120,730
Buchanan City 34,244 69,300 85,610
Coloma City 38,882 79,500 97,205
New Buffalo City 41,658 103,000 104,145
Niles City 31,208 69,600 78,020
St. Joseph City 37,032 100,000 92,580
Watervliet City 38,681 72,400 96,703
*Affordable Unit Price is based on Household Median Income multiplied by 2.5
**Villages are included in Township totals.
46

Quality of Housing
Since 1990, the median house value has increased by $27,369 (Year 2000
dollars) to $94,700. It can be assumed that since housing values have
increased, so has the quality of housing. According to the 2000 Census, only
256 housing units lacked complete plumbing facilities. This is a decrease of 11
percent since 1990.
There are three Public Housing Agencies in the County, the Benton Harbor
Housing Commission, St. Joseph Housing Commission and the Niles Housing
Commission. Each agency owns and operates housing for low-income
individuals. Benton Harbor Housing Commission also administers Section 8
Vouchers for the community.
In an effort to continue to achieve quality housing in Berrien County, the County
Homeowner Rehabilitation Program was initiated in 1999 to address the needs of
homeowner repairs to low income homeowners throughout the county.
Housing Developments
As the housing stock is increasing and the average household size is smaller,
new developments are the current trend. Information retained from the Berrien
County Register of Deeds indicates there is an increasing growth in
condominiums throughout the County. In addition, subdivisions in several
townships are being approved for development. Since 1990, there have been 83
new condominium developments and 77 new subdivisions.
Employment
This section will include the major employers, employment statistics, income
statistics, and number of establishments.
47

Figure 5: Occupation of Employed Population 16 years and older, 2000
According to the Berrien County Economic Development Department, Lakeland
Regional Health System is the County’s largest employer.
Table 10: Berrien County’s Ten Largest Employers
# 10 Largest
Employers
1 Lakeland Reg.
Health System, Inc
2 Whirlpool
Corporation
3 Michigan Pizza Hut,
Inc.
4 American Electric
Power
5 Bosch Braking
Systems
Occupation of Employed Population
16 years and older
Management, professional, and related occupations
Service occupations
Sales and office occupations
Farming, fishing and forestry occupations
Construction, extraction, and maintenance occupations
Other
Product/Service Employment
levels as of
Jan. 2001
48
Employment
levels as of
Sept. 2000
Health Care 3000 3000
Residential major home
appliances
2300 2230
Restaurant 1428 nbsp;
Electric Services 1350 1320
Auto parts, hydraulics &
ductile iron castings
1300 1358
6 Benton Harbor Area
Schools
Education 1025 1060
7 Andrews University Education 900 850
8 Leco Corporation Determinators for gases
in metals,carbon,etc
750 650
9 Berrien County Legislative bodies 744 725
10 Gast Manufacturing Air Motors, pumps &
compressors
600 590

The top ten employers cover a wide range of occupations. The following figure
identifies the type of occupations throughout the County. Management,
professional, and related occupations make up 29.3 percent of the working
population. Sales and office occupations make up 24.1 percent. Farming,
fishing and forestry make up 1 percent, yet they have the largest land use in the
County.
Table 11 shows the employment forecast by industry for 1998 to 2008. Berrien
County’s total employment is expected to grow by 2008. Total employment is
expected to increase 6.40 percent or 8,945 jobs between 1998 and year 2008.
Technicians and related support is expected to have the highest percentage
increase (13.5). The largest numeric increase of jobs will be in the services
sector with a projected increase of 1,945 jobs.
Table 11: Employment Projections
Occupational Group Employment Change Average Annual Openings
1998 2008 Level % Growth Replacem
ent
49
Total
Total, All Occupations 139,875 148,820 8,945 6.40% 897 3,368 4,265
Executive,
Administrative, and
Managerial
13,460 14,410 950 7.10% 96 249 345
Professional Specialty 17,420 19,300 1,880 10.80% 186 339 525
Technicians and
Related Support
5,300 6,015 715 13.50% 74 121 195
Marketing and Sales 12,925 13,415 490 3.80% 50 385 435
Administrative Support,
Clerical
19,695 19,880 185 0.90% 19 389 408
Service 23,305 25,250 1,945 8.30% 196 809 1,005
Agricultural, Forestry,
Fishing, and Related
Precision Production,
Craft, and Repair
Operators, Fabricators,
and Laborers
7,035 7,305 270 3.90% 27 146 173
17,535 18,485 950 5.40% 96 402 498
22,720 24,275 1,555 6.80% 152 521 673
Note:The Southwest Michigan area is comprised of Berrien, Cass and Van Buren counties. Employment totals
may not add up due to rounding. Percent change is based on unrounded numbers. Replacement openings
reflect permanent separations (such as death, retirement, disability, etc.) but do not reflect total job turnover.
Further information may be found at
Source: Michigan Department of Career Development
Unemployment
According to the Michigan Department of Career Development, unemployment
rates in Berrien County have remained constant with the State of Michigan over
the past decade.

Figure 6: Unemployment Trends, 1990 to 2002
10
9
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
0
1990
1991
1992
1993
Income Characteristics
Median Household Income for Berrien County is currently $38,567, up from
$35,360 in 1990 (adjusted to year 2000 dollars), an increase of over 9 percent.
Compared to the State of Michigan, the County is below the median income,
which is $44,667. The following figure shows the household income distribution
for 2000.
Figure 7: Household Income Distribution, 2000
$150,000 to $199,999
$75,000 to $99,999
$35,000 - $49,999
$15,000 - $24,999
Less than $10,000
1994
1995
1996
1997
1998
50
1999
2000
2001
2002
Household Income Distribution 2000
- 5,000 10,000 15,000
Berrien County
Michigan
United States
Number of
Households

Table 12: Median Family/Household Income, 2000
Community Median Hshld Median Family Per Capita
Income Income Income ($)
BERRIEN COUNTY 38,567 46,548 19,952
Bainbridge Township 38,750 46,250 17,854
Baroda Township 44,219 47,161 21,837
Benton Township 25,942 30,899 14,137
Berrien Township 46,293 49,390 18,448
Bertrand Township 55,183 59,118 22,130
Buchanan Township 40,503 46,797 19,572
Chikaming Township 47,778 53,942 30,868
Coloma Township 40,029 44,859 20,377
Galien Township 37,434 44,706 17,850
Hagar Township 38,614 47,768 19,710
Lake Township 49,764 57,228 21,667
Lincoln Township 53,718 64,211 27,559
New Buffalo Township 46,991 58,333 33,587
Niles Township 37,794 44,446 18,249
Oronoko Township 35,980 45,998 16,904
Pipestone Township 41,440 45,859 16,423
Royalton Township 69,375 76,295 26,926
St. Joseph Township 54,158 60,743 28,095
Sodus Township 33,804 42,250 17,646
Three Oaks Township 36,989 45,302 17,901
Watervliet Township 39,152 45,709 22,134
Weesaw Township 41,434 45,511 18,159
Benton Harbor City 17,471 19,250 8,965
Bridgman City 48,292 56,466 25,405
Buchanan City 34,244 43,860 16,600
Coloma City 38,882 46,042 17,714
New Buffalo City 41,658 52,639 24,440
Niles City 31,208 38,870 16,584
St. Joseph City 37,032 51,328 24,949
Watervliet City 38,681 42,391 16,691
*Affordable Unit Price is based on Household median income multiplied by 2.5
Villages are included in Township total
Education
There are 16 public school districts, 30 private/parochial, and two public school
academies in the County. (Map 18) According to the 2000 census, 29,777
students are enrolled in grades 1-12. Compared to the enrollment of 29,816 in
1990, there has been very little change.
Educational attainment is computed from the population 25 years and over. Of
the 106,690, 81.9% of the population has received a high school degree or
higher. Compared to 1990, the county has increased by 7.2% of high school
51

School Districts
å
å Building, Private School
W
Benton Harbor
Berrien
Brandywine
Bridgman
Buchanan
Coloma
Covert
Dowagiac
Eau Claire
Building, Public School
N
S
E
Scale: 1" = 4.5 miles
ååå
å
School Districts & Facilities
Galien
Lakeshore
New Buffalo
Niles
River School
River Valley
Riverside
St. Joseph
Watervliet
å
å
å
å
å
å
åå
Source: United States Census Bureau, Tiger Files (1995).
å
52
å åå
åååå å
å åå
å å
å å
å
å å
å å
å
å
å
å å
åå å å
å å
åå
å
å
å
å
å
å å
å
å å
å
å
å
å
å
å å
å
å å
å
å
å
å
å
å
å
å
å
å
å
å
å
å
å
å
å å
å
å åå
å å
åå
MAP 18

Figure 8: Education Attainment, 2000
12%
8%
7%
23%
53
6% 12%
32%
less than 9th grade
9th to 12th grade, no diploma
high school graduate (includes equivilency)
some college, no degree
associates degree
bachelor's degree
graduate or professional degree

CHAPTER 3 – COMMUNITY FACILITIES
Parks and Recreation Facilities
Many of the County’s 225 parks and open spaces are located within cities and
Lake Michigan coastal communities as can be seen on Map 19. A listing of the
number of parks and acreage by ownership can be seen in Table 13.
The Berrien County Parks and Recreation Commission adopted their current
Parks and Recreation Plan in February of 2001. The purpose of the Plan is to
help guide Berrien County in its parks and recreation planning and development
efforts over the next five years. The Plan details the current inventory of parks,
open spaces and other recreational resources in the County along with the
Commission’s goals and objectives. The Commission is required to adopt a Plan
every five years to be eligible for state and federal recreation grants.
More information can be obtained by contacting 269-983-7111 x8435, at the
Berrien County Parks and Recreation Department, 701 Main Street, St. Joseph,
Michigan 49085.
Picture 4: Sculpture (And You, Seas, Richard Hunt)
Silver Beach County Park, St. Joseph
54

Parks and Open Spaces
by Ownership
W
N
S
County
Local Municipality
State
Private
Municipal Boundaries
Source: Local Park Plans, various years.
E
Scale: 1" = 4.5 miles
Parks and Open Spaces
55
MAP 19

One of the goals listed in the Parks and Recreation Plan include doing a
Blossomland Trail Study. The Berrien County Parks and Recreation Commission
intends to evaluate the feasibility of establishing a 3.5 mile non-motorized
recreation trail from the Indiana line to Benton Harbor. The Blossomland Trail
Concept Map (Map 20) identifies three possible alternative routes, which will be
the subject of a detailed evaluation in the future. See Chapter 4, for more
information on non-motorized transportation.
Another goal of the Commission is to evaluate the availability and cost of
acquiring additional land as part of the Love Creek Park Preserve to link the
original Love Creek Park property with the 95 acres of land deeded to Berrien
County from the Nature Conservancy. Map 21 shows the area around Love
Creek Park Preserve.
Table 13: Parks and Open Spaces by Ownership
Ownership # Parks Total Acreage
Bainbridge Township 0 0
Baroda Township 2 30.81
Baroda Village 1 1.51
Benton Harbor City 16 133.32
Benton Township 4 74.33
Berrien Springs Village 3 45.94
Berrien Township 1 22.16
Bertrand Township 1 1.38
Bridgman City 2 48.38
Buchanan City 14 112.98
Buchanan Township 2 106.80
Chikaming & New Buffalo Township 1 2.03
Chikaming Township 8 107.06
Coloma City 4 3.51
Coloma Township 1 0.22
Eau Claire Village 2 11.17
Galien Township 0 0
Galien Village 1 5.56
Grand Beach Village 1 0.54
Hagar Township 5 140.06
Lake Township 2 136.01
Lincoln Township 13 134.53
Michiana Village 1 2.10
New Buffalo City 3 24.86
New Buffalo Township 2 43.73
Niles City 35 181.52
Niles Township 7 62.03
Oronoko Township 1 10.74
56

Pipestone Township 0 0
Royalton Township 1 8.08
Shoreham Village 1 14.88
Sodus Township 2 0.82
St. Joseph City 16 195.41
St. Joseph Township 12 160.45
Stevensville Village 1 12.63
Three Oaks Township 1 66.78
Three Oaks Village 3 8.34
Watervliet City 4 31.87
Watervliet Township 6 1.76
Weesaw Township 0 0
Berrien County 6 450.52
State of Michigan 26 1,260.65
Private 13 3,062.76
Total of all Parks and Open Space 225 6718.23
County Facilities
The majority of County facilities are situated near the County seat in St. Joseph
(Map 22). Information on the location of various services can be found either by
calling 269-983-7111 or on the web at www.berriencounty.org.
The County began undertaking a $10.2 million buildings and facilities upgrade in
2001. Some of the changes to the Berrien County Courthouse in St. Joseph will
include the addition of a drive-through cashier kiosk on the north side of the
building, a canopied courthouse entrance plaza, and the reconfiguration of the
parking lots. The facility upgrades will also include an expansion of the South
County Building to better serve residents living in the south part of the County.
More information on various County services can be
found by calling
269-983-7111 or
on the internet at www.berriencounty.org
Picture 6: Old Berrien County Courthouse in Berrien Springs
Historic Sites
Historic locations can be found on Map 23, page 63 along with a listing on the
following page.
57

Alternative Bike Trails
W
S
Old 31 Right-of-way
Abandoned Railroad Line
American Electric Power Line
Water
Municipal Boundaries
Cities & Villages
N
E
Scale: 1" = 4.5 miles
Blossomland Trail Concept
Source: Berrien County Parks and Recreation Plan, 2001
City of
Benton Harbor
City of
St. Joseph
58
Village of
Berrien Springs
City of
Niles
Indiana-Michigan Border
MAP 20

W
N
S
Scale: 5" = 1 mile
Source: Berrien County Parks and Recreation Plan, 2001
E
Love Creek County Park
59
Dean's Hill Road
Huckleberry Road
MAP 21

Benton Harbor - St. Joseph Detail
W
Ê Ê 15 3
Ê
Ê14 4
1
Ê8
NILES AV
LAKE SHORE DR
Municipal Boundaries
Roads
Ê County Facility Locations
N
US 12
E
S
Scale: 1" = 4.5 miles
Berrien County Government Facilities
MAIN
NAPIER AV
19
PIPESTONE RD
M - 239
Ê7
20
Ê
FAIR
5 Ê
M-139
MARTIN LUTHER KING DR
Source: Berrien County GIS, 2002.
County Facilities
1 Administration Center
2 Animal Control
3 Courthouse
4 Family Independance Agency
5 Health Department
6 Health Department
7 Health Department
I94
RED ARROW HWY
I-94
18
Ê
WARREN WOODS RD
US12 PULASKI HWY
See Inset
I-94
Ê
Ê
6
17
SHAWNEE RD
8 Health Department - School Based Clinic
9 Juvenile Center
10 Love Creek Nature Center
11 MSU Extension
12 Madeline Bertrand Park
60
13 Marine Division
14 Sheriff's Department
Ê Ê
Ê
Ê
Ê
Ê
CLEVELAND AVE
M-63
Ê
5
M-139
US 31
SHAWNEE RD
M-63
BR 94
I-94
M-63
13
Ê
PIPESTONE RD
I-96
COLOMA RD
Ê
OLD US 31
RED BUD TR
REDBUD TRAIL
RED ARROW HWY
11
US 31
WALTON RD
Ê
Ê Ê
I-94
TERRITORIAL RD
US 31
NAPIER AVE
9
10
2
BR 12
16
M-140
Ê
Ê
M-140
WATERVLIET RD
US 12
M-140
PAINTER SCHOOL RD
12
US 33
M-62
M-51
BR 60
BR 12
15 Silver Beach County Park
16 South County Building
17 Stevensville Complex
18 Three Oaks Building
19 Youth Service and Assistance Bureau
20 Galien River County Park
MAP 22

St. Joseph-Benton Harbor
#
25
62
#
98 9
#
#
41 32 #
#
# # # #
#
# #
#
# # 59
#
72 #
#
# 86
#
67
#
23
19 89
#
6
44
#
38
60
27 #
#
#
#
61
#
#
31
#
18
#
#
84
5
66
#
12 #
#
16
2
30
#
W
13
N
S
E
Scale: 1" = 4.5 miles
City of Niles
#
22
# #
#
#
#
#
14
68
#
34 79 29
#
#
#
#
74 # # #
# #
# # #
52 17
#
#
88 93 # #
#
35
69
37 #
#
#
50
46
#
28
#
# 33
51
# 54
Sources: National Register of Historic Places,
Michigan State Register of Historic Places,
and the Berrien Community Foundation
#
#
#
85
92
#
49
#
#
80
#
Historic Sites
#
#
97
96
78 8
# #
24
21
91
#
83
3 57
#
Historic Sites
# National Register of Historic Places Site
# State Register of Historic Places Site
# Site of Local Historic Significance
Municipal Boundaries
61
#
#
82
55
53 81
39
#
#
# #
#
# #
# # ## # #
# # #
# # #
# #
#
#
# #
#
#
#
#
77
94
11
See Inset
#
42
43
45
#
#
#
40
36
#
#
#
#
#
#
26
90
56
#
15
#
#
#
#
#
#
#
# 64
#
#
#
#
#
#
#
#
See Inset
75
71
65
4
10
1
20
13
76 7
73
87
47 95
#
# #
#
#
## ## #
#
# #
#
#
#
#
#
#
#
#
#
#
48
63
51
70
58
MAP 23

Table # 14 Historic Districts
1. Andrews University Campus
2. Anthony House
3. Avery Road-Galien River Bridge
4. Ball House
5. Benton Harbor Historic Houses
6. Benton Harbor Ship Canal
7. Bertrand Informational Designation
8. Bethany Beach
9. Blossomland Bridge
10. Brick School
11. Buckhorn Tavern
12. Burnett Trading Post
13. Carey Mission Informational Designation
14. Carnegie Library
15. Carter Centennial Farm Home
16. Chapin Hall
17. Chapin House
18. Children of Israel Synagogue
19. Congregational Church of St. Joseph
20. Cotten House
21. Dewey Cannon
22. Dodge Commemorative Designation
23. Dunbar House
24. Drew House
25. Edgewater Club Annex
26. Edwards Farmstead
27. Farmers & Merchants Bank
28. Father Claude Allouez Memorial
29. Ferry Street Elementary School
30. Fidelity Building
31. First Baptist Church
32. Fort Miami Informational Site
33. Fort St. Joseph Site
34. Four Flags Hotel
35. Franklin African Methodist Episcopal Church
36. Freethinker’s Monument
37. French Paper Mill
38. Fruit Belt Commemorative Designation
39. Galien Township Hall
40. Gardner School
41. Herring’s First Flight Informational Designation
42. Hinchman School
43. Hogue House
44. House of David Hotel
45. Jakway Cabin
46. Johnson House (Alfred)
47. Johnson House (John)
48. Lake View Farm
49. Lakeside Inn
62
50. Lardner House
51. McOmber-Beeson House
52. Methodist Episcopal Church
53. Michigan Central Railroad Galien Depot
54. Michigan Central Railroad Niles Depot
55. Mielke House
56. Moccasin Bluff Site
57. Morley’s Mill
58. Morris Chapel
59. Morrison Channel
60. Morton Cemetery
61. Morton House
62. Ninth District Lighthouse Depot
63. North Watervliet Road-Paw Paw Lake Outlet Bridge
64. Old Berrien County Courthouse
65. Old Berrien County Courthouse Complex
66. Old St. Joseph Historic District
67. Old St. Joseph Public Library Building
68. Old United States Post Office
69. Paine Bank
70. Parc Aux Vaches Informational Designation
71. Pears Mill
72. Pere Marquette Railroad Depot
73. Portage Prairie Evangelical Church
74. Reddick Building
75. Ross-Sanders House
76. Rough House
77. Royal School
78. Sandburg House
79. Second Baptist Church Commemorative Designation
80. Shiloh House
84. Smith House and Drugstore
82. Snow Flake Motel
83. Spring Creek School
84. St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church
85. St. John German Lutheran Evangelical Church
86. St. Joseph Catholic Church
87. St. Joseph Mission & Cemetery
88. St. Mary’s Catholic Church
89. St. Peter’s Evangelical Church
90. Tabor Farm Resort
91. Three Oaks Township Hall
92. Tourist Lodge Informational Designation
93. Trinity Episcopal Church
94. Tyron School
95. Union Church and Cemetery
96. Union Meat Market
97. Warren Featherbone Company Office Building
98. Whitcomb Hotel

Picture 5: Michigan Central Railroad Niles Depot
Picture 6: Old Berrien County Courthouse in Berrien Springs

CHAPTER 4 – TRANSPORTATION
Various passenger transportation services are detailed below and can be seen
on Map 24.
Regional Transportation
Bus Systems
• Benton Harbor Bus Center
The Benton Harbor Bus Center serves as a terminal for Greyhound Bus Lines
& Indian Trails Motor Coach
Address: 2412 M-139
Benton Harbor, MI 49022
Telephone: 269-925-1121
Train – Commuter Service
• Amtrak’s Pere Marquette line provides commuter service, with stops at rail
stations in the cities of St. Joseph, Niles and New Buffalo.
For information on reservations call 800-872-7245.
Station Locations:
New Buffalo Station
Located at the intersection of Whittaker Road and the railroad tracks.
New Buffalo, MI 49117
Niles Station
Located at 598 Dey Road
Niles, MI 49120
St. Joseph Station
Located at 410 _ Vine Street
St. Joseph, MI 49085
Airports – Regional General Aviation
• Southwest Michigan Regional Airport
Address: 1123 Territorial Road
Benton Harbor, MI 49022
Telephone: 269-927-3194

W
Railroad Tracks
Municipal Boundaries
Bus System Service Areas
Other Transportation Features
e
e
e
e
í
Berrien Bus
Buchanan Dial-A-Ride
Niles Dial-A-Ride
TCATA
Southwest MI Regional Airport
Watervliet Airpark
Andrews University Airpark
Jerry Tyler Memorial Airport
St. Joseph River Harbor
Benton Harbor Bus Center
Niles Amtrak Train Station
St. Joseph Amtrak Train Station
New Buffalo Amtrak Train Station
N
S
E
Scale: 1" = 4.5 miles
Source: Berrien County GIS, 2002.
Transportation Systems
í
e
e
e
e
MAP 24

Airports – General Aviation
• Andrews University Airpark
Address: Griggs Road
Berrien Springs, MI 49103
Telephone: 269-471-1455
• Jerry Tyler Memorial Airport
Address: 2018 Lake Street
Niles, MI 49120
Telephone: 269-684-7030
• Watervliet Airpark
Address: Airport Drive
Watervliet, MI 49098
Telephone: 269-463-5113
St. Joseph River Harbor
The St. Joseph/Benton Harbor commercial port accommodates deep draft
freighters, as well as river barge shipping via the Mississippi River. According to
Acting Harbormaster Robert Grimm, commercial docks on the Harbor received
more than one million tons of materials in 2001. This is the highest amount
since the 1960s.
The St. Joseph River Harbor Authority was established for the administration,
development and promotion of commercial and recreational usage of the St.
Joseph River Harbor and environs.
Contact Information:
St. Joseph River Harbor Authority
Berrien County Administration Center
701 Main Street
St. Joseph, MI 49085
Telephone: 269-983-7111 x8617
Web site: www.berriencounty.org
Currently, the commercial status of the port enables the Army Corps of
Engineers to justify dredging the channel every few years.
In 2001, the St. Joseph River Harbor Authority contracted Mariport Group Ltd. to
do a study of the St. Joseph River Harbor. The following were among the studies
findings:
• The port fulfils an essential shipping function within Berrien County and SW
Michigan.

• Over 80% of the cargo received is delivered within a 50-mile radius of the
port.
• If the port ever ceased to be an effective commercial port, it would be difficult
to persuade the Army Corps of Engineers to maintain the channel, with
serious implications to the small boat community.
Picture 7: The Paul H. Townsend at dock
One challenge facing the St. Joseph River Harbor Authority is finding an
acceptable site to hold material dredged from the harbor to keep the shipping
channel open. The Harbor Authority has been using property at the Southwest
Michigan Regional Airport on a year-by-year basis. The opportunity now exists
to use the airport for long-term storage. The airport is currently lengthening their
main runway and extending safety zones. The airport needs fill as part of the
expansion project. The Airport and the Harbor Authority propose excavating a
hole near the west end of the runway to provide fill, leaving the hole as a
potential site for the dredge material. This site could provide enough capacity to
hold more than 30 years of dredge material. This proposal is being examined
currently by the Army Corps of Engineers as well as other regulatory agencies
like the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality.

Public Transportation Systems
Berrien County Public Transportation (Berrien Bus)
Berrien bus is a nonurban system that provides transportation to all areas not
served by dial-a-ride service areas. The service includes both semi-fixed route
service and demand-response service.
Hours of Operation: M-F 5:00 am – 5:00 pm
Contact:
Berrien Bus
PO Box 186
Berrien Springs, MI 49103
Tel: 269-471-1100
E-mail: berr_bus@a1access.net
Buchanan Dial-A-Ride
Picture 8: Berrien Bus
Buchanan D-A-R is a nonurban city system serving the City of Buchanan and
parts of Buchanan Township with service to Niles.
Hours of Operation: M-F 7:00 am – 5:30 pm
Sat 9:0 am – 3:30 pm
Contact: Buchanan Dial-A-Ride
633 North Second Street
Niles, MI 49120
Tel: 269-683-8282
E-mail: nilesta@a1access.net
Niles Dial-A-Ride
Niles D-A-R is a small city urban system serving the City of Niles, and part of
Niles and Bertrand Townships.
Hours of Operation: M-Thurs 6:00 am – 11:00 pm
F 6:00 am – 6:00 pm

Sat 8:00 am – 11:00 pm
Sun 9:30 am – 4:30 pm
Contact: Niles Dial-A-Ride
633 N. Second Street
Niles, MI 49120
Tel: 269-683-8282
E-mail: nilesta@a1access.net
Twin Cities Transportation Authority (TCATA)
TCATA is a small city urban system providing service to the Cities of St. Joseph
and Benton Harbor, and part of Benton Charter and St. Joseph Charter
Townships.
Hours of Operation: M-F 6:00 am – 6:00 pm
Sat 8:00 am – 4:30 pm
Contact: TCATA
275 E. Wall Street
Benton Harbor, MI 49022
Tel: 269-927-2268
E-mail: tcata@a1access.net
Pedestrian/Non-motorized Transportation
Biking or walking can be a healthy, economical, and relaxing form of
transportation. Providing safe, convenient facilities is required to encourage this
sort of transportation. As part of their Southwest Non-Motorized Investment Plan
Study, the Michigan Department of Transportation, Southwest Region, developed
an inventory of existing and proposed non-motorized facilities (Map 25). The
goal of the plan was intended to integrate non-motorized considerations into
Southwest Michigan’s transportation planning and programming activities.
Transportation Planning
Urban Transportation Planning
Federal funding is available for transportation planning in urbanized areas. The
funding is distributed locally using a formula based on population, population
density and other transit criteria, and requires local municipalities to provide
matching funds. Transportation planning assistance is also available from the
Michigan Department of Transportation in the form of staff services including
planning and program management.
Federal Legislation requires a continuing, comprehensive and cooperative (3-C)
process for transportation planning in all urban areas in order to obtain any

federal funding. Each urban area has a transportation planning committee, made
up of interested parties, that are responsible for producing the following

MDOT Non-motorized Routes
W
N
S
Proposed Facilities
Existing Facilities
E
Scale: 1" = 4.5 miles
Municipal Boundaries
Non-Motorized Transportation
Source: Southwest Michigan Non-Motorized Investment Study, MDOT,2001
MAP 25

documents: a work program, which includes the planning work to be
accomplished in that year; a three-year Transportation Improvement Program
(TIP), which lists all transportation improvement projects in the three-year period;
and a transportation plan which covers a twenty-five year period and is revised
every five years.
There are two transportation committees operating inBerrien County. The two
committees are the Twin Cities Area Transportation Study (TwinCATS) and the
Niles-Buchanan-Cass Area Transportation Study (NATS).
Twin Cities Area Transportation Study (TwinCATS)
TwinCATS is responsible for transportation planning in the cities of Benton
Harbor and St. Joseph, the Villages of Shoreham and Stevensville, and the
townships of Benton (Charter), Lincoln (Charter), Royalton, St. Joseph (Charter),
and Sodus.
The current TwinCATS 2000-2025 Long Range Plan was written by the
Southwestern Michigan Commission in 2000.
Contact:
Southwestern Michigan Commission
185 E. Main Street, Suite 701
Benton Harbor, MI 49022
Telephone: 269-925-1137
E-mail: swmicomm@swmicomm.org
The following goals are listed in the Plan:
- Support economic vitality of the metropolitan area
- Enhance efficiency for all transportation system users
- Promote accessibility and multimodal integration of the system
- Efficiently manage and preserve existing system
- Promote livable communities and environmental enhancement
The plan also looks at the area’s developments that are likely to have a major
impact. These developments include the expansion of the Lakeland Medical
Center and associated development in Royalton Township; the continued
construction of the Edgewater project in the cities of Benton Harbor and St.
Joseph; and the completion of U.S. 31 using Napier Avenue as a temporary
connection.

Niles-Buchanan-Cass Transportation Study (NATS)
NATS is responsible for transportation planning in the cities of Niles and
Buchanan, and the townships of Bertrand and Niles in Berrien County, and the
townships of Howard and Milton in Cass County.
The current NATS 2000-2025 Long Range Plan was written by the Southwestern
Michigan Commission in 2000.
The following goals are listed in the Plan:
- To provide access and efficient movement of goods and people
- To make the transportation system as safe as possible
- To preserve the existing transportation system
- Encourage a transportation system that enhances the area’s economic vitality
- To promote land use planning, which supports the transportation system and
natural resources
Rural Transportation Planning
Berrien County Rural Taskforce
The Intermodal Surface Transportation Efficiency Act (ISTEA), was signed into
law December 1991. The intent was to create a sound financial base while
maintaining and expanding the Nation’s transportation system.
In rural counties, this requires a more involved process in order to procure
federal transportation funding. All federally funded transportation decisions must
include transit operators and representatives of cities with populations under
5,000.
This rural task force has the following responsibilities:
- Review projects and priorities selected by individual counties
- Review available funding capabilities
- Ensure opportunities for public comment have been provided, including
concerns of Indian tribal governments where appropriate
- Selects projects and assigns priorities
- Constrain each year’s list of projects to available funding levels.
The Michigan Department of Transportation is responsible for final project
selection for federal funds and administration of the federal-aid transportation
program.

For more information contact:
Michigan Department of Transportation
Bureau of Transportation Planning
Sub-State Planning Section
Telephone: 517-373-1881

CHAPTER 5 – TRENDS, PATTERNS AND PROBLEMS
Future Land Use Projections
Over the past 20 years, the changes in land use have been influenced primarily
by economic development and population changes. To understand and predict
what the future of Berrien County will look like in 2020 is by no means an easy
task. There are several factors to consider. To predict the future land use
patterns and trends, it is necessary to analyze the past and present.
Twenty years ago, the county consisted of residential and commercial uses
complimenting each other in the urban centers. Industrial uses were developed
near and concentrated to the urban centers or just outside the edge of the urban
boundary. As it is now, parks and recreation was scattered throughout the
county, with the natural beauty of Lake Michigan enhancing the quality of life in
the area. Farmland dominated the rural landscape, but the trend of development
encroaching on primer farmland was beginning.
Today, Residential development appears to be moving away from the core urban
centers and extending farther out. This “sprawling” effect is prevalent throughout
the nation and is among many of the hot issues facing community planners,
environmentalist, economists and citizens.
It is evident that population growth in the county is stagnant. Over the last 10
years, the county has grown .7%. As two of the three population projections
indicate, the county will have a slight decrease in population, but the growth and
development rate may continue to increase. The trend of smaller household
sizes, increased new development, and the boom in subdivisions and
condominiums is on the rise. The economy and market will also be a significant
factor in determining the future land uses for 2020.
Preservation is the “buzzword” of the 21 st Century. Farmland, open space, and
historic preservation are all on the rise with legislation providing the tools to
regulate, manage and control growth. That is in effect what a future land use
map is, creating desired goals and strategies based on what the community
values.
Map 26 is a compilation of the future land use identified by local municipalities in
their development plans. The goal of each township, city and village’s future land
use map is to guide growth, based on an inventory of existing land uses, current
development trends, and community input.
Due to the autonomy of local municipalities to create their own development
plans, each uses their own definitions of residential land use which can include a
wide range of densities. In general, residential land use will continue to locate
along major road corridors and in urban centers. One issue to be concerned with

Future Land Use
W
AgriculturalVacant
Commercial
Industrial
Mobile-Home
Public/Semi-Public
Planned Unit Development
Recreational
Residential
Residential, High Density
Residential, Low Density
Residential-Agricultural
Rural Residential
Development Plan Unavailable
Municipal Boundaries
Roads
N
S
US 12
E
Scale: 1" = 4.5 miles
M - 239
Composite Future Land Use Map
RED ARROW HWY
I-94
WARREN WOODS RD
US12 PULASKI HWY
Source: Local Development Plans, various years.
I-94
SHAWNEE RD
LAKESHORE DR
NILES AVE
CLEVELAND AVE
PIPESTONE
M-63
M-139
US 31
SHAWNEE RD
M-63
BR 94
I-94
M-63
PIPESTONE RD
I-96
COLOMA RD
OLD US 31
RED BUD TR
REDBUD TRAIL
RED ARROW HWY
US 31
WALTON RD
I-94
TERRITORIAL RD
US 31
NAPIER AVE
BR 12
M-140
M-140
WATERVLIET RD
US 12
US 33
M-140
PAINTER SCHOOL RD
M-62
M-51
BR 60
BR 12
MAP 26

are areas where industrial uses are adjacent to residential uses, without the use
of transition zones. This can often be seen between municipalities and within a
single municipality. These type of issues are one of many addressed under the
new Township, City and Village planning and zoning laws (PA 263, 264, 265 of
2001), which require that neighboring municipalities review new/updated
development plans to see if there are areas of conflict that should be addressed.
Commercial uses concentrate in major road corridors and within urban
boundaries. In a dynamic environment, a variety of commercial uses will
continue to increase along major roads and compliment the character of the
neighborhoods.
Industrial districts are scattered throughout the county. Municipalities should
require industrial uses to locate on vacant lands already planned for industrial
use, rather than creating new industrial areas. The community benefits when
industrial businesses are required to use already available sites that comply with
the municipality’s adopted plan, which should locate industrial uses where they
have the least impact on neighboring uses.
Open Space and Recreational Uses range from small corner lots, to state parks.
There are several beautiful parks and recreational areas throughout the county.
The Galien River County Park, and several community skateboard parks have
been acquired in response to the needs and requests of the community. Over
the next 20 years, the recreational and open spaces will remain a symbol of
Berrien County.
The future of agricultural land was addressed in Chapter 1. It is an important
resource that helps to make up the character of Berrien County. The pressure to
guide growth, while not negatively impacting farmland, is placed on each
municipality and the County.

CHAPTER 6 – GOALS, POLICIES AND STRATEGIES
Goals and Objectives
The Master Plan establishes planning goals that, if strived for, will help shape
and direct the future of Berrien County.
The goals and objectives offered in this Master Plan are the combined result of
input from citizens and government officials – elected and appointed throughout
Berrien County. The historical information, statistics, and current trends
presented in the Master Plan are the result of observation, research, and
analysis performed by the Berrien County Planning Commission with assistance
of staff. The Berrien County Planning Commission is responsible for overall
compilation and content of the County Master Plan.
The plan will require frequent adjustment in order to steer the county down the
desired path. The Planning Commission is establishing a process and criteria to
periodically review and update the plan based on ever-changing conditions and
trends. As with the development of this plan, the review and revision process will
require public input.
Based on the observation, research, and analysis the principal themes have
evolved into a series of goals that relate four primary issues:
• Land Use and Change Management
• Environment
• Economy
• Transportation
Land Use
In Berrien County, we enjoy a wide-range of land types and uses, from
agricultural to urban development to beautiful coastlines. The resources within
the County offer varied cultural, recreational, and economic opportunities to a
diverse population.
The land use goals desired by the Planning Commission are:
1. Protect farmland
2. Provide a variety of housing types to suit various lifestyles
3. Develop nonresidential land in appropriate locations to serve visitors and
tourists, create jobs and increase economic vitality
4. Manage land development to minimize impact on natural existing drains.
5. Coordinate land use change throughout the county
6. Improve quality of life

Environment
Government officials at the local, county, state and federal levels are responsible
for the environment within their jurisdictional boundaries. They should also be
concerned about the environment within neighboring jurisdictional areas.
The environment goals desired by the Planning Commission are:
1. Sustain the health, diversity, and extent of natural resources
2. Increase environmental awareness and comply with environmental
regulations
3. Protect surface and groundwater from a watershed perspective, rather than
just within jurisdictional boundaries
4. Protect and preserve the environment from a regional perspective, rather than
within jurisdictional boundaries.
5. Provide public services either at the same time as development occurs or in
orderly, phased manner consistent with government plans
6. Protect citizens and resources from hazardous materials
Economy
The factors that affect our economy go far beyond dollars spent or saved. These
factors include:
• Personal income and the number of people living in poverty, both of
which are also on the rise in the County
• Education
• Labor force and labor force mobility
• Employers and industry
• Employment, unemployment and land needed for employment
Trends and projections indicate there is a need within Berrien County to manage
these factors in order to strengthen our economy, protect our land resources, and
improve our quality of life.
The economic goals desired by the Planning Commission are:
1. Provide leadership to develop countywide economic goals and, thus, provide
sustained and stable economic growth
2. Use existing and emerging technologies to develop a sustainable diversified
economy countywide
3. Assist schools, businesses, and state agencies to provide education, training,
and diverse technical and skilled jobs
4. Encourage educators and employer to cooperate for long-term labor force
stability in future. (Career Preparation System)
5. Preserve agriculture as an economic component
6. Preserve historical and cultural centers as economic components
7. Encourage and assist people and agencies to provide housing opportunities
for all income groups.

Transportation
Transportation planning requires a comprehensive study of existing and
anticipated traffic volumes, safety, roadway improvements, and non-motorized
means of transportation. Transportation planning must also consider how, when
and where people travel and potential impacts on community character, the
environment, air quality, noise pollution, taxation and fiscal expenditures.
Responsibility for legislating and implementing goals and strategies lies primarily
with government officials within the county, cities, and villages. However,
township officials and citizens also have a significant impact on road
development and placement.
The transportation goals desired by Berrien County residents are:
1. Continually evaluate and adjust road standards
2. Revise thoroughfare plans to coincide with anticipated growth
3. Develop and implement access management standards
4. Develop detailed small area plans for key roadways and growth corridors
5. Reserve sufficient right-of-way for future roads and related improvements
6. Limit private roads
7. Expand existing public transportation systems to link residential areas with
employment centers and services
8. Coordinate with all transportation systems to create a reliable transportation
system
9. Coordinate development and highway improvements to minimize traffic
congestion hazards
Strategies for Smart Growth
Smart growth means development patterns that promote healthy communities,
make efficient use of land, and accommodate and effectively serve future
population growth through all of the following strategies:
(a) Promoting mixed land uses
(b) Utilizing compact building designs.
(c) Creating a range of housing opportunities and choices
(d) Creating pedestrian-friendly neighborhoods
(e) Fostering distinctive, attractive communities with a strong sense of place
(f) Preserving open space, farmland, natural beauty, and critical environmental
areas
(g) Directing development towards and strengthening existing communities
(h) Providing a variety of transportation choices
(i) Making development decisions predictable, fair, and cost-effective
(j) Encouraging communities and interested parties to cooperate in determining
development designs

In the Michigan House Committee on Land Use and Environment, a proposed
resolution (HB 6135) would create an office of smart growth. The office of Smart
Growth would be established in the office of Consumer and Industry services.
The responsibilities of this office would include:
(a) Act as a clearinghouse for model zoning ordinances and other zoning policy
initiatives that promote smart growth.
(b) Offer technical assistance about smart growth to local officials and bodies,
planners, and other interested persons.
Assist state departments or agencies to coordinate state programs that affect
land use and to administer such programs in a manner that promotes smart
growth.
APPENDIX A - BIBLIOGRAPHY
Atlas of Critical Dune Areas, Michigan Department of Environmental Quality,
1989. 1989)

Bainbridge Township General Development Plan, Bainbridge Township Planning
Commission, 1995.
Baroda Township General Development Plan, Steiding & Associates, 1993.
Benton Charter Township Ten Year Comprehensive Land Use Plan, Steiding &
Associates, 2001.
Berrien County Groundwater Mapping Notebook, Southwestern Michigan
Commission, 1981.
Berrien County Land Use/Cover Study, Southwestern Michigan Commission,
1982.
Berrien County, Michigan, Natural Features Study, Driker Associates Inc., 1968.
Berrien County, Michigan, Development Plan, Berrien County Planning
Commission,
October, 1974.
Berrien County Parks and Recreation Master Plan, Berrien County Parks and
Recreation Commission, 1996.
Berrien County Solid Waste Management Plan, 2nd Update, Berrien County
Department of Planning and Public Works, 2001.
Berrien Township Sketch Development Plan, Berrien Township Planning
Commission, 1992.
Bertrand Township General Development Plan, Public Consulting Team, 1994.
Buchanan Township Sketch Development Plan, Buchanan Township Planning
Commission, 1976.
Census of Population and Housing 1990, Summary Tape File 1, U.S. Census
Bureau, 1990.
Census of Population and Housing 1990, Summary Tape File 3, U.S. Census
Bureau, 1990.
Census of Population and Housing 2000, Summary File 1, U.S. Census Bureau,
2000.
Census of Population and Housing 2000, Summary File 3, U.S. Census Bureau,
2000.

Chikaming Township Master Land Use Plan, 1992-2012, Chikaming Township
Planning Commission, 1992.
Coloma Charter Township Sketch Development Plan, Coloma Charter Township
Planning Commission, 1975.
Hagar Township Sketch Development Plan, Hagar Township Planning
Commission, 1976.\
Historical Sketches of Berrien County, Vol. 1, Robert C. Myers, 1839 Courthouse
Museum,
1994.
Historical Sketches of Berrien County, Vol. 3, Robert C. Myers, 1839 Courthouse
Museum,
1994.
Important Farmlands, Berrien County, Michigan, Soil Conservation Service,
United States Department of Agriculture, of Berrien County , Michigan, 1983.
Lake Charter Township Master Plan, Lake Charter Township Planning
Commission, 2001.
Lincoln Charter Township Revised Development Plan, Thomas Sinn &
Associates, 1991.
National Wetland Inventory Map, U.S. Department of Fish and Wildlife, 1994.
New Buffalo Township Master Plan, Langworthy LeBlanc, Inc., 1998.
Niles-Buchanan Area Plan Study, Southwestern Michigan Commission, 1997.
Oronoko Charter Township Comprehensive Plan Update, Steiding & Associates,
1999.
Pipestone Township General Development Plan, Pipestone Township Planning
Commission, 1986.
Q3 Flood Insurance Rate Maps, Federal Emergency Management Agency, 1996.
Quaternary Geology Features Map, Michigan Department of Natural Resources,
1982.
Royalton Township Revised Land Use Plan, Royalton Township Planning
Commission, 1997.

St. Joseph Charter Township Revised Comprehensive Plan, Thomas Sinn &
Associates, 1993.
Soil Survey of Berrien County, Michigan, United States Department of
Agriculture, Soil Conservation Service, 1979.
Source: Southwest Michigan Non-Motorized Investment Study, Michigan
Department of Transportation,2001.
St. Joseph River Harbor Study, Mariport Group Ltd., 2000.
Village of Three Oaks Master Plan, Three Oaks Village Council / Wightman &
Associates, 2002.
Water Quality and Pollution Control in Michigan 1998 305(b) Report, MDEQ
Surface Water Quality Division, Great Lakes and Environmental Assessment
Section, John Wuycheck, 1998.
Watervliet Township Sketch Development Plan, Langworthy LeBlanc, Inc., 1999.
Weesaw Township Future Land Use Plan, Langworthy LeBlanc, Inc., 1999.