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Michigan DNR awards nearly $250k for projects along the Iron Belle Trail

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources has awarded 16 grantees in 15 counties a total of $249,190 to develop Michigan’s newest (and longest) trail, the Iron Belle, portions of which are also the North Country National Scenic Trail. Wondering what the Iron Belle Trail is and how it relates to the North Country Trail? Visit this post for more info.

Each grant recipient was awarded up to $25,000 for planning, engineering and design projects along either the hiking route or the bicycle route of Michigan’s Iron Belle Trail. The funds were part of the 2015 budget for the nonmotorized trail program.

The DNR has selected projects throughout the state that will develop the trail network and further Michigan’s reputation as the Trails State. The following are projects along the North Country Trail that were awarded money from the Michigan DNR:

– Tahquamenon Falls State Park (Chippewa County) – $3,300 to build a 250-foot, raised walkway on North Country National Scenic Trail.

– City of Petoskey (Emmet County) – $10,000 to build a pedestrian bridge over Bear River on North Country National Scenic Trail, connecting the Petoskey River Road Sports Complex trail system to the North Central Michigan College Natural Area trail system.

– North Country Trail Association (Kalamazoo County) – $3,200 to build a 30-foot bridge in Fort Custer Recreation Area, beginning fall 2015.

– North Country Trail Association (Kalamazoo County) – $5,890 to replace 350 feet of existing type 1 puncheon materials in Fort Custer National Cemetery, improving safety and accessibility.

– North Country Trail Association (Calhoun County) – $9,000 to secure private property easements along the hiking route of the Iron Belle.