Petoskey Adds Trailside Art

bench scupture in Bayfront Park (photo from Top of Michigan Trails Council)

fromTop of Michigan Trails Council

Public art installations bring shared experiences, an enhanced sense of place, and community pride to an area. They can even increase tourism. Trail-side art brings enjoyment to trail users.

Bayfront Park in Petoskey has a growing array of public art. A large bronze sculpture (by Gillie and Marc) depicting a rabbit and a deer sitting on a park bench is located across from the waterfall on the lake side of East Bayfront Drive.

Another work is a commissioned mural of native fish species in a pedestrian underpass that also houses a public piano. Trail users walk beside a painting of a large swimming sturgeon in one locale. Feedback from visitors has been immensely positive.

See Bayfront Park


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Fate of Dams to Be Determined within 30 Days

Croton Dam on the Muskegon River (photo from Newaygo County)

compiled from several sources

Within the next 30 days, the Michigan Public Service Commission is expected to decide whether to allow Consumers Energy to sell the 13 hydro dams to Confluence Energy, This would keep the dams operational.

Consumers has determined that the best two options for these facilities are to either sell to an independent operator or remove the hydros and their dam structures from the rivers, which removes the impoundments and backwaters used extensively for recreation.

The decision had been postponed after the signifcant flooding that occurred across Michigan this summer. Consumers has given thoughtful consideration to how these integral community assets can continue safely while choosing the best option for its nearly 2 million electric customers. The sale accomplishes this. All Consumers Hydro personnel accompany the sale, and FERC will still oversee safety aspects. A $270 million future safety fund will also be created.

However, a number of groups are strongly opposing this sale and are pushing for the dams' removal. Michigan’s hunting and fishing regulators have voted unanimously to pass a resolution opposing Consumers Energy’s planned sale of 13 hydropower dams. The Natural Resources Commission has no vote in the outcome, but they stated, "we do have a voice."

Governor Gretchen Whitmer is urging even stronger language to safeguard safety and financial health.

If the sale does not go through, the dams will be remomved, the dam ponds will disappear and the rivers will return to their natural flow. Recreation would shift from boating and similar activities on the ponds, and would become re-focused on moving water activities such as fishing.



Voice your opinion by searching for U-21985 at this link.
See a list of the dams at Dam Removal Debate Continues


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Man Bikes Around Lake Michigan for Charity

Ken Webster (photo from his blog)

compiled from several sources

A 68-year-old man named Ken Webster completed a bicyle tour of over 600 miles this week around Lake Michigan to raise money for Operation Christmas Child. He has raised about $6500 to cover shipping costs for the shoebox gifts that are sent to children around the world. This will pay for the shipping of about 650 boxes.

He started on August 6, 2026 and completed the circuit in ten days. His loop began in Ludington, Michigan, and he was supported by a grandson. His hometown is Hartford, Wisconsin.

He did this same ride 20 years ago, but did that trip with his brother Don who has since passed away. This trip was made in his brother's memory in addition to the fundraising.

See Richard Webster's Blog


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Traverse City "The Ridge" Protected

view from The Ridge (photo from Grand Traverse Land Conservancy)

compiled from several sources

The Grand Traverse Regional Land Conservancy has successfully raised over $11 million to permanently protect "The Ridge," The Ridge Nature Preserve near Traverse City, Michigan. From the property there are breathtaking views of Grand Traverse Bay and the surrounding area. On a clear day, from the high point, one can see as far as Charlevoix and Sugarloaf Mountain in Leelanau County.

This purchase will prevent a 1,100-unit housing development. Some housing will be allowed in restricted locations of previously disturbed areas of about six total acres.

The Ridge encompasses 306 acres that include 7,100 feet of stream frontage, 64 acres of wetlands, and mature forest that protect the Mitchell Creek and East Bay Shoreline watersheds.

Future plans include protecting wildlife corridors and possibly creating trail connections with the TART Trail.

See The Ridge Nature Preserve
See The Ridge- Closer to Goal


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Pippi's Pass Connects Offield to NCT

Peter Curran and granddaugher Pippi (photo from Little Traverse Conservancy)

compiled from several sources

Near Harbor Springs, Michigan, the North Country Trail is now connected to the mountain bike trails at Offield Family Viewlands Working Forest Reserve. The connector is under a mile in length, but this connecting trail will increase the options for hiking and cycling in the local area.

Although the NCT is primarily a hiking trail, it is open to bicycles in some land management areas.

The new connector is called Pippi's Pass. The trail was made possible by Peter Curran, and Pippi is his granddaughter.

The Offield Family Viewlands was formerly the Little Traverse Bay Golf Club. The land is now host to approximately 10 miles of mountain bike and hiking trails.

See Offield Family Viewlands


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Invitation to Trail Planning Partnership

multi-use trail (photo from Michigan DNR)

a news release of Michigan.gov

If your community could benefit from improved access to and maintenance of local trails or waterways, the Michigan Department of Natural Resources and Michigan State University want to hear from you.

Now in its fifth year, this DNR-MSU partnership allows students from the MSU Department of Community Sustainability’s Trail Building, Law and Policy course to help five Michigan communities with their trail-planning efforts.

As part of the class, the students work with community leaders to identify their trail needs and priorities. The resulting student-crafted plans identify potential improvements and provide a framework for future development of a community’s local trails or waterways. Previous cohorts of the class have planned trail systems for communities that include:
• The city of Sault Ste. Marie (Chippewa County)
• The village of Cassopolis (Cass County)
• Calhoun County
• Clearwater Township (Kalkaska County)
• The city and township of Charlevoix (Charlevoix County)

“This course has been a revelation and inspiration for many of my students in helping to understand the details of the trail-planning process, and how their efforts can contribute to a more vibrant trail system in a community,” said Bob Wilson, the course’s instructor. “Students get real-world experience out of the classroom and often open career opportunities for themselves.”

Interested municipality leaders who would like to be considered for involvement in the spring 2027 project should contact the DNR’s statewide trails coordinator, Tim Novak, at NovakT8@michigan.gov. Space in the program fills quickly, and the DNR and MSU will work with interested communities to determine whether a project is a good fit for the upcoming course.

See Michgan DNR


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Natural Resources Trust Fund is 50 Years Old

a news release of Michigan.gov

These are numbers worth celebrating! For 50 years, the Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund has granted nearly $1.4 billion to state and local units of government, across 3,000-plus allocations, to expand recreation opportunities for Michigan residents and visitors.

Established in 1976, the Trust Fund – long described as one of those great ideas that comes about every generation or two – is funded through interest and earnings on funds derived from the revenues of state-owned oil, gas and minerals. Those dollars help purchase public lands for natural resources conservation and outdoor recreation, as well as provide funding for public outdoor recreation development projects.


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Hess Preserve Expands

Hess Nature Preserve (photo from Headwaters Conservancy)

from M-Live

Hess Nature Preserve on Lake Huron in Presque Isle County, Michigan, has expanded from 12 acres to 213 acres! This growth protects a Michigan imperiled coastal fen, wooded dune-and-swale habitat and an additional 450 feet of shoreline from future development.

Headwaters Land Conservancy has been working toward this for five years. The acquisition came in the form of three separate purchases which are all connected. The total cost has not been disclosed.

The preserve is home to state threatened Houghton's goldenrod.

Boundary signs will be installed, and hiking trails are planned.

See Headwaters Conservancy


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Boardwalk on Little Traverse Wheelway to Reopen

closed boardwalk (photo Charlevoix County)

from M-Live

In November of 2025, a scenic boardwalk section of the Little Traverse Wheelway was closed due to structural concerns with the foundation. The boardwalk was 30 years old.

The Charlevoix County, Michigan, section is 0.6 mile long, and repairs are due to be completed by November of 2026.

The county is picking up the $700,000 cost, and the new structure is projected to last 50 years. The construction bid was approved this week.

See Little Traverse Wheelway


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Area Near Pere Marquette River Opened to Public

Pere Marquette River flats (photo by jhy)

from Mason County Press

The area on the north side of the Pere Marquette River, south of Ludington, Michigan, where Conrad road meets Pere Marquette Highway (old US 31) has for many years been the location of a waterfowl viewing platform.

That platform will remain in place and an additional 51 acres of land (mostly cattail marsh) will now be open to the public.

The Michigan DNR has amended the land use which had restricted people from entering. The land was donated to the state by Ducks Unlimited in 1987. No restrictions were placed on the deed. No one seems to have a clear answer as to why it was closed to the public. The best surmise is that a discharge point from the Ludington sewage treatment plant presented a health hazard. However, that discharge point was decomissioned almost 10 years ago.

When a check of the deed showed no restrictions, the DNR rescinded the closure. Technically, the parking area and viewing platform have been in the restricted zone for decades. If the restrictions had been found to be valid, these amenities would need to be removed.

The area, including the north channel of the Pere Marquette River, are now legally open for public use.

See Pere Marquette River Flats


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Northland Drive Tunnel Under Construction

Northland Drive tunnel installation (photo from Plainfield Charter Township)

a news release of Plainfield Charter Township

Construction/installation of a pedestrian tunnel under Northland Drive in Plainfield Township, Kent County, Michigan is underway.

The Kent County project will eventually lead to a six-day closure of Northland Drive near Rogue River Road/7 Mile Road. However, traffic flows will remain as they are for the next few weeks. A firm date for that closure is not yet set.

When the full closure happens, project managers for the county say crews will work around the clock to make the traffic disruption as short as possible. The posted detour route will be Cannonsburg Road to Myers Lake Avenue to Belding Road. A temporary traffic signal will be in place at the Cannonsburg Road and Myers Lake Avenue intersection.

Once complete, the Northland Drive pedestrian tunnel will connect the South Rogue River Trail to a section of the Grand River Greenway along Cannonsburg Road, which will be completed next spring. This connection will bridge a 23-mile stretch between Millennium Park and Lowell and bring West Michigan communities even closer to the Grand River through a unified system of parks and trails

See Plainfield Township info


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Dragon Trail Installs Rescue Boxes

rescue stations at the Dragon (photo from West Michigan Mountain Bikers)

a news release of West Michigan Mountain Bikers

On August 18, “Rescue Boxes” were installed on all the kiosks around the Dragon Trail in Newaygo and Mecosta Counties, Michigan. Tools, tire levers, an air pump and of course a First Aid Kit. Hope you never need it!

West Michigan Mountain bikers are trying all the time to improve your experiences at the Dragon! They've recently mowed areas, cut back briars and cleared big sand pits that developed in the drains.

All segments of the Dragon Trail are open, a loop that is about 45 miles long.

See The Dragon Trail


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