Mason County Campground Trail Section Construction Begins

approximate route of the trail (from Google imagery with overlay)

from Mason County Press

Construction will begin this week on 1.1 miles of paved, non-motorized trail between Mason County Campground, through the Mason County Picnic area, to the Lake Michigan Overlook at the Consumers Energy Pumped Storage Project. The water body in the image above is the Consumers Energy pumped storage Lagoon bounded by Chauvez Road and Lakeshore Drive, south of Ludington, Michigan.

This is one link toward the long-term goal of connecting Ludington State Park to Pentwater on the Mason County Multi-Use Trail. $400,000 of the $1.1 million project is coming from the Michigan Natural Resouces Trust Fund.

During construction, the existing natural surface path will be closed. The portion north of Chauvez Road will be completed first, but the hope is to have the trail open before winter.

Mason County Campsite offers 56 sites. The radio-controlled airplane club operates Hull Field along the route. The picnic grounds and playground are adjacent to an excellent disc golf course.

See Mason County


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Mason County Multi-Use Trail Seeking Input

map of the proposed route (from MCMUT)

from Ludington Economic Development

Mason County, Michigan, has recently revived their county-wide trail plan. Priorities would be to connect Ludington State Park with downtown, downtown to Consumers Pumped Storage property, then on to Pentwater, and finally from Ludington to Scottville. This concept has been broken into these four segments.

The first section likely to be completed combines part of “Segment 1” (Ludington State Park to Downtown Ludington) with a section of “Segment 2” (Downtown Ludington to Mason County Campground), making a fundable section that connects two recreation assets (parks) and largely follows existing US Bike Routes. There are features to this segment that could be attractive to granting agencies.

Norm Cox of Greenway Collaborative has created a survey to solicit the community’s input on this first trail section. Feedback from this survey can help with grant writing in the fall to support funding of this initial section.

This all-ages-and-abilities route will enhance US Bicycle Routes 35 and 20. Please take a look at the Draft Plan for more details and then complete a brief Survey to share your thoughts and help shape the final plan.

Read the Draft Plan

Take the Survey


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Students Restoring Scottville Nature Center

pond at Ed Malkowski Nature Center (photo by jhy)

from an article in the Ludington Daily News

The Ed Malkowski Nature Center in Scottville, Michigan, is a very small area with a pond and short path that was created a number of years ago by students from the Mason County Central Schools. Malkowski is a former principal.

Teacher Jacob Boone has been taking 8th-graders to the area to clean up the trails and begin to remove some of the invasive species. Some native plantings are being added.

A mini grant from the Mason County Youth Advisory Council has made the project possible. The trail is currently cleared. Some additional repairs will be done to the bridge over the small creek.

Boone says, "I'm trying to teach kids to respect the gift of nature... Helping to improve it is a great way to do that." The teacher stated that they even found trash cans thrown in the pond when they began work.

There is not a set end goal. Boone would like to keep improving the area by using it as an outdoor classroom and teaching resource. The trail is open to the public and the access is just south of the Johnson Road entrance to the school complex.

See Ed Malkowski Nature Path


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Mason County PM Township Revives Sidewalk Plan

Events Calendar

east Ludington Avenue with no sidewalks (photo by jhy)

from an article in the Ludington Daily News and personal knowledge

Several years ago, Pere Marquette Charter Township of Mason County, Michigan, pledged to improve the walkability of the area east of the Ludington city limits. PM Township is the most urban township in Mason County, yet many streets with businesses remain completely pedestrian unfriendly. The majority of proposed stretches where sidewalks would be added have dense business presence, and safe walking options would be a huge improvement.

About five years ago, the township initiated a sidewalk improvement plan to create a special assessment district for sidewalks. But nothing has really happened. Supervisor Kelly Smith says, "We are hoping we can get that back in front of us and build some traction."

Revival of the plan proposes building 3.2 miles of sidewalk on both sides of three critical roads:
• One-and-a-half miles from Jackson St. to Meyers Rd. (Walmart. This is the section pictured above.
• Pere Marquette Highway south to the railroad- about one mile
• Jebavy Drive from US 10 to Johnson Road.

Some engineering problems remain to be worked out. In some areas there is not room for a 5-foot sidewalk outside the MDOT right-of-way. Also, ideally, the sidewalk south would extend to the Conservation Park, but at this time, the plan ends with just under a half-mile gap remaining.

The project is estimated at $2.16 million. This might be funded through a special assessment of property owners, or by a bond.

See more at PM Revisits Discussion on Sidewalk Improvement Plan

See 5-County Multi-Use Trail Plan


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Ludington State Park Skyline Trail to be Rebuilt

Events Calendar

LSP Skyline Trail from below (photo by jhy)

from the Ludington State Park Facebook page

Winding a half-mile through the treetops at the top of a 100-plus-stair climb, the Skyline Trail at Ludington State Park (Mason County, Michigan) will receive a major upgrade in 2026 thanks to a collaboration between the Michigan Department of Natural Resources and Friends of Ludington State Park. This trail is south of the Big Sable River and provides views of the dunes at the south end of the park.

The $3.5 million reconstruction project will ensure the Skyline Trail meets modern safety and construction standards. The Friends are raising 10 percent of the cost, up to a maximum of $350,000, with the DNR using dedicated capital outlay funds to cover the remaining amount.

Additionally, the Friends of Ludington State Park approved an almost $100,000 improvement project to replace the existing concrete stage, add a protective canopy, refresh the seating, and explore tiering the grassy area to create additional seating for this amphitheater built in 1998. This project will occur in the same timeframe as the Skyline Trail replacement to minimize disruption on the south side of the river. Funding includes a $50,000 donation from Pennies from Heaven Foundation, continued support for the summer concert series from Safe Harbor Credit Union, and proceeds from Pure Ludington BRRRewfest 2026, which will directly support the amphitheater improvements.

See Ludington State Park


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5-County Multi-use Trail Connection Effort Revitalized

bicycle riders on the Hart-Montague Rail Trail (photo by Josh Schuyler)

from an article in the Ludington Daily News and personal recollection, by jhy

Before Covid, various committees were organized in Mason, Lake, Oceana, Newaygo, and Manistee Counties (Michigan) to formulate a regional plan for connecting multi-use trails in the five counties. I was a part of one of those committees.

Most of the early discussion centered on the fact that connecting Ludington with the Hart-Montague Rail Trail is no easy task because there is no longer a railroad right-of way. Since that time, a group Friends of the Pentwater-Hart Trail has formed and is making progress toward connecting Pentwater to the north end of that trail at Hart.

Connections east from Ludington are problematic, as the railroad is still live track from Baldwin to Ludington, so use of an abandoned railway is not an option. The Pere Marquette Rail Trail currently begins in Baldwin and runs all the way to Midland. The US 10 corridor is extremely busy and a dangerous bicycle ride. When US 10 was widened in 1990, wide, curbed, paved shoulders were added. Everyone wondered why bicycles did not immediately rejoice at this. The simplest reason is that curbs were added at every driveway so it is just a continual series of bad bumps, and it is usually littered with broken glass and random junk. The five lanes of traffic and heavy commercial development make it an unappealing corridor for a bicycle trail.

Just prior to Covid, the committees were presented with a marketing strategy for any eventual plan. However, the proposal was not well received, and then Covid hit. Everything stalled.

Now the Building, Planning, Drains & Airport Committees of Mason County have been presented with a new effort, spearheaded by Dave and Kathy Maclean (former owner of Spindrift bicycle shop). A number of agencies are interested in starting the process again to try to connect with regional trails.

Priorities would be to connect Ludington State Park with downtown, downtown to Consumers Pumped Storage property, then on to Pentwater, and finally from Ludington to Scottville. This concept has been broken into these four segments, each plan under the leadership of a different person. Portions of these routes are part of the US Bicycle Route system, although that primarily uses roads.



See Ludington Economic Development


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Pere Marquette Conservation Park Grants Approved

Entrance sign at Pere Marquette Conservation Park (photo by jhy)

by Joan H. Young

In 2021, Pere Marquette Township (Mason County, MI) unveiled plans to develop 300 acres of property purchased from the former Dow Chemical site, on both sides of the Pere Marquette River.

The ambitious project includes trails, boat launches, picnic and restroom facilities. Interpretation, sports complexes and more are planned. A new boat launch opened in 2024 on the north side of the Pere Marquette River, just west of Oceana Drive (Old 31).

This round of funding will improve a park entry on Lakeshore Drive across from White Pine Village. There will be a new driveway with safer sight lines for exit. A 3/4-mile paved trail will extend from there to the Buttersville Campground. Better parking will be installed, and signs, lighting, etc.

These projects are proposed to be completed in 2026. The township board has recently approved to enter into a grant agreement with the Michigan DNR. The DNR will provide 48% of the funding: $400,000. This will be matched locally by $435,000 or 52%. This is the final step in accepting this grant money. Requests for proposals can now be made on the next phase of construction.

The master plan for the acreage is more on the scale of something a state might undertake rather than a township. In response to this comment, Supervisor Kelly Smith said, "Over time I think a lot of it will happen. We are working on grants-matching programs. I'm still exited about the expansion of the park as a whole. We are making headway on the things that were identified in the plan. We are also chipping away at projects with environmental restoration to native plants."

accessible walkway at Pere Marquette Conservation Park Community Access (photo by jhy)

The Community Access site on the north side of the river opened in 2024. It received heavy usage this year, and is an outstanding example of the quality of the plan and its execution that the township is following.

Call PM township 231-845-1277

See the PM Township Park Master Plan

See the Mason County Press article Pere Marquette Conservation Park holds grand opening

See a news article in the Ludington Daily News

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Michigan State Championship Disc Golf

disc golf (photo by Garret Ellison)

based on a news article in the Ludington Daily News

Since 1996, the State Championship Disc Golf Tournament has been held in the Mason County area, on Labor Day weekend, largely because there are enough courses in the area to handle the volume. Even more courses have been added since the beginning year.

Jeff Schwass, the tournament director, confirmed that 340 players were pre-registered, and even more signed up on the weekend of the event. This meant that they were required to qualify on Friday to compete in the actual tournament.

Courses used for the tournament include Beauty, Beast and Goliath at the Mason County Campground, Leviathan Pro, Mids and Amateur, at the Ludington School Forest, and Flip City in Shelby. Added to that is a new course called The Edge at Scottville Riverside Park.

The Scottville course is not yet permanent, but is getting rave reviews for a short course. It consists of 20 holes over 4851 feet. Thirteen holes are in the woods, and seven in the open fields.

Not used for the tournament is another course, installed last year, at Udell Rollways off M-55 east of Manistee.



See 2011 Michigan Disc Golf Championships
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Interesting Birds in Mason County

snow bunting (photo by Dave Dister)

from Dave Dister

Today at Ludington Harbor I found two very late Snow Buntings (north pier) and one Willet (south pier). I also saw two Piping Plovers on the beach south of Ludington Harbor, heard a Sora in the Pere Marquette Marsh, and heard a Red-headed Woodpecker at Buttersville Park. Birds are definitely moving north again.

Dave

willet (photo by Dave Dister)

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Rough Legged Hawk in Mason County

caption (photo by Dave Dister)

received from Dave Dister

Dave Dister is working on becoming the man who "wrote the book" on birding in Mason County, Michigan. This was received from him yesterday:

Today while driving south on north Angling Road in Victory Township, I drove by a rough-legged hawk on a spruce tree near the road. I quickly turned around, drove back and got a few photos before it took off. I was only 35 feet or so away from the bird- how cool ! Also, note that as a rule RLHAs [rough-legged hawks] perch on the tips of trees vs. the similar sized RTHAs [red-tailed hawks] which perch on major branches. This is even noticeable from a great distance.

If you want to be on Dave's birder e-list and receive updates directly, contact him at Dave Dister
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Wilson Hill Park Added to GOTC

Wilson Hill Park (photo by jhy)

by JHY

I've been working on the Get Off the Couch web site this week, trying to get several pages up to date. One of my accomplishments was to add Wilson Hill Park, in Hamlin Township, to the site.

Wilson Hill Park is located about nine miles north of Ludington, Michigan on the south shore of the north arm of Hamlin Lake. Hamlin is a popular lake for boating and fishing.

Wilson Hill seems to have no hill, but it features a boat dock and launch ramp, picnic gazebo, and a ball field. Although small, it could be a nice place for a summer family outing. Facilities include a latrine and water from a pump. There are picnic tables and a grill.

For complete information, visit Wilson Hill Park
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PM Township Could Buld Multi-Use Path on Ludington Ave

Ludington Avenue east- no place to walk (photo by jhy)

based on a news item in the Ludington Daily News, Feb 17, 2011

Trying to walk from downtown Ludington to the stores and services along the mall-like strip on east Ludington Avenue is a dangerous and uncomfortable project. Finally, there is a serious proposal to extend a walkway beyond Memorial Medical Center at the City boundary, into Pere Marquette Township.

Currently, in the winter, one can walk in the 5-lane road or wade through deep snow. In other months there is an intermittent muddy path, no fun to walk, and nearly impossible to navigate with a baby stroller or shopping cart.

Tanya Avery and Joe Maloney would like to see that change. Avery is the building/zoning/assessing assistant for Pere Marquette Township, and Maloney is a concerned citizen, retired from the Ludington Planning Commission. The proposed walkway would be entirely within Pere Marquette Township.

The first step, Avery said, is to get approval from the Michigan Department of Transportation. Then property owners will need to agree to the pathway, funding raised, and maintenance responsibilities assigned.

Ludington mayor, John Henderson, supports the idea. He sees it as a way to encourage wellness, and allow connections for everyone to the east side of town.

Many people do walk from town, at least as far as the Fairgrounds, on a regular basis. It seems like an easy assumption that if the experience were pleasant, many people would use the options of walking or biking to reach these destinations.

Contact Joe Maloney
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Ludington Lincoln Hills to Create X-C Ski Loop for Jan 2

skiers (photo by JHY)

by JHY

Ludington's Lincoln Hills Golf Course will welcome cross-country skiers on Sunday, January 2, 2011 as part of the Light Up the Lake New Year's Celebration. The course will be open from 9 am till noon, assuming sufficient snow.

Manager Don McCann states that a single loop will be groomed on the "front nine." This will give skiers better access to the Clubhouse, and also offer some protection from lake winds, which can be blustery on the "back nine."

There is no charge to ski, but participants will need to bring their own equipment. There are two places in downtown Ludington to rent skis, for those who do not have their own. Coffee, hot chocolate, and soda will be available for purchase at the Clubhouse.

The Ludington Area Visitors and Convention Bureau web site indicates that snowshoers are welcome as well. Since the ski trail will be groomed, it is assumed that shoers will be asked to walk beside the trail.

Lincoln Hills is located on rolling hills, surrounded by woods. McCann stated that the ski trail will be in the open, not through trees. They are in the stages of planning the course, but it is expected to be at the novice to intermediate level. The address of the course is 1527 N Lakeshore Dr, Ludington, Michigan.

McCann added, "We hope everyone will take this opportunity to tour the course and enjoy the community during 'Light Up the Lake.'"

The overall festival includes events such as the New Year's Eve ball drop on the beach, a 5K run, snowman decorating, and a try for the Guinness Book of Records win at concurrent snow angel making.

See Lincoln Hills
See Light Up the Lake
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Grass Fire at Nordhouse Dunes

Nordhouse Lake (photo by JHY)

based on a news article in the Ludington Daily News

A small grass fire was contained at the Nordhouse Dunes Wilderness in Mason County last week. A hiker discovered that an abandoned campfire on the northwest shore of Nordhouse Lake had spread, and began to knock the fire down even while summoning the U.S. Forest Service.

Carol Nilsson, USFS Fire Information Officer, reported that the fire was pretty much under control when crews arrived. The area burned was small, about 0.2 acres. Nordhouse Dunes is a popular federal Wilderness. If a fire would have gotten a hold the area could have been devastated.

Nilsson added that they are seeing fires burn quite deep this fall. The area is rich in peat, and fires tend to burn underground. This allows them to spring up, on the surface, at a distance away from the point of origin. Always douse fires to prevent this from happening, rather than simply breaking them up.

See Nordhouse Dunes
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Meade Township (Mason County) Funded for New Park

Meade Township Hall (photo by JHY)

if you like this article, click the Blip chiclet!
a news release of based on a news article in the Ludington Daily News

Meade Township Hall was moved in 2006 to a location about 5 miles east of Freesoil, on Freesoil road. Township Supervisor, Lois Krepps, says that the hall is used much more often than it used to be at the old location. Yet, people really would like a few more amenities. Now they will get them, perhaps even this summer.

The Michigan Recreation Trust Fund has awarded $34,000 to the township, and $11,300 local dollars will be added to that. As a result, look for the addition of a picnic shelter large enough for 4 tables, a drinking fountain, and a unisex, accessible rest room on the property.

Krepps said that this is the first phase of a five-year plan. Next on the agenda is the building of a mile-long nature trail.

More recreation options in Mason County are always welcome.

See Michigan's Recreation Treasure Chest
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West Michigan Birding Festival

loon (photo from Sable Dunes Audubon)

if you like this article, click the Blip chiclet!
from information at Sable Dunes Audubon

Come for an unforgettable weekend or only a day to the charming town of Ludington, on the white, sandy, shores of Lake Michigan. A special opportunity for beginning and advanced birders to get an up close look at migrating birds, such as the endangered piping plover. Interactive programs and field trips guided by expert naturalists and biologists.

The second annual West Michigan Birding Festival will be held May 14-16, 2010. A full schedule of birdwatching trips, seminars, water trips and activities for kids. Activities will be staged at the Ludington Center for the Arts.

Registration covers all activities, and is extremely reasonable at $20 per adult, $5 for teens, and $1 for children 12 and under. Participants are responsible for their own food, lodging and transportation.

See Sable Dunes Audubon for more information
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Snowshoe Outings at Ludington State Park

(photo by JHY)

if you like this article, click the Blip chiclet!
a news release of Ludington State Park

Ludington State Park is offering free guided snowshoe walks on Saturdays, weather permitting, starting January 9th through February 27, 2010. These 1 ½ hour guided snowshoe nature / history programs will take you out through Ludington State Park’s snow-covered sand dunes. There are two walks given each Saturday start at 3:00 P.M. or try the “Moonlight Walk” at 7:00 P.M. Tired of skiing, looking for something that is much easier than skiing, or just want to try something different? Come out to experience for yourself the ease and fun of walking in snowshoes! We will teach you how easy it is to put on and use snowshoes. Snowshoeing can be done by anyone at any age. “If you can walk you can snowshoe.” Did you know that one hour of moderate walking in snowshoes burns off 750 calories? Also, snowshoeing is one of the safest winter activities!

All walks begin and end at the Warming Shelter, located next to the parking lot at the end of Michigan Highway M-116. We have over 40 pairs of snowshoes to loan out on a first come first serve basis. Our loaner snowshoes will fit people ages 8 years old and up to 100 years old! If you have your own pair of snowshoes just bring them along and don’t forget to bring your friends! Dress warm, wear good fitting winter walking shoes or boots, and bring a flashlight if you’re going to attend the “Moonlight Walk.” Your family, friends, and you will truly enjoy this winter fun activity”

A Michigan State Parks and Recreation Motor Vehicle Permit will be required and on sale when you arrive at the Park.

Contact Alan Wernette
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Manistee County Says No to ORVs on Roads

based on news articles in the Ludington Daily News, April 28, 29, 2009

In a 5-2 vote the Manistee County Board of Commissioners defeated the proposal to allow ORVs on road shoulders in the county. If counties do not make a decision on this issue before July 17, 2009 then townships will be able to make their own decisions on the question.

Ed Haik, Public Safety Committee chairman said that the state ordinance has some troubling inclusions. For example, in places where there is no road shoulder the slower, smaller ORVs will be mixed with regular vehicular traffic. He pointed out that it would even allow for hovercraft to use the shoulders.

The two Manistee Commissioners voting for allowing ORVs were Carl Rutski (SE city of Manistee) and Ken Hilliard (Onekama and northern townships). The meeting was crowded with spectators, but only about six members of the audience spoke. Five favored allowing ORVs, and one opposed.

Even in counties where the measure passes, up to 30% of roads can be excluded for safety or environmental reasons. However, such roads must be signed. Of course, signs cost money.

In follow-up to this issue in Mason County, a vote has not yet been made. Pere Marquette Township is urging the Commissioners to vote yes

See County ORV Ordinances
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County ORV Ordinances

compiled from several sources

Michigan Counties are being given the option to adopt ORV ordinances before July 17, 2009. If a county-wide ordinance is not established by that date, each township may create their own ordinance. Enforcing separate township rules would be a headache for law-enforcement agencies.

At the forefront of the controversy is that the ordinances can make it legal for ORV's to be operated on the shoulder or extreme right-hand edge of roads, at speeds up to 25 mph. This would not include Interstate Highways or Forest Service roads within the National Forest.

Some believe that allowing such use would bring more business to counties, while opponents have a list of concerns. One is that ORVs are not licensed, and there is no way reliable to identify lawbreakers. Increased ORVs would make road shoulders less safe for pedestrians and bicyclist. The increased noise and intrusion into forests is undesirable.

Some West Michigan Counties have already made decisions. On April 17, by a five to four vote, the Wexford County Board of Commissioners approved an ordinance that allows the use of ORV's on all their roads.

Mason County will hold a public meeting on Wednesday, April 22 to receive public information on the issue. The meeting will be at 7 pm at the Mason County Central High School, Scottville

See ORV ordinance issue tabled, from the Ludington Daily News, April 15, 2009
See Michigan Public Act 240 of 2008
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Mason County May Get Bat Study Tower

Indiana Bat (photo by US Fish & Wildlife Service)

based on a news article in the Ludington Daily News, "Consumers seeking OK for bat study tower," by Brian Mulherin, Mar 10, 2009

Consumers Energy is seeking approval for a tower to record bat vocalizations in Riverton Township, Mason County. Dennis Marvin of CE said that they would be attempting to identify the endangered Indiana Bat. The tower would be fitted with an acoustical devise that measures frequencies of sound. In this way they can determine if the bats are in the area.

The Indiana Bat reaches the northern edge of its range in Manistee County. They have been observed at Tippy Dam, and in Nordhouse Dunes Wilderness.

Consumers Energy needs to conduct the study as part of an environmental impact analysis, because they hope to place wind turbines in the area. The Lake Michigan shoreline is prime real estate for wind power. But it is not known if the bats migrate through Mason County. There numbers here have never been counted.

Dr. Allen Kurta of Eastern Michigan University is serving as an advisor to Consumers Energy. So little is known about the bats because no banded or tagged bats have ever been returned. One theory is that the bats follow the shoreline.

Interestingly enough the bats are harmed most by wind turbines operating at low speeds. Only about half of bats killed by turbines are struck by the blades. The rest suffer hemorrhages in their lungs, apparently because of the pressure wave caused by the moving blades. Kurta said that this needs to be verified.

The bats are endangered due to habitat loss. Many of the caves that were natural homes to the Indiana Bats were developed as tourist attractions in the 1950s and 1960s. In many cases this raised the cave temperature just enough to make them unsuitable for the small bats.

Indiana Bat pairs only produce one or two young a year. This is a slow reproduction rate and wind turbines may kill more bats each year than are born.

See Indiana Bats Dying from Mysterious Mold
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