Berry Junction Trail Opens in Muskegon County

Berry Junction Trail (photo from WZZM video)

based on news from WZZM TV 13

For years, Muskegon County has been hoping to complete this seven-mile link in its multi-use trail system, and today the Fred Meijer Berry Junction Trail was officially opened with a ribbon-cutting ceremony near White Lake Drive.The trail is built on an abandoned section of the Chicago and West Michigan Railroad where Berry Junction was a real location on the railroad that linked Whitehall and Fremont.

At the north end, the Berry Junction Trail connects with the Hart-Montague Rail Trail in Whitehall, which allows users to continue 28 miles farther north to Hart. The south end of the new trail is located at McMillan Road. The trail crosses Dalton and Fruitland Townships.

The $800,000 price tag for the construction was covered by federal dollars, and grants from other organizations, including the West Michigan Trails & Greenways Coalition, the Frey Foundation, Meijer, and Dalton and Fruitland townships.

The trail is paved with asphalt, and bicycle riders have been checking it out with positive comments for the past month even before the official opening. Eventually, the trail may be extended south for an additional seven miles to connect with Muskegon's Lakeshore Trail.



See map of Muskegon Area Trails

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Boardman Lake Trail Gets Big Financial Boost

Boardman Lake Trail (photo from TART)

based on news articles at 9 and 10 news 
and The Detroit News

The Boardman Lake Trail currently follows the east side of Boardman Lake for two miles. The trail passes through woods and follows the lakeshore. The vision for the trail is that it will encircle the lake providing access to the Traverse Area District Library, Medalie and Hull Parks and more. This will also create a connection between this trail and the TART (Traverse Area Recreation and Transportation) Trail system.

The Grand Traverse County Brownfield Redevelopment Authority has recently granted 10 million dollars for the West Boardman Lake Trail project. The Michigan Economic Growth Authority board approved this as a tax break to expand a road construction project to include 1.8 miles of trail on the west side of the lake. Although the news is welcome, it will be several years before the project is even begun.




See map of the Traverse City urban trails 

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Prairie Falcon Spotted at Ludington

juvenile Prairie Falcon (photo by Chris Lipps)

submitted by Dave Dister

Around 5:20 p.m. this past Sunday Chris Lipps saw and photographed a juvenile Prairie Falcon about 1/4 mile north of the Big Sable Point Lighthouse at Ludington State Park.

The photos are diagnostic. As compared to the similar-sized Peregrine Falcon, the Prairie Falcon, Falco mexicanus, is paler overall, the mustache mark is paler and thinner, there is a white stripe above the eye, the wings are much shorter than the tail, and there are dark axillary (armpit) feathers on the underside of the wings. This represents only the 4th record of this western falcon in Michigan !! The species inhabits dry open country and feeds on small mammals and insects. Also, Carl Freeman may have seen the falcon early Tuesday morning, though Chris did not see it during his piping plover survey shift, nor did Chris and I this early evening (between 6 and 7 p.m.).


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Kalamazoo River Oil Spill Cleanup On Schedule

Kalamazoo River cleanup (photo from Enbridge)

based on a news story from WZZM TV13

Enbridge, the company whose pipeline burst, spilling oil into the Kalamazoo River in 2010, is staying on schedule with cleanup. The local Township Supervisor states that every deadline has been made, and efforts have exceeded the required work.

The final step is to purposely agitate sediments which causes the oil to be released and rise to the water surface. There it can be trapped with booms and removed. Work is focused on areas at Ceresco Dam, Morrow Lake and Mill Pond

The EPA has set a deadline of August 31 to remove as much oil as possible from the river bottom. Some sections of the river may be re-opened for recreation by the end of 2011.

Several new riverside parks will be created as part of the mitigation. These will include boat launches, picnic areas and parking.

It is still unknown what caused the pipe rupture despite study by the National Transportation Safety Board. Cleanup is projected to cost $550 million, but Enbridge says they are committed to completing the job



See Enbridge response updates
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Geoff Hansen

from Nancy Krupiarz, Executive Director
Michigan Trails and Greenways Alliance

Michigan Trails and Greenways Alliance is pleased to announce that Senator Geoff Hansen (R-Hart) has introduced Senate Bill 555 to create a specialty fundraising plate for Michigan trails. It creates a Michigan Trails and Greenways Fund within the State Treasury to receive the revenues from the license plate and any other monetary donations or assets that are contributed. The Secretary of State would administer the sale of the license plates and audit the account as needed. The funding would to to Michigan Trails and Greenways Alliance on a quarterly basis for the development and promotion of the establishment of the statewide trail network. The specialty license plate would cost $35 with $25 coming to the fund.

As you know Michigan Trails and Greenways Alliance has reactivated its small grant fund this year which has been used to help accelerate a few trail projects across the state and we hope to be able to expand both the number of grants and the amount given.

The bill has been referred to the Senate Committee on Transportation and will be taken up for its first committee hearing in the fall. Stay tuned for progress on this exciting new legislation, and I hope that you will be willing to help advocate for its passage!

We believe there are many people, corporations, and agencies out there that are willing to support the cause of Michigan trails!

See Geoff Hansen
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State Park "Recreation Passport" System Already a Success

"P" on license plate tabs

from various sources

The Michigan State Park Recreation Passport launched last October is already proving itself a winner. In the nine months the program has been in place, $10.9 million dollars has come in, which already surpasses the yearly income from the old park sticker and daily pass system. Statewide, about 23% of vehicle registrants are choosing to buy the passport.

Despite reports last year that it would be completely optional, that is proving to be not exactly true. You may opt to buy the passport with your vehicle license tabs. This is certainly the easiest way. However, you will need to pay the $10 to enjoy the state parks. Early reports stated that there would be no checking of stickers, and that the honor system would simply assume that users of the parks would pay. The reality is that those who enter state parks without the sticker will be asked to purchase the passport. Rangers scout parking areas to check for cars without the appropriate "P" on the renewal sticker.

The fact that stickers are not being checked at the gates makes for quick entry to the parks. Recreationists like this speedy service- some feared long lines as rangers hunted for the small "P." In fact, if there is no one at the gate, just drive in, a ranger will locate you later. The parks report that this is very efficient, and saves even more money.

Not only is the passport bringing in more revenue, it costs less to maintain than the old system. There is no yearly state park sticker production cost because the "proof of purchase" is absorbed into the printing of the vehicle registration tabs. The words "Recreation Passport" also appear on the paper proof of registration that is issued with the sticker.

Supposedly, the Michigan Recreation Passport will get you discounts at participating businesses. As of this time, no listing of these businesses is available, but an application for merchants to join can be found at the DNR web site.

Where is the money going to be used? The income will benefit state parks first, but once a threshold is met then other state recreation lands will benefit as well. Here's the official word from the Michigan DNR:

• The first $10.7 million received each fiscal year will be deposited in the restricted State Park Improvement Fund.
• The next $1,030,000 received each fiscal year will be deposited in the restricted Waterways Fund.
• Up to $1 million per fiscal year will be reserved for necessary expenses incurred by the Secretary of State in administration and implementation of the passport fee.
• The balance will be deposited as described below.
        > 50 percent in the restricted State Park Improvement Fund for capital improvements at state parks, including recreation areas.
        > 30 percent in the restricted State Park Improvement Fund for operations and maintenance at state parks, including recreation areas.
        > 10 percent in the new Local Public Recreation Facilities Fund for development of public recreation facilities for local units of government.
        > 7 percent in the Forest Recreation Account for the operation and maintenance of---and capital improvements to---the state forest system of forest campgrounds, access sites, and non-motorized pathways and trails, including equestrian trails.
        > 2.75 percent in the restricted State Park Improvement Fund for operations, maintenance and capital improvements of state park cultural and historic resources.
        > 0.25 percent in the restricted State Park Improvement Fund to promote, in concert with other state agencies, the use of state parks, state–operated public boating access sites, state forest campgrounds and state forest non–motorized trails and pathways; and to promote the use of the Internet for state park camping reservations and for payment of the Recreation Passport fee in conjunction with motor vehicle registration.

So far, everything about the new funding system for Michigan state lands seems to be a winner.

See Michigan's Recreation Passport
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Volunteers Given Expanded Opportunities on State Land in Michigan

volunteers at work (photo by jhy)

a news release of Michigan Trails and Greenways Alliance

Gov. Rick Snyder has signed legislation that will allow the Department of Natural Resources to better protect Michigan’s natural resources by allowing volunteers to take on a larger role in the state’s land and wildlife conservation efforts.

The DNR has long relied on volunteers to help ensure the state’s natural areas remain accessible, but under current law, volunteers are limited to assisting with park operations and maintenance. House Bill 4111, sponsored by state Rep. Bruce Rendon, removes restrictions on most types of duties volunteers may perform, opening up opportunities for volunteers to work on a wide range of conservation projects such as improving wildlife habitats in state forest areas and wetland preservation.

“One of the great things about this state is the number of individuals and community groups who are willing to devote their time and energy to making our park system something everyone can enjoy,” Snyder said. “By expanding volunteer opportunities, the state will be able to use taxpayer resources more efficiently and maximize our conservation efforts. This is a perfect example of the kind of cooperation we want to encourage at all levels.”

DNR Director Rodney Stokes added, “This new law will help us ensure we have tremendous outdoor recreation opportunities now and in the future.”

In addition to allowing volunteers to work outside the state park system, they will also be able to use DNR equipment and machinery at the department’s discretion, and they will be protected from lawsuits resulting from their work.

H.B. 4111 is now Public Act 65 of 2011.

See Michigan Trails and Greenways
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Two Buddies Walking for Critters

Annette Krehn and Regina Prophet on a misty day (photo from WZZM video)

based on a news article from WZZM-13 TV 

 Cousins Annette Krehn and Regina Prophet are well into their 300-mile walk from Muskegon to Mackinac. Their goal is to walk the distance to raise money for local animal shelters.

Annette decided to make the trip when she turned 50. She jokingly referred to it as her mid-life crisis. But her cousin, Regina, would not let her leave alone. So the two took their first steps on the adventure on June 16th. Their Facebook page says that they have made it to Mesick at this time.

The women are also hoping to improve their health through the hike. Regina said, "there will be no TV's, no fast food, so we'll have no choice but to lose weight." Both women have struggled to lose pounds for a long time.

One post from Regina reports "a few blisters and I feel like I have no skin on my feet. But I'll make it." The women are carrying their gear in backpacks and are usually camping at night. They have been averaging about 10 miles a day.



See Two Buddies Walking for Critters
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First 75-Miles of Lake MI Water Trail Dedicated

NPS photo by Diane Banta

from the National Park Service

"The vision of the Lake Michigan Water Trail Association is to create within the next few years, the longest continuous loop water trail in the world, a four state 1600-mile long trail around all of Lake Michigan. The Lake Michigan Water Trail will help improve the quality of life for all of the communities along the route and attract paddlers from around the world!"

With that lofty goal, on June 4, 2011, National Trails Day, the first 75 miles of this trail were dedicated in Gary, Indiana. The day was marked with paddling events, and also a bike ride at Portage Lakefront. Kayakers and canoeists explored not only the shoreline, but also the East Branch of the Little Calumet River.

Dan Plath, the Indiana representative for the Lake Michigan Water Trail Association and president of the Northwest Indiana Paddling Association, said, "The environmentally friendly and healthy use of human-powered watercraft allows paddlers to explore the lakeshore in a most intimate way."

When fully realized this will be he longest water trail in the world.

See Lake Michigan Water Trail Association
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Group Paddling the Muskegon on Voyage of Discovery

from a news article in the Muskegon Chronicle

Twelve paddlers are following the entire 217 miles of the Muskegon River, from June 8-18. Their quest is called Voyage of Discovery, and their plan is to have fun and generate publicity for and interest in the Muskegon River.

“I hope the publicity the event draws, that it gives people a greater appreciation of the resource we have in the Muskegon River,” said Wayne Groesbeck, chairman of the Muskegon Watershed Assembly. The WMA is sponsoring the paddling event. Wayne and his wife are participating, in a tandem kayak.

Jeff Alexander, author of The Muskegon: The Majesty and Tragedy of Michigan’s Rarest River is also behind the project. His hope is that it will help residents understand the significance of the river.

The river's many problems need to be addressed. The lumbering era, manmade and artificial dams, pollution from industries, agricultural runoff and stormwater runoff have all affected the quality of the watershed.

The core group will paddle the entire river. However, people are urged to join the group for one or several days.

When the paddlers traverse the six counties of the river and reach Muskegon on June 18, a celebration is planned at Fisherman’s Landing in Muskegon. Organizers plan to have a speaker and the public is invited to the 1 p.m. event.

See Voyage of Discovery
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Connecting Mason County Forum

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

a news release of Connecting Mason County

Connecting Mason County is working to get multi-use trails throughout Mason County to CONNECT all the different recreational areas we have.

on June 8th at 6:30 p.m. at the Pere Marquette Township Hall there will be a forum to discuss how treacherous Mason County is for non-vehicular traffic. Goals of the project are to promote safety and good health, and to protect the environment. There are many recreational areas throughout Mason County, but the only "safe" way to get to those places is by car.

Phase I of the group's plans is to create sidewalk along US-10 through Pere Marquette Township. Other organizations which are working toward the same goals are welcome to partner in this effort. And local governments will be encouraged to become involved.

Four people will give short presentations:
1. Joan Young - Get Off the Couch, North Country Trail
2. Jeff LaPrad - Bicycle Commuter
3. Heather Venzke - City of Ludington Community Development Director (speaking on City's sidewalk program)
4. Kevin Hughes - Health Education Manager of District Health Department #10 (speaking on Complete Streets)

At the end, after the speakers, the floor will be opened to the audience.

See PM Township Could Build Multi-Use Path on US 10
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National Trails Day 2011- West Michigan Events

by JHY with information from American Hiking

American Hiking Society has long sponsored National Trails Day on the first Saturday of June each year. This year's theme is "Made with All Natural Ingredients."

National Trails Day is a celebration of trails that grew out of President Ronald Reagan's recommendation that all Americans be able to go out their front doors and within fifteen minutes, be on trails. The recommendation, dubbed Trails for All Americans, became the impetus behind several public and private parties joining American Hiking Society in launching National Trails Day® in 1993.

Trails do not just appear for our enjoyment, it takes many hours of planning, labor, and negotiating to develop them. National Trails Day®, the only nationwide celebration of trails, brings awareness to trails and thanks many people and partners for their support and hard work, including volunteers, land agencies, and outdoor minded businesses. It is also a day to introduce people to the many joys and benefits of trails.

Registered Events in West Michigan for 2011
Traverse City: The Grand Traverse Conservation District is hosting a Boardman Valley Trail improvement project. (pre-registration required)
Grand Rapids: The Kent County Parks Department will be building new trail at Knapp Valley Forest Park. (pre-registration required)
Lowell: The West Michigan Chapter of the North Country Trail Association is hosting a tour of historic Fellasburg Park in the morning, a hike in the afternoon, and a potluck dinner at 4 pm.
Branch and Manistee: The Spirit of the Woods Chapter of the North Country Trail Association will host an event at two locations. Short guided hikes, snacks and parking fees waived by the Forest Service.

For more information about all registered events See American Hiking Society

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