Keweenaw Report Your Source for Local News and Sports
The Michigan Department of Natural Resources is granting over $360,000 to the Michigan Trails and Recreation Alliance of Land and the Environment (MI-TRALE) to conduct maintenance projects on the local trail system.
The funds come from ORV license and permit fees received in Michigan.
Projects for this summer include spring and fall maintenance of more than 300 miles of DNR designated trails, grading of 90 miles of trails based on spring conditions, and the replacement of a bridge located on the West Branch of the Ontonagon River, just east of Bergland.
The old iron bridge collapsed in 2013 and will be replaced by a new bridge designed for shared ATV and snowmobile use. This project will be managed by Coleman Engineering Company in Ironwood, Michigan, and MI-TRALE.
The new bridge will connect the Pioneer Trail to the southbound route, eliminating a couple of miles of road and highway travel for ATV riders.
MI-TRALE will also continue their mission to keep the local trails maintained, including keeping the trails signed, holes filled, bridge boards replaced, and culverts clear of debris.
Between 2015 and 2018, MI-TRALE has put over $632,000 back into the trail system to keep them safe to ride. If you would like to donate to their effort, please call 906-827-3208.
