MI-TRALE accomplished several large projects in 2025 to support the trail network in the western Upper Peninsula.
MI-TRALE was awarded several grants adding up to $356,330 by the Michigan DNR. All funds that support motorized or non-motorized trail grant programs come from DNR’s ORV license and trail sticker sales.
The largest project MI-TRALE completed was on the State Line Route, totaling $312,106. The organization repaired 23 bridges, requiring numerous board and railing replacements, and brushed, graded and compacted 65 miles of trail. The project also added 4,110 yards of new gravel to sections.
Another major project on the Sidnaw to Bergland route added 366 yards of gravel over 49 miles of trail, costing $63,698.
MI-TRALE maintains more than 550 miles of motorized and non-motorized trails in the western Upper Peninsula. The club regularly calls on volunteers for project planning and repairs, as well as hosts several community events throughout the year.
Those interested in learning more about MI-TRALE and projects the club completed during 2025 can find more details below.
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MI-TRALE was awarded a grant of $356,330 by the Michigan DNR for 2025 trail improvements. All of these funds are from ORV license and trail sticker sales. We make sure that your sticker purchases are directed to trail improvements, ensuring riders a safe and enjoyable trip along the trails.
MI-TRALE wanted to update you on how and where these funds were used and to provide you with an understanding of what it costs to maintain our trail system.
The process begins in March and April when MI-TRALE develops the projects for the next year. This means that we are developing our 2026 projects in 2025. This is always a challenge for all of the club sponsors. Many variables impact trail conditions during the year. The grant request is submitted in May to the DNR, with the DNR grant approval being issued in October. This may be a portion of what was requested. Once the funding is approved, MI-TRALE can begin the process of reviewing the funding and selecting the projects for the next year and developing bid packages. We review the bid submittals to select and award the contract. We then work with the contractor to complete the project and issue payment once the contract requirements have been met.
Here is what was accomplished in 2025:
State Line (SL) Route 65 Miles, Total of $312,106: This route had major improvements in 2025. We repaired 23 bridges which required numerous board and railing replacements ($79,335). The entire trail was brushed, graded and compacted. In addition, there were 4,110 yards of new gravel added to sections of the route. This portion of work accounted for ($232,771) of the previously mentioned total.
Sidnaw to Bergland (SB) 49 miles, Total of $63,698: The route was brushed, graded and compacted with 366 yards of gravel added.
Ontonagon to Rockland (OR) Route 12 Miles, Total of $23,730: The route was brushed, graded and compacted. This route had narrowed due to needing required brushing for a few years. Extra time was required to get the brush cleared. The route is now at a proper width.
Bridge design and grading projects on the Land O’Lakes (LL) Route, gave us a combined Total 2025 cost of $211,178.
The bridges project covers the design and replacement of 6 bridges located on the LL route. The cost for that in 2025 was $149,396. This project involves the Ottawa National Forest, the DNR, and MI-TRALE. As a result, the project is complex due to multiple specification standards and approvals. This is a multi-phase and multi-year project.
The LL Route was brushed, graded and compacted several times during the year. We also applied 165 yards of gravel. The 2025 total for the grading and gravel portion of the project was $61,782.
Smaller projects were completed on Bill Nicholls (BN) for $1,930 and the Pioneer (P) for $5,623.
If you took the time to add the numbers, you would have a total of $616,335 that MI-TRALE managed in 2025. This is a combination of 2024 and 2025 DNR grants. These funds (your funds) are invested back into your trails. We ask that you use these trails with respect, protect our investment and the environment.
The MI-TRALE DNR Grant for 2026 is $413,740. Think about that number and what other local groups are providing for the local economy. Then consider what tourist spending is created by this investment. This is significant to our area
MI-TRALE runs our Storch Super Mag after each grading project and each managed trail during the year. This is a slow (5mph) job, but necessary to maintain safe trails for the riders. Here is what we collected this year.
Storch Super Mag results:
The State Line (SL) we picked up 296 railroad spikes along with three 5-gallon buckets of additional scrap that weighed in at a total of 175 pounds of metal.
The Ontonagon to Rockland (OR) we picked up 380 spikes and various other iron objects.
The Sidnaw to Bergland (SB) we picked up 745 spikes and collected some buckets of metallic scrap.
The Bill Nicholls (BN) and Land of Lakes (LL) were also covered with minimal spikes collected.
MI-TRALE works very hard with a dedicated team of volunteers to spend our funding wisely to ensure that all riders have a safe trail system to travel. And, very importantly, one to which they will want to return.
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