State Rep. Greg Markkanen today said projects in Baraga, Gogebic, Houghton and Ontonagon counties are included in a proposed plan to improve outdoor recreation opportunities in Michigan.
The projects are included in recent recommendations from the Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund. The recommendations are made to the Legislature, which will soon be working to finalize and approve a plan.
“These projects will benefit local families and boost our local economy by highlighting the beautiful natural resources and outdoor recreation opportunities we have to offer,” Markkanen said. “I will work hard to make sure these projects are included in the final plan as it moves through the legislative process.”
Highlights from the district Markkanen represents in the Michigan House include:
Baraga, construction of a portion of the Keweenaw Bay Non-Motorized Pathway. The proposal includes $300,000 to construct a portion of the regional trail, which will eventually connect the communities of Baraga, L’Anse and Zeba. The 1.2-mile segment will link to an existing pathway to complete a 2.5-mile route connecting Baraga State Park to the Village of Baraga, the Baraga Marina and the Sand Point Lighthouse. A portion of the 10-foot wide pathway will feature boardwalk overlooking Lake Superior.
Improvements to the West U.P. Shooting Facility in Ontonagon Township. The proposal includes $300,000 to improve and expand the shooting range operated by the Lake Superior Sportsman’s Club on DNR managed public land. The project will include the replacement of an existing clubhouse that doesn’t have indoor plumbing or functioning HVAC, with a new clubhouse and indoor range to improve opportunities for hunter safety courses, workshops and promoting entry into target shooting and hunting.
Ironwood, Curry Park Campground improvements. About $38,000 has been proposed to replace the old, under-equipped electric service for 10 existing campsites, upgrade inadequate electric pedestals, rebuild gravel pads for the sites and install landscape screening and ADA-compliant picnic tables.
Ironwood, Southern Beltline Trail Acquisition. The proposal sets aside $14,800 to acquire up to 5 acres of land and/or easement, including railroad grade, for an in-town trail route through Ironwood. The project will connect Norrie Park with the western neighborhoods near the Wisconsin border on the Montreal River. This will complete the Beltline Trail route through Ironwood near the terminus of the Iron Belle Trail, the statewide bike and hike trail system, originating in Detroit at Belle Isle Park.
Calumet Charter Township, land acquisition at the Swedetown Recreation Area. The proposal includes $66,000 to acquire two new parcels of land, a 10-acre parcel and a 20-acre parcel. One parcel is wooded with terrain used for cross-country ski trails while the other will provide a spectator and parking area for the Great Bear Chase ski marathon event.
Several other Upper Peninsula projects are also included in the recommendations. A complete statewide list of proposed recreation development projects is available here, and a list of proposed land acquisition projects is available here.
Money in the Natural Resources Trust Fund comes from the development of minerals on state land – not general tax money – and is distributed on an annual basis in partnership with local governments. The money must be used for land acquisition or recreational development projects, according to the Michigan Constitution.
