Northern Michigan pathways named Pure Michigan Trails

Northern Michigan pathways named Pure Michigan Trails

by | Apr 17, 2025 | Recreation

 
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Showcasing the DNR
Betsie Valley Trail

Northern Michigan pathways named Pure Michigan Trails

By HEATHER JOHNSON DUROCHER
Trails and resources writer and editor
Parks and Recreation Division
Michigan Department of Natural Resources

Two trails in the northern Lower Peninsula are recipients of the 2025 Pure Michigan Trail designation, an annual recognition that spotlights some of the state’s best trail experiences.

The Betsie Valley Trail, a 22-mile pathway extending from Frankfort through Elberta and Beulah to Thompsonville in Benzie County, and Chain of Lakes Water Trail, a 100-plus mile inland water trail made up of 12 lakes and interconnected rivers in northwest Michigan, are this year’s Pure Michigan Trail recipients.

The announcement was made during this week’s Pure Michigan Governor’s Conference on Tourism at Suburban Collection Showplace in Novi.

“The Betsie Valley Trail and Chain of Lakes Water Trail offer exceptional hiking, biking and paddling experiences while also connecting residents and visitors to local communities and businesses,” said Kelly Wolgamott, vice president of Pure Michigan, part of the Michigan Economic Development Corporation. “Pure Michigan Trails represent the best of Michigan’s trail opportunities, and these extraordinary resources exemplify that designation.”

Chain of Lakes Water TrailThe Pure Michigan Trail and Trail Town Designation Program is a partnership between the Michigan Department of Natural Resources and Pure Michigan and is designed to help boost the state’s position as the “Trails State.”

“The Pure Michigan Trail program recognizes Michigan pathways that provide a quality trail experience, whether these trail users are hiking, biking, riding or paddling,” said DNR State Trails Coordinator Tim Novak. “The organizations and dedicated individuals helping maintain these high-quality trails have worked hard to support and advocate for trails and trails users while providing safe, accessible recreational experiences year-round.”

Applicants apply for the designation, with an annual deadline of Jan. 15. Recipients must submit required documentation to the DNR, with recipients receiving recognition in the form of signage with branding placed in appropriate trail locations and inclusion in Pure Michigan trail maps and marketing material.

Some years, the program also designates Pure Michigan Trail Towns. This year, however, recipients include only two specific trails.

“This year’s Pure Michigan Trails have broad community support,” Novak said. “Their respective organizations understand and support the economic and social impacts of trails and how important they are to improving quality of life for residents and visitors. That is why we are proud to designate them as Pure Michigan recipients.”

Pure Michigan Trails promote healthy lifestyles, conserve natural resources and provide a catalyst for economic activity in local communities. Here’s more about this year’s recipients:

Betsie Valley Trail

Betsie Valley TrailThe Betsie Valley Trail, a rails-to-trails pathway founded in 1992, features a scenic section of the former Ann Arbor Railroad originally running from Toledo to Frankfort-Elberta. Nearby natural areas include the Betsie River, wetlands with exceptional birding, the Pere Marquette State Forest, farm fields, Crystal Lake, turtle ponds, marshland, Lake Michigan beach and lighthouse, and more.

“We were thrilled to hear the news of our Pure Michigan Trail designation! Our group has been dedicated to the development and maintenance of the Betsie Valley Trail since its inception and it’s energizing to learn that our work is being recognized,” said Jim Gribble of Friends of the Betsie Valley Trail. “We’ve seen a large increase in the use of the trail and with our efforts underway to pave the trail between Beulah and Thompsonville we are working to make it even more accessible to all. Thank you for this important recognition.”

Chain of Lakes Water Trail

The Chain of Lakes Water Trail is a collection of 12 interconnected lakes providing more than 100 miles of quality paddling experiences for all levels of paddlers in northern Michigan. Paddlers can travel through a variety of different places from small, quiet lakes to the iconic turquoise waters of Torch Lake, the second largest inland lake in Michigan. The water trail is connected to four communities to enjoy as part of the paddling experience. These include Central Lake, Bellaire, Ellsworth and Elk Rapids.

“Paddle Antrim is honored that the Chain of Lakes Water Trail — which we proudly host and steward in northern Michigan— has been recognized as the first Pure Michigan Water Trail,” said Deana Jerdee, executive director of Paddle Antrim. “This designation celebrates our ongoing commitment to providing high-quality, accessible paddling experiences while protecting the health of our cherished waterways. We look forward to continuing our efforts to enhance access, stewardship and safety across the entire Chain of Lakes Water Trail and we invite you to come explore all it has to offer.”

Learn more about Michigan’s thousands of miles of trails, find maps and get details on the Pure Michigan Trail and Trail Towns Designation Program, including past trail and trail town recipients, at Michigan.gov/DNRTrails.

Check out previous Showcasing the DNR stories at Michigan.gov/DNRStories. To subscribe to upcoming Showcasing articles, sign up for free email delivery at Michigan.gov/DNREmail.

Note to editors: Contact: John Pepin, Showcasing the DNR series editor, 906-226-1352. Accompanying photos and a text-only version of this story are available below for download. Caption information follows. Credit Michigan Department of Natural Resources, unless otherwise noted.

Text-only version of this story.

Betsie Valley Trail: The Betsie Valley Trail, a Benzie County rails-to-trails pathway founded in 1992, features a scenic section of the former Ann Arbor Railroad originally running from Toledo to Frankfort-Elberta. Photo credit: Friends of the Betsie Valley Trail.

Chain of Lakes Water Trail: The Chain of Lakes Water Trail is a collection of 12 interconnected lakes providing more than 100 miles of quality paddling experiences for all levels of paddlers in northern Michigan. Photo credit: Michigan Water Trails.

Following severe ice storms in northern Michigan, the Department of Natural Resources is assessing damage and conducting cleanup at several state parks, state park campgrounds, state forest campgrounds, boating access sites and state-managed trails. Find up-to-date information about closures, volunteer opportunities and more on the DNR storm recovery page.
MDOT: Weekend Construction Metro Detroit

MDOT: Weekend Construction Metro Detroit

by | Apr 17, 2025 | Transportation

 

 
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04/18-04/21/25                                                WEEKEND WORK for MDOT (I, M, US roads)

This is weekend construction, in addition to on-going projects other than these locations. Always check Michigan.gov/drive for this info and for ALL projects and follow @MDOT_MetroDet.

Multiple work crews may be involved in these closures. WEATHER AFFECTS ALL WORK AND MAY CAUSE DELAYS OR CANCELLATIONS.

I-75:

Oakland – NB I-75 RAMP to 12 Mile, 1 RAMP LANE OPEN, Fri 7am-3pm, pavement repair.

Oakland – SB I-75 RAMP CLOSED to EB I-696, Sat 7am-5pm, bridge work.

Oakland – NB/SB I-75/M-24 Connector to NB M-24, 1 RAMP LANE OPEN, Mon-late April, culvert repair.

 

I-94:

Wayne – EB I-94, Moross to Allard, 1 LANE OPEN, Sat 8a-11a AND 2 LANES OPEN, 11a-3p, bridge work.

Wayne – EB I-94 RAMP CLOSED to Allard, Sat 11am-3pm, bridge work.

I-96:

Wayne – EB I-96 Express at Outer Dr, 1 LANE OPEN, Fri 9am-3pm, road repair.

 

I-696:

Oakland – WB I-696, Southfield Rd to Lahser, 2 LANES OPEN, Mon 7am-late July, bridge repair.

Oakland – EB I-696, I-275 to Orchard Lake, 3 LANES OPEN, Mon 9am-early May, joint sealing/barrier wall work.

Oakland – EB I-696 Service Drive at Hoover Rd, 3 lanes open, Fri 9am-3pm, repair work.

 

M-3: (Gratiot)

Macomb – SB M-3, Wellington Cres to Metro Pkwy, 2 LANES OPEN, Fri 9am-3pm, sign installation.

 

M-8: (Davison)

Wayne – EB/WB M-8 at Linwood, 2 LANES OPEN, Fri 7am-Mon 5pm, utility work.

M-59:

Oakland – WB M-59/Highland, Teggerdine to Pontiac Lake Rd, 1 LANE OPEN, Fri 6am-late April, curb/gutter work.

 

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DNR Climate News: Spring 2025

DNR Climate News: Spring 2025

by | Apr 17, 2025 | Recreation

 
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DNR Climate News

Craig Lake State Park

Successful climate action is a balance of two key pillars within the Michigan Department of Natural Resources: climate mitigation, or the actions we take to reduce the predicted impacts of climate change, and climate adaptation, the actions we take to help our infrastructure, people and the environment adjust to the impacts already felt from climate change.

With climate change already affecting our state, we cannot depend only on mitigation actions. Our work here reflects that. We think creatively and outside the box, using the latest science and technological advances to drive successful outcomes. Most importantly, we are driven by a dedication to protect natural resources that current and future generations can enjoy, and where Michigan species can thrive.

Read on to learn more about current projects the DNR is leading to advance climate action on all fronts.

Using research to guide conservation

Blue jay on a branch

Climate change and habitat loss are putting Michigan’s wildlife at risk. Rising temperatures, shifting ranges and invasive species are a few key issues threatening their survival. To combat those threats, the DNR Wildlife Division is conducting research using climate model prediction to complete vulnerability assessments, alongside the Michigan Natural Features Inventory, to better understand how species currently are affected and may be further affected. This will help us identify needed changes in our state’s management plans and where we need to prioritize conservation for the most beneficial outcomes.

Reconnecting Michigan’s rivers

River surrounded by trees

Supported by a U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service grant, the DNR Forest Resources Division is working closely with partners to remove six improperly sized and failing road-stream crossings along the Upper Manistee River and replace them with properly sized culverts that are more climate-adapted and resilient.

This effort will restore 25 miles of natural stream flow and function, allowing aquatic organisms to once again access the native habitat and spawning grounds that were previously blocked. This is a vital component to Michigan’s Arctic grayling recovery initiative, as the Upper Manistee River is a priority watershed for this species.

Another way we are restoring our rivers is through responsible dam management, working toward removal where needed and improved infrastructure and oversight where possible. Dams are a leading cause of river fragmentation, interruption of a river’s natural flow, poor river quality and warmer river temperatures – all of which are dangerous to our coldwater fish species that rely on cooler stream temperatures for survival.

Learn more about the Arctic grayling’s journey to reintroduction.

Check out a successful dam removal and its benefits to fish habitat.

Finding climate solutions in buildings

DNR's Newberry Mass Timber Customer Service Center

DNR Newberry Customer Service Center, constructed from mass timber; photo from Walbridge.

You might not think of building materials as climate solutions – but they can be! The DNR, in a long-standing partnership with MassTimber@MSU, is working to advance mass timber manufacturing and use in our state. These large, engineered wood products store carbon for the life of a building, turning structures into carbon sinks and reducing emissions in our built environment.

Beyond cutting greenhouse gases, mass timber supports sustainable forest management, strengthens the forest economy and lowers wildfire risk. Responsible harvesting prevents overcrowded forests, which can fuel and accelerate fires and their resulting damage. To encourage more mass timber use, the DNR later this year plans to release a Mass Timber Catalyst Fund that will include grants to help support early adoption of mass timber projects.

Learn more about mass timber and see the newest DNR mass timber building here in Michigan.

Partnering to make an impact

Lake sturgeon under water

Recognizing that funding and community awareness are two of the biggest challenges to effective climate action, the DNR is creating unique solutions through partnerships. Since March 2024, we’ve teamed up with Saugatuck Brewing Company through a common interest in protecting Michigan’s freshwater resources. Our first collaboration, with proceeds from sales of SBC’s Rainbow Rodeo IPA, raised $10,000 in just eight months and boosted public awareness of the value of river restoration and habitat protection for trout species.

Building on that success, the DNR and Saugatuck Brewing Company have collaborated on the April 2025 launch of the Lake Street Light campaign to support ongoing lake sturgeon restoration projects. Lake sturgeon have been swimming our waters for more than 100 million years, but overfishing, pollution and habitat loss have seen those populations decline since the 1800s.

Learn more about this partnership to support lake sturgeon recovery and promote the species’ importance to the Great Lakes.

Lend a hand

Volunteers cleaning up the forest

Although great work is happening here at the DNR, we know we are stronger in numbers. You can help by continuing to support and engage with climate action, finding more ways to get involved locally, and supporting your favorite parks, trails or waterways. Together we can make a difference! Learn more about volunteer opportunities with the DNR!

Resources

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$1.8 Million of Grant Funding for Rural Infrastructure

$1.8 Million of Grant Funding for Rural Infrastructure

by | Apr 17, 2025 | Agriculture

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: April 17, 2025

Media contact: Lynsey Mukomel, 517-290-1734

Program contact: Tracey Barnes, 517-388-4540

MDARD Awards $1.8 Million of Grant Funding for Rural Infrastructure and Industry

Grants will fund renewable energy, food safety and access to safe drinking water

LANSING, Mich. – The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) today awarded 21 Rural Development Fund Grants promote the sustainability of land-based industries and support infrastructure that benefits rural communities.

“MDARD is committed to supporting the food, agriculture and forest products industries vital to Michigan’s economy,” said MDARD Director Tim Boring. “Through programs like the Rural Development Fund, MDARD can support projects that strengthen infrastructure, promote sustainable land-based industries and deliver new jobs to rural communities.”

Today’s Rural Development Fund Grants provide more than $1.8 million to 21 projects:

  • K.I. Sawyer Water Wastewater Department (Gwinn) – $100,000 to ensure the continued safe operation of the aeration building at the K.I. Sawyer Wastewater Treatment Plant, which was built in 1984.
  • Ely Township (Ishpeming) – $100,000 to address drinking water quality issues, build a new wellhouse and implement a new water treatment system.
  • Northern Michigan University (Marquette) – $100,000 to install a rooftop solar project at the university’s WellBeing Center that will provide reliable renewable energy and reduce utility costs for the campus.
  • City of Negaunee (Negaunee) – $100,000 to replace the sewer main on Hungerford Ave and W Prince Street and to address inflow, infiltration and failing sewer by replacing 523 feet of sewer line.
  • Superior Hills Association of Parents and Educators (Marquette) – $100,000 to renovate the Superior Hills playground in alignment with the “You Can in Michigan” campaign, which seeks to position the state as a premier destination for families and professionals.
  • TCA Management, LLC (Caro) – $100,000 to support hiring up to four new employees and to purchase a new FM200C 2G Dual Wash plant that will produce material critically needed by federal, state and local agricultural and residential customers.
  • Pahl Enterprises, LLC (Buckley) – $100,000 to enhance the farm’s country store, pumpkin patch, Santa experience and youth field trips; purchase key components for the commercial kitchen; and improve the structural integrity of the barn.
  • Gypsy Distillery (Petoskey) – $91,744 to install a new bottling line that will increase revenue and create new jobs.
  • Lakeshore Depot L3C (Marquette) – $65,448 to implement and operate a local food distribution project that will improve access to Michigan-sourced fresh produce and staple foods for institutional and retail purchasers as well as consumers located in the central Upper Peninsula.
  • Maurer Meat Processors, LLC (Ubly) – $96,350 to upgrade the shrink-wrap heat tunnel system for packaging and wrapping meat products, thereby reducing the risk of product loss for customers.
  • Partridge Creek Farm (Ishpeming) – $100,000 to expand the Ishpeming Intergenerational Community Farm, which boosts production yields and increases access to and participation in the local food economy.
  • Home Township (Edmore) – $100,000 to aid farmers and the local community by reconstructing Neff Road between Fleck Road and Tamarack Road by sealing Edgar Road between Wyman Road (CR571) and Neff Road.
  • Cassopolis Community Garden (Cassopolis) – $770 to install an irrigation system for the Cassopolis Community Garden, which provides organically and sustainably grown produce for area food pantries.
  • Great Lakes Boat Building School (Cedarville) – $52,500 to create and implement the Marine System Lab Pods training program, purchase a Volvo Penta for instructional purposes and to support Summer Friday Tour Days.
  • Negaunee/Ishpeming Water Authority (Ishpeming) – $100,000 to install a new water well that will provide safe and high-quality drinking water to Negaunee and Ishpeming in a cost-effective manner.
  • Charter Township of Chocolay (Marquette) – $100,000 to fund sewer repair, remediation and improvements to ensure the safe, reliable and efficient operation of a sanitary wastewater system.
  • M&M Children’s Museum (Menominee) – $100,000 to support the construction and renovation of the Children’s Museum, a place for the community and surrounding area to use for learning, socializing and exercise.
  • RADD Foods (Marquette) – $40,380 for a new initiative to develop and introduce dairy-free cheese products tailored for the restaurant and foodservice industry.
  • Michigan State Trust for Railway Preservation (Owosso) – $100,000 to move the existing track switch and extend a current dead-end siding across Washington Street parallel to the Great Lakes Central Railroad’s mainline, thereby increasing passenger capacity.
  • Indian Summer Cooperative, Inc. (Ludington) – $100,000 to increase production capacity by installing new applesauce cup packing and palletizing equipment.
  • City of Ishpeming (Ishpeming) – $82,977 to create six camping sites with power access generated by a hard-wired ground mounted solar system.

Authorized by Public Act 411 of 2012, Rural Development Fund Grants promote the sustainability of land-based industries including food and agriculture, forestry, mining, oil and gas production and tourism. They also support workforce training, rural capacity building, business development and infrastructure that benefits rural communities.

Those interested in applying can do so through the MiAgGrants system by logging into a citizen or business account. Eligible entities include those within counties with a population no greater than 70,000 residents or micropolitan statistical areas. Priority is given to projects in Marquette County according to statute. MDARD evaluates grant proposals through a competitive process.

For more information about this grant program or a complete list of eligible counties, visit https://www.michigan.gov/mdardgrants.
Annual spring weight restrictions continue to be lifted

Annual spring weight restrictions continue to be lifted

by | Apr 17, 2025 | Transportation

newsroom
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 16, 2025 		 MEDIA CONTACT
Dan Weingarten
906-250-4809
[email protected]

Annual spring weight restrictions
continue to be lifted on Michigan’s state roads

LANSING, Mich. ­- The Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) continues to adjust spring weight restriction on state roads (I, M and US routes) in an annual move to protect roads.

Effective 6 a.m. Thursday, April 17, weight restrictions will be lifted on all state trunkline highways from the southern Michigan border north to and including the Mackinac Bridge.  Frost restrictions are still in effect for the remainder of the state and will be imposed and enforced on all state trunkline highways north of the Mackinac Bridge and in accordance with Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s Executive Directive 2025-4.

In the restricted areas, the following will apply:

  • On routes designated as “all-season” (designated in green and gold on the MDOT Truck Operators Map), there will be no reduction in legal axle weights.
  • All extended permits will be valid for oversize loads in the weight-restricted area on the restricted routes. Single-trip permits will not be issued for any overweight loads or loads exceeding 14 feet in width, 11 axles, and 150 feet in overall length on the restricted routes.
  • On routes designated as “seasonal” (designated in solid or dashed red on the MDOT Truck Operators Map), there will be a posted weight reduction of 25 percent for rigid (concrete) pavements and 35 percent for flexible (asphalt) pavements, and maximum speed of 35 mph for some vehicles.

Drivers must follow the speed limits for weight restricted roads, per state law. Go online for speed restrictions for trucks and the rules for propane fuel delivery and public utility vehicles.

When roads that have been frozen all winter begin to thaw from the surface downward, melting snow and ice saturate the softened ground. During the spring thaw, the roadbed softened by trapped moisture beneath the pavement makes it more susceptible to damage. This contributes to pothole problems already occurring due to this winter’s numerous freeze-thaw cycles.

MDOT determines when weight restrictions begin each spring by measuring frost depths along state highways, observing road conditions and monitoring weather forecasts. Weight restrictions remain in effect until the frost line is deep enough to allow moisture to escape and the roadbeds regain stability.

County road commissions and city public works departments put in place their own seasonal weight restrictions, which usually but not always coincide with state highway weight restrictions. Signs are generally posted to indicate which routes have weight restrictions in effect.

For weight restriction information and updates, call 800-787-8960, or you can access this information on MDOT’s website at www.Michigan.gov/Truckers, under “Restrictions.” All-season routes are designated in green and gold on the MDOT Truck Operators Map, which is available online. You also may sign up to receive email alerts.

Trucking companies located in New Jersey and Canada can obtain information by calling 517-373-6256.