2012 Burt Lake Trail Update

Burt Township received word in November, 2011 of a conditional commitment from MDOT for a Transportation Enhancement grant of $473,325. This grant combined with the Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund Grant of  $398,500 will allow construction for the first five miles of trail along West Burt Lake Road. The proposed route will begin at Brutus Road at the Maple Bay Campground Road, will pass through the  Chaboiganing Preserve, and will then run north along the non-lake side of West Burt Lake Road to Hogsback Road. The trail will be a separated 10 foot wide crushed limestone pathway for non motorized recreation. Much of the trail will be set within the Road Right of Way, however, some property owners will be asked to give a temporary grading permit or a  permanent easement  for the safest and most economical trail route.

All this good news, however, comes with a catch. To begin construction of the trail in 2012 easements and the $140,000 match need to be secured by April,  2012. We have received over $75,000 of the $140,000 pledged. Many of the donations, however, were pledged over three to five years.

Hopefully, now that the trail is close to becoming a reality, you’ll want to add your support so construction can begin in 2012. Your contribution will help us build the first five mile stretch of trail within Burt Township. The Burt Lake Trail, when complete, will be an 18 mile East/West connector trail between the North Central State Trail (Gaylord to Mackinaw City) and the Northwest State Trail (Petoskey to Mackinaw City) now under development. Pledged donations will continue to be collected and used for the next phase of trail construction along Riggsville Road and East Burt Lake Road.

If you’d like to help make the Burt Lake Trail a reality sooner, rather than later, please make a tax deductible contribution to the Burt Lake Trail. Checks should be made out to: Top of Michigan Trails Council - Burt Lake Trail.

Print the Donation form below and mail it with your donation today!

Contribution Form

Contributions are tax deductible thanks to the Top of Michigan Trail Council, a 501(c)3 organization. If you have questions please contact any committee member or Burt Lake Trail Committee Chair, Steve Vorenkamp at stevevorenkamp@racc2000.com