MARQUETTE, Mich. (WZMQ) – Celebrate Trails Day is April 25, hosted by the nation’s largest trail advocacy organization, Rails to Trails Conservancy (RTC). For the Iron Ore Heritage Trail (IOHT), it will be a day of trail advocacy.
While the celebration is a great opportunity to get outside and utilize these paths, the IOHT is making sure to also ask for support that doesn’t necessarily include using them this weekend.
“It’s really a day of awareness,” explained Iron Ore Heritage Recreation Authority Trail Administrator, Bob Hendrickson. “This is a really important year on a federal level, the national transportation bill is being reassembled, so we’re really encouraging people to reach out to their representatives at the state and federal levels to encourage continued funding to motorized and non-motorized trails.”
The Iron Ore Heritage Trail is known for its 47 miles of paved multi-use pathways through Marquette county, all while showcasing over 70 historic interpretations year-round. It’s volunteer clean-up and maintenance crews are currently working daily to renew its pathways for the drier season, and at this time, Hendrickson suggests certain trails should still be avoided.
“In the early spring, it’s best to use paved trails. Don’t go onto soft trails yet because that can cause indentations, which contribute to erosion problems,” he said.
As another way to get involved this weekend, residents are encouraged to connect with the trail’s adopt-a-mile program. This includes groups such as the Island Lake Crew, Negaunee & Ishpeming Lions, Connect Marquette, University of Michigan Alumni and Bell Hospital.
More information can be found by contacting ironoreheritage@gmail.com.
