News

Traverse City Track Club Offers Challenge Match for Trail

Posted on | by sbtrail

We are pleased to announce that the Traverse City Track Club issued a $25,000 challenge match for the Sleeping Bear Heritage Trail. The trail campaign has a goal to raise $200,000 to begin constructing the next four-mile segment from the Dune Climb to Empire in 2013. There will be a bonus of $5000 if the goal is met before December 31st.

Karen Wells, the TC Track Club board president, shared her enthusiasm for the project, “The TC Track Club is very proud to be able to contribute to our community and the continuing development of the Sleeping Bear Heritage Trail. We value the phenomenal trail systems we have in our five county region, and the Sleeping Bear Heritage Trail will further enhance recreation for locals and visitors to our community.”

Julie Clark, TART Trails Executive Director, is excited about the impact the grant will have on fundraising. “This summer so many people had a chance to enjoy the trail. Trail surveys done show that visitors’ number one request was the development of more trail. To keep trail construction moving forward, we need to hit this fundraising target. The challenge is a great way to get people excited about the impact of their gift. We’re grateful for the Club’s commitment to trail development in the region.”

The permanent donor plaza to be constructed at the base of the Dune Climb will recognize donors of $1,000 to the Sleeping Bear Heritage Trail. Well-known local artist Glenn Wolff created an illustrated map of the trail and donors of $5,000 or more will receive a limited edition signed print.

Donations may be made online at www.sleepingbeartrail.org, or by contacting Pam Darling, Development Director of TART Trails, at 231.941.4300.

Sleeping Bear Heritage Trail receives $1.62 million

Posted on | by sbtrail

We are proud to announce that the Federal Department of Transportation 2012 Public Lands Highway Discretionary (PLHD) program has awarded $1.62 million for the Sleeping Bear Heritage Trail. The PLHD funds will be used to construct 3.17 miles of the trail starting at Port Oneida Road and ending at Leelanau County Road 669/Bohemian Road.

“The trail partners and supporters are very thankful for this grant award to continue towards expanding the trail,” said Patty O’Donnell of the Northwest Michigan Council of Governments, project manager for the SBHT. “The award recognizes that the SBHT will provide a meaningful transportation alternative for residents and visitors, as well as an outstanding recreational opportunity for all users, that is being demonstrated on the first completed section from the National Lakeshore’s Dune Climb to Glen Arbor.”

National Lakeshore Superintendent Dusty Shultz noted that the grant award will help to extend the already-popular trail to more areas of the park as planned. “So many visitors have complimented us on the SBHT between the Dune Climb and Glen Arbor,” said Shultz. “A concern we do hear often is that the trail is too short; however, thanks to this grant, visitors will be provided the added opportunity for a longer visit on the trail, to new and interesting areas of the park.”

The PLHD program provides funding for transportation planning, research, and engineering and construction of highways, roads, parkways, and transit facilities that are within, adjacent to, or provide access to federal public lands which includes national parks, refuges, forests, recreation areas, and grasslands.