RTC TrailBlog : michigan

In Michigan, Hart-Montague Trail to be Renamed for Bill Fields, Farmer and Rail-Trail Champion

Jake Lynch — Mon, 20 May 2013 16:30:00 GMT

The story of America's rail-trails is rich with characters like the late Bill Field. The Michigan farmer is known and loved by people in this state as the unstoppable force behind the creation of the Hart-Montague Trail State Park, one of the America's great rural rail-trails.

A big man with a booming voice and a presence that always made itself known in a room, Field visited the Elroy-Sparta State Trail in Wisconsin in the late 1970s and returned to Michigan determined to develop a trail through the abandoned railroad corridor that stretched from Hart to Montague, tracks that he grew up around.

The project became known as "Field's Folly." When Field (right) received no support from his fellow county officials for the rail-trail project, he took matters into his own hands, buying the property himself and donating the land, valued at $225,000, to the state.

Though many people laughed at "Field's Folly" then, no one is laughing now. The Hart-Montague Trail State Park is renowned by trail enthusiasts everywhere, and attracts thousands of visitors to the region each year.

So it is wonderful to see that the trail Field worked so hard for will now bear his name. Thanks to the efforts of Michigan State Senator Goeff Hansen (R-Hart.), legislation has been passed to rename the trail the William Field Memorial Hart-Montague Trail State Park. It is a fitting tribute to one of our nation's staunchest trail advocates, and a man who left a terrific legacy for the people of Michigan.

To learn more about Field's early struggles to build the trail, and the success it became, read Laura Stark's wonderful story on the Hart-Montague Trail State Park which was RTC's Trail of the Month for April.

Photo of Bill Field courtesy Joel Mikkelsen

Notice: Upcoming Railroad Abandonment in Branch and St. Joseph Counties, Michigan

Jake Lynch — Tue, 16 Oct 2012 16:00:00 GMT

RECEIVE RAILROAD ABANDONMENT NOTICES FOR YOUR STATE VIA E-MAIL

On or about September 19, 2012, Indiana Northeastern Railroad Company filed for the abandonment of 19.37 miles of track between Coldwater in Branch County, Michigan and Sturgis in St. Joseph County, Michigan. We are providing this information because it presents an opportunity to develop a real regional asset: a multi-use trail that can accommodate hikers, bikers, equestrians and other appropriate uses.

The STB has imposed a $200 filing fee for all railbanking requests. Entities filing a railbanking request may request a fee waiver or reduction, and government agencies will receive an automatic fee waiver. Throughout the process, make sure local government officials and citizen activists are kept informed of the project's progress. We also recommend contacting your state trails coordinator or your state bicycle/pedestrian coordinator.

Both of these individuals are knowledgeable about state laws and resources and may be able to assist your community with this rail-trail project. Also, you may want to contact the abandoning railroad to add your name to their service list.

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES AVAILABLE: RTC's Web site may provide valuable tools as you plan for a rail-trail, including how-to manuals, the Trail-Building Toolbox, our Publications Library and the Trails & Greenways Listserv for trail advocates and professionals. These resources can be found within the "Trail-Building" section of our Web site. If you take advantage of this information and other resources promptly, you will be well on your way to creating a successful rail-trail in your community. For more information, or if you decide to pursue railbanking, please contact Eric Oberg at eric@railstotrails.org.

Michigan Communities Eager to Support Planned Rail-Trail

Jake Lynch — Mon, 15 Oct 2012 16:30:00 GMT

In 1994, Michigan businessman Fred Meijer funded the purchase of the first rail-trail right-of-way in the state. That purchase became the Fred Meijer Heartland Trail (right), and since then, the philanthropy of the Meijer family has made possible one of the best trail networks in America.

The success and popularity of these trails has been the best vindication of Meijer's visionary support. A year after his death, Meijer's legacy continues to expand as the people and communities of Michigan carry on his belief that such trails represent a wise investment.

Right now, small communities in the mid-Michigan counties of Clinton, Ionia and Shiawassee are digging deep to help fund the planned 41.3-mile Fred Meijer Clinton-Ionia-Shiawassee (CIS) rail-trail (below). These communities have raised more than $180,000 to match a number of state and federal grants, with a number of municipalities pitching in far more than the amount requested of them by the state.

According to this story in the Sentinel Standard, smaller communities were asked to give a voluntary sum of $5,000 each to help support the trail system, with larger communities, including Ionia and St. Johns, asked to provide $25,000. In response, Ionia gave $50,000. Many other towns gave additional funds, too, conscious of the value of the trail and great value it brings to the area, improving not only the quality of life of existing residents, but its tourism potential and ability to attract new residents and businesses. Thanks to donations by local residents, the Friends of the Fred Meijer CIS Trail has also raised almost $50,000.

"It's important for them to participate," Michigan Department of Resources Trail Planning Specialist Annamarie Bauer told the Sentinel Standard. "The trail brings people to their communities and can help provide economic opportunities."

Photo of Fred Meijer Heartland Trail by RTC
Photo of CIS rail corridor courtesy www.cistrail.org

What Does MAP-21 Mean for My Trail Project?

Jake Lynch — Fri, 03 Aug 2012 16:48:00 GMT

As a national leader of the active transportation movement, Rails-to-Trails Conservancy (RTC) is well-placed to help trails, walking and bicycling advocates across the country understand what the new federal Transportation Bill means for projects and plans in their communities.

To that end, on Tuesday, July 31, we hosted the second of two webinars exploring the nuts and bolts of this legislation, MAP-21, and offering advice for local practitioners on how to encourage their state to make good use of the limited pot of funds available for trails, biking and walking.

Your response made it obvious that there is a huge amount of interest in the MAP-21 repercussions for active transportation. Almost 300 people took part in the interactive webinar, which featured:

Tracy Hadden Loh, director of the National Transportation Enhancements (TE) Clearinghouse and RTC Research Manager
Amber Thelen, the TE Program Coordinator for the Michigan Department of Transportation
Christopher Douwes, Trails and Enhancements Program Manager for the Federal Highway Administration.

The webinar was moderated by Erika Young, the transportation director for the National Association of Regional Councils.

If you missed out on the webinar, never fear. For full recordings of both webinars, downloadable slides, state-specific TMA maps and other resources, visit www.railstotrails.org/map21webinar. Transcripts of the Q&A sessions will also be available at this site in the coming days.

Michigan Reaps the Dividend of Growing Rail-Trail Network

Jake Lynch — Fri, 06 Apr 2012 17:33:00 GMT

At Rails-to-Trails Conservancy's (RTC) 25th Anniversary celebration last year, we recognized the trail-blazing achievements of Carolyn Kane and the late Fred Meijer, two Michiganders who during the past few decades have made a remarkable contribution to the development of America's rail-trail network.

Kane and Meijer would be the first to say it was an honor that should be shared with many in their state--for years Michigan has been a leader in building, maintaining and promoting trails, biking and walking. Driven by a number of strong and effective citizen advocacy and volunteer groups, and supported by proactive and farsighted local and state government agencies, Michigan is a model of how to get trails built, and how to maximize their benefits.

Michigan has the largest rail-trail system in America, with more than 2,300 miles. And they are well-used; there are more than 300 bike tours that criss-cross the state, enjoyed by more than 45,000 cyclists each year.

And, in a state that has had its share of economic struggles, this network of trails is proving itself to be a substantial and sustainable source of revenue.

A recent article in Bridge Magazine found that the bike tour business in Michigan is booming, built on the growing popularity of outdoor recreation vacations and the state's expansive rail-trail network.

Although a statistical review of trail users in Michigan has not yet been conducted, a 2010 University of Wisconsin study found that Wisconsin, which has about three-quarters the trail miles of Michigan, enjoyed more than $920 million in economic benefits due to bicycle recreation and tourism. Of that total, the study credited almost $540 million to out-of-state cyclists.

The Bridge article quotes Rich Moeller, executive director of the League of Michigan Bicyclists, as saying that the average household income of bicyclists is about $125,000 a year.

"They are people who have expendable income, and when they come to tour, they want to spend, and they do," Moller said. "(The) local community is seeing dollars from folks coming in from somewhere else. I think that attracting out-of-town folks to your community to spend dollars is always a good thing, whether they come from another state, country or just another town in Michigan."

Conscious of the importance of trails to the state's prosperity, Michigan continues to build. This June, the Top of Michigan Trails Council will open the North Eastern State Trail, a 70-mile rail-trail that passes through the Great Lakes region and connects to another long adventure, the 62-mile North Central State Trail (above).

"When it comes to trails, Michigan really gets it," says RTC's Karl Wirsing, who rode the North Central State Trail in 2008. "From the local advocates and businesses right up to the Department of Natural Resources and the funding agencies, it is amazing to see how much the state has been able to achieve. It is also great to see that investment returned, many times over, in terms of tourism dollars and quality of life assets for locals."

Photo of North Central State Trail courtesy of David Yates/traillink.com
Photo of Fred Meijer Heartland Trail by RTC.

Michigan Announces Funding for Two New Rail-Trail Projects

Jake Lynch — Wed, 29 Feb 2012 17:20:00 GMT

The farsighted vision of Fred Meijer continues to reap dividends for the people of Michigan.

When in 1994 Fred Meijer donated $265,000 to help purchase an out-of-service rail line in Greenville for what would one day become the Fred Meijer Heartland Trail, few would have imagined the broad network of trails it would inspire.

Since then, the Fred Meijer Trails Network has branched out from Michigan's lower peninsula to cover hundreds of miles and dozens of communities across the state. Their popularity as tourist attractions, recreational amenities and vital urban and rural connectors has been the catalyst for strong support for trails investment in the state, with residents, businesspeople and elected officials seeing firsthand the myriad benefits they bring.

That network looks set to expand further, with the great news earlier this month that the Michigan Natural Resource Trust Fund had awarded $300,000 to develop eight miles of paved rail-trail through the communities of Ovid, St. Johns, Fowler, Pewamo and Muir.

These eight miles are the first stage in what will eventually be the 41.3-mile Fred Meijer Clinton-Ionia-Shiawassee Trail (CIS). Such is the enthusiasm for trails in Michigan, plans are already afoot to link the CIS trail with the Fred Meijer Grand River Valley Trail, Fred Meijer Flat River Valley Trail and the Fred Meijer Heartland Trail to create a "super trail," allowing visitors to travel along three different rivers, through two state game areas, and through 16 towns and villages.

There was more great news for the people of Michigan with the announcement that a seven-mile rail-trail project connecting Bear Creek Township to Alanson in northern Michigan is likely to begin construction in 2012, thanks to a $942,000 federal Transportation Enhancement (TE) grant awarded by the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT).

When complete, the 10-foot-wide asphalt trail will provide a crucial connection to the popular Little Traverse Wheelway, which runs between Harbor Springs and Charlevoix.

One of the reasons Michigan has been able to build such a model trail network is MDOT's understanding of how TE represents terrific fiscal value for the state.

"This federal funding helps pay for improvements that make a real difference in economic development and quality of life," MDOT's state transportation director, Kirk T. Steudle, told the Petoskey News.

"Transportation enhancements like these make Michigan communities even more attractive to residents, visitors and business investors."

Photo of the Fred Meijer Heartland Trail courtesy of John Pearce/TrailLink.com.

Rail Corridor Acquisition a Key Link for Michigan Trails

Jake Lynch — Thu, 15 Dec 2011 18:30:00 GMT

Rail-trail advocates in Michigan are celebrating this week with news that the Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund (MNRTF) has recommended a $3,755,400 grant to acquire a section of out-of-service Coe Rail Line in Oakland County, about 35 miles northeast of Detroit.

In addition to the 33-acre parcel of rail corridor, the grant will also enable the Commerce, Walled Lake and Wixom Trailway Management Council, a joint effort of the three townships along the route, to purchase the Walled Lake Train Depot, with plans to convert the historical building into a visitor center or community gathering place.

It was third time lucky for the people of Oakland County, who had seen two previous applications for funding to purchase the land rejected.

The proposed Commerce, Walled Lake and Wixom Trailway would provide a valuable connection between two popular existing trails, linking the West Bloomfield Trail, in Bloomfield, and the Huron Valley Rail-Trail in Wixom.

The new trail would also fill another gap in the ambitious plan for a Great Lake to Lake Trail, formally known as the Michigan Airline Trail, a cross-state trail network utilizing Michigan's thousands of miles of rail-trail and other multi-use pathways.

Photos courtesy of Kristen Wiltfang/Oakland County

Early Warning System: Oakland County, Michigan Corridor Up for Abandonment

Lindsay Martin (RTC) — Mon, 18 Jul 2011 18:34:00 GMT

RECEIVE RAILROAD ABANDONMENT NOTICES FOR YOUR STATE VIA E-MAIL

On or about July 1, 2011, Michigan Air-Line Railroad Company filed for the abandonment of 5.45 miles of track in Oakland County, Michigan. The corridor runs westerly from Haggerty Road, ending just past N. Wixom Road. The filing states that the railroad wishes to "sell the right-of-way to an appropriate governmental entity for use as a recreational trail." We are providing this information because it presents an opportunity to develop a real regional asset: a multi-use trail that can accommodate hikers, bikers, equestrians and other appropriate uses.

NEXT STEPS: If this corridor is suitable for trail use, we strongly urge local trail advocates, or an appropriate local, regional or state agency or organization, to take action now. A "boiler plate" letter (found here) can be filed with the Surface Transportation Board (STB) and the abandoning railroad using STB docket number AB-1053 (sub-no. 2X). Filing this letter does not commit its authors to acquire the corridor; it merely gives time to develop a rail-trail proposal and undertake negotiations with the railroad. According to the information we have received, the deadline for filing this letter is August 10, 2011. Even if this deadline is missed, there is probably still time to contact the relevant parties, since the railroad may have experienced a delay in filing all of the paperwork, or the STB may still have jurisdiction over the corridor. However, it is important to take prompt action. The STB posts all abandonment decisions and filings on its Web site, including the complete filing for this corridor. More information on the rail corridor, including a map, can be found in this filing.

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES AVAILABLE: RTC's Web site may provide valuable tools as you plan for a rail-trail, including how-to manuals, the Trail-Building Toolbox, our Publications Library and the Trails & Greenways Listserv for trail advocates and professionals. These resources can be found within the "Trail-Building" section of our Web site. If you take advantage of this information and other resources promptly, you will be well on your way to creating a successful rail-trail in your community. For more information, or if you decide to pursue railbanking, please contact the Midwest Office of Rails-to-Trails Conservancy.

Detroit Trail Maintenance Project Celebrates Completion of Pilot, Looks to Future

Stephen Miller (RTC) — Fri, 22 Apr 2011 17:46:00 GMT

By Ruby Brunk

In 2010, the Community Foundation for Southeast Michigan, through its GreenWays Initiative, awarded a $147,433 grant to The Greening of Detroit for a pilot project focusing on the maintenance of local greenways. The resulting project not only kept targeted greenways maintained but also provided jobs and improved community trail usage and stewardship.

The Detroit Greenway Maintenance Pilot Project focused on Detroit’s Conner Creek, Southwest Detroit-Dearborn and Lyndon greenways. Before the season began, The Greening’s project manager met with partners from each site to go over specific maintenance details. The three greenways were split into manageable sections, and extensive maintenance surveys were conducted. The Greening developed work plans based on the surveys and kept careful records of all work performed. Four individuals were hired to make up the project’s maintenance crew. In addition to pre-season field orientations, the crew was given an overview on their work in the larger context of greenway development. Crew members also benefited from trainings on tool use, horticulture and landscaping throughout the season.

The regular presence of the crew, along with the work they accomplished, boosted morale on the greenway and increased community use and stewardship. Crewmembers reported on daily positive interactions, such as greenway users thanking them for their work or seeking them out to address additional maintenance issues. The community was further engaged by the project’s Growing Greener Detroit Series, which brought together Detroit residents, schools, churches and community organizations for events on the greenway. Partnerships with community centers and the dispersal of 3,000 promotional flyers were part of a concerted outreach effort, resulting in 316 youth and adults from 68 different organizations participating in day camps, tree walks, service days, horticulture workshops and other programming.

One of the goals of the Detroit Greenways Maintenance Pilot Project was to develop best practices for Detroit’s current and future greenways. On the Conner Creek, Southwest Detroit-Dearborn and Lyndon greenways, the success of the project is palpable. With the Detroit Greenways Coalition moving the city's trail network forward, this project should help inform the planning of other greenways in Detroit.

Photo: Detroit's Dequindre Cut Greenway by Flickr user Rex Roof.

Notice: Upcoming Railroad Abandonment in Oakland County, Michigan

Lindsay Martin (RTC) — Tue, 15 Feb 2011 17:15:00 GMT

RECEIVE RAILROAD ABANDONMENT NOTICES FOR YOUR STATE VIA E-MAIL

On or about January 28, 2011, Michigan Air-Line Railroad Company filed for the abandonment of 5.45 miles of track in Oakland County, Michigan. The corridor begins at Haggerty Road and runs west. The filing states that the railroad wishes to "sell the right-of-way to an appropriate governmental entity for use as a recreational trail." We are providing this information because it presents an opportunity to develop a real regional asset: a multi-use trail that can accommodate hikers, bikers, equestrians and other appropriate uses.

NEXT STEPS: If this corridor is suitable for trail use, we strongly urge local trail advocates, or an appropriate local, regional or state agency or organization, to take action now. A "boiler plate" letter (found here) can be filed with the Surface Transportation Board (STB) and the abandoning railroad using STB docket number AB-1053 (sub-no. 1X). Filing this letter does not commit its authors to acquire the corridor; it merely gives time to develop a rail-trail proposal and undertake negotiations with the railroad. According to the information we have received, the deadline for filing this letter is March 9, 2011. Even if this deadline is missed, there is probably still time to contact the relevant parties, since the railroad may have experienced a delay in filing all of the paperwork, or the STB may still have jurisdiction over the corridor. However, it is important to take prompt action. The STB posts all abandonment decisions and filings on its Web site, including the complete filing for this corridor. More information on the rail corridor, including a map, can be found in this filing.

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES AVAILABLE: RTC's Web site may provide valuable tools as you plan for a rail-trail, including how-to manuals, the Trail-Building Toolbox, our Publications Library and the Trails & Greenways Listserv for trail advocates and professionals. These resources can be found within the "Trail-Building" section of our website. If you take advantage of this information and other resources promptly, you will be well on your way to creating a successful rail-trail in your community. For more information, or if you decide to pursue railbanking, please contact the Midwest Office of Rails-to-Trails Conservancy.

Watch: Detroit's Public-Private Partnerships for Trails

Stephen Miller (RTC) — Tue, 18 Jan 2011 17:21:00 GMT

As part of the Detroit 2020 Project, WXYZ-TV took a look at the RiverWalk and the Dequindre Cut Greenway, two connecting trails created through public-private partnerships between the city of Detroit and the Detroit Riverfront Conservancy. As Blogroll member M-Bike.org points out, the Conservancy has taken the lead in the partnership, with staff dedicated to trail planning and maintenance.

On a related note, the Detroit Riverfront Conservancy is also looking for volunteers to serve as RiverWalk ambassadors. Detroit trail supporters are highly encouraged to get involved!

Notice: Upcoming Railroad Abandonment in Oakland County, Michigan

Kelly Pack (RTC) — Mon, 19 Jul 2010 15:27:00 GMT

RECEIVE RAILROAD ABANDONMENT NOTICES FOR YOUR STATE VIA E-MAIL

On or about July 8, 2010, Michigan Air-Line Railway Company (MAL Railway) filed for the abandonment of 2.37 miles of track in West Bloomfield Township, Oakland County, Michigan. According to the filing submitted to the Surface Transportation Board and referenced below, MAL Railway intends to negotiate a purchase sale with the Parks & Recreation Commission of West Bloomfield Township once the corridor is abandoned. Although railbanking may not be pursued in this instance, Rails-to-Trails Conservancy prepares notices of all upcoming railroad abandonments and provides information about railbanking as a service to local decision makers and trail advocates.

NEXT STEPS: If this corridor is suitable for trail use, we strongly urge local trail advocates, or an appropriate local, regional or state agency or organization, to take action now. A “boiler plate” letter (found here) can be filed with the Surface Transportation Board (STB) and the abandoning railroad using STB docket number AB-1053 (sub-no. 0x). Filing this letter does not commit its authors to acquire the corridor; it merely gives time to develop a rail-trail proposal and undertake negotiations with the railroad. According to the information we have received, the deadline for filing this letter is August 6, 2010. Even if this deadline is missed, there is probably still time to contact the relevant parties, since the railroad may have experienced a delay in filing all of the paperwork, or the STB may still have jurisdiction over the corridor. However, it is important to take prompt action. The STB posts all abandonment decisions and filings on its Web site, including the complete filing for this corridor. More information on the rail corridor, including a map, can be found in this filing.

The STB has imposed a $200 filing fee for all railbanking requests. Entities filing a railbanking request may request a fee waiver or reduction, and government agencies will receive an automatic fee waiver. Throughout the process, make sure local government officials and citizen activists are kept informed of the project’s progress. We also recommend contacting your state trails coordinator or your state bicycle/pedestrian coordinator.

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES AVAILABLE: RTC’s Web site may provide valuable tools as you plan for a rail-trail, including how-to manuals, the Trail-Building Toolbox, our Publications Library and the Trails & Greenways Listserv for trail advocates and professionals. These resources can be found within the Trail Building section of our Web site. If you take advantage of this information and other resources promptly, you will be well on your way to creating a successful rail-trail in your community. For more information, or if you decide to pursue railbanking, please contact the Midwest Regional Office of Rails-to-Trails Conservancy.

Watch: Michigan's Southern Links Trailway Opens

Stephen Miller (RTC) — Thu, 08 Jul 2010 15:14:00 GMT

From Michigan comes news of a trail opening for the Southern Links Trailway. A dream of trail advocate Lonnie Kester since 1998, the latest section of trail creates a continuous 10-mile paved link between Millington and Columbiaville. "It brings tears of joy to my eyes," Kester told WJRT-TV, which features some nice footage of trail users enjoying this new community asset.

Detroit's Midtown Loop Greenway and the Rise of the "Street Grid Greenway"

Stephen Miller (RTC) — Mon, 19 Apr 2010 19:52:00 GMT

Last week, Detroit broke ground on the Midtown Loop Greenway, a 1.8-mile route that connects educational and cultural attractions including the Detroit Science Center, the Detroit Institute of Arts, the Detroit Public Library, Wayne State University and numerous hospitals. Long-range plans for the Greenway include a connection to the Dequindre Cut Greenway, which will allow a seamless active transportation route between Midtown and the Detroit riverfront.

The Midtown Loop Greenway, like its ambitious cousin, the Indianapolis Cultural Trail, is an example of an on-street greenway that forms a middle ground between more traditional street infrastructure (such as sidewalks, sidepaths or cycle tracks) and separated shared-use paths, including rail-trails. While most rail-trails, like the Dequindre Cut Greenway, connect separate neighborhoods to each other, these "street grid greenways" help form an easily identifiable connective tissue between destinations within a district or neighborhood. With these projects, Detroit and other cities are providing examples to the nation of attractive active transportation facilities both to and within a neighborhood.

Does the Trail Cross the Road, or Does the Road Cross the Trail?

Stephen Miller (RTC) — Mon, 01 Feb 2010 18:18:00 GMT

View Larger Map

Crossings have been on the brain here lately. RTC Blogroll member M-Bike.org has been thinking about them, as well, and recently noticed (in a post that was picked up by Streetsblog) that newly installed solar-powered crosswalk signs at crossings along the Huron Valley Trail in Michigan have been less than successful in getting drivers to stop for trail users:

Their ineffectiveness may stem from their poor location outside of the driver’s view...Once the trees leaf out, it’s uncertain how much of the sign will even be visible... It should also be noted that these signs were installed on the wrong side of the trail. They should be on the right not the left. Their location is being changed. If we’re not mistaken, these were installed in the fall. Already a driver has taken one out. It’s being replaced.

The Katy Trail in Dallas is also having visibility problems with flashing-light crosswalk signs. But the problem with this Huron Valley Trail crossing goes beyond design; the signs include audio instructions that tell trail users to "remember to thank the driver as you are crossing the roadway." While a friendly wave is always nice, these crossing instructions leave the impression in the minds of trail users that they use the crosswalk only at the whim of drivers who allow them to cross. In fact, drivers must stop for crosswalk users. Not stopping is a violation of the law.

This road is scheduled to be rebuilt. Currently, it includes a center turning lane. With reconstruction, M-Bike.org sees an opportunity to include "bump outs, a refuge island, improved street lighting and zebra striping." These improvements could go a long way toward reversing the autos-first mentality at this intersection.