It looks like all is going well with a crowdfunding campaign active right now, which means the Marquette area bike trail network will be getting a long-awaited new trail.
The campaign, run through the state-of-Michigan-backed Patronicity crowdfunding platform, is run by the Noquemanon Trails Network along with the Michigan Economic Development Corporation. It has a goal of $7,500 by July 2 to help the NTN finish the Yellow Trail, in its second phase. That's part of the NTN's Yellow, or Carp River Loop, crossing the Carp River and winding around Marquette Mountain. The finished loop will be 10 to 15 miles of mixed intermediate and advanced trail; about four miles of it have already been finished and are in use. This second phase of the project will build between two and three miles of new singletrack trail near Marquette Mountain that will connect existing two-track trails.
The local crowdfunding project has to raise the money in order to receive a matching amount from the MEDC's Public Spaces Community Places grant program. Currently, the campaign is fully funded at just over $8,000, and any extra money will go to additional trail improvements, materials and signage.
"Hikers and bikers from across the country are drawn to the U.P.'s spectacular landscape and beautiful vistas," says Dan Gilmartin, CEO and Executive Director of the Michigan Municipal League. "By completing the next phase of Yellow Trail, Marquette is giving them even more reason to come and experience their unique community."
Writer: Kim Eggleston
Source: Michigan Municipal League
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