Munising Bay Trail Network

Community Partners with Munising Visitors Bureau

MBTN Projects Update

October 12, 2016  /  Munising Bay Trail Network

MBTN News Update presented to Munising Visitors Bureau

  • Valley Spur Recreation Area – 12-13 mile loop is at the half way point of completion

    •  7miles built to date (6.5 complete, ready to ride)

      • Another ½ mile ready to be finished by volunteers

      • MBTN’s funds to build more trail are limited

    • USFS - 25 mile plan submitted for additional singletrack

      • NEPA evaluation is needed

      • Snow Bike route is being pursued for winter 2016/17 season

        • Grant(s) will need to be applied for to cover the cost of EA

           

  • Munising City Trails

    • 1.4 mile loop - singletrack rebuilt and rideable/volunteers are dealing with a sand issue –a lot was done earlier this season/another work bee tonight is planned to spread the rest of the clay/soil

  • bike park is near completion with the majority of the  funding provided by the Sault Tribe through the CDC –PICH (Partnerships to Improve Community Health) funds $36,000 was received. An additional $6,000 plus came from MBTN’s budget to cover housing for the crew and additional expenses (capping materials).  

  • Recreation Passport Grant 2017 (submitted)

  • Trust Fund grant 2017 (submitted)

    • Both grants were submitted to complete the bike park features by adding a flow trail and a pump track – only one will be awarded (if the project is chosen to be a recipient) (DNR would choose the best fit)

    • The matching funds will be covered by the City of Munising

      • $10k from MBTN from the money received from the cities budget for the damage (cities 2016 budget

      • $5k from the cities 2017 budget

         

  • DNR Trust fund Grant for Trailhead/parking/restrooms with a trail to the top of the hill1.6 mile loop has been shortened to slightly over 1 mile to deal with grade elevation issues for the universal access trail

    • Recipient of 2014 Trust fund Grant through the City of Munising

      • Received an email from Devin Olson on 10/7/2016 that preparations are being made to begin the trailhead parking area soon.

         

  • Rural Business Development Grant - submitted on February 28, 2016 – Project/purchase a trail building machine for MBTN

    • MBTN‘s grant application was awarded and we now have a brand new Kubota U17 in our possession–to be used for trail building in Alger County

      • MBTN’s match amount was $8000

      • Volunteers are training up on the equipment

         

  • MBTN Trail Kids Youth Program – A six week youth program was organized by MBTN volunteers beginning September 11th, with the last session taking place Sunday October 16.

    • Funding was obtained by Alger Regional Community Foundation & Superior Health Foundation – 38 youth are registered to date

      • 40 helmets purchased

      • 6 Trek mountain bikes purchased

Future Projects:

        • Connector Trail to link Hillside Trail to Valley Spur

          • New land owners have purchased the land adjacent to the City property

            • Hancock Rural Development Group (HRDG)  - initial contact was made to obtain a use permit for the bike park on top of Hillside – a permit was issued to the trail builder Landowski Trailworx,  Inc.

              • MBTN will contact HRDG to set up a meeting to discuss our options (Permanent easements, land purchase, etc.)

              • Land Acquisition Grants will need to be applied for once we know what we need – match amount will be determined at that time

            • NCTA – supports our efforts and would like to adopt the connector trail (once built) as part of the NCT to provide the through hikers (currently walking M94) an option to stay in the woods (and off from the highway) as they enter Munising.

               

  • IMBA Chapter Status is being pursued

    • MBTN is currently working on becoming an IMBA Chapter (currently club status) to gain recognition as a mountain bike community as well as open up additional avenues for events and fundraising opportunities.

 

MBTN Fundraising efforts continue

  • Pictured Rocks Road Race – June 26, 2016 (1st year with MBTN as race director)

    • Over 400 participants / $12,000 was raised for the trail network/2016

  • Cooking Carberry Pizza Sales/ $1,000

  • Grand Island Marathon Volunteers/ $700

  • T-shirt, sweatshirt, and pint glass sales / $300

  • Raffle – 4th of July drawing / $1,700