A grant application for development of a 5-mile extension of the Iron Ore Heritage Trail to Lakenenland in Chocolay Township, shown above, will be part of public hearings being conducted by the Iron Ore Heritage Recreation Authority at 4:30 p,m, today at the Ishpeming Senior Center. (Submitted photo)
ISHPEMING — The Iron Ore Heritage Recreation Authority will be holding public hearings at its regularly scheduled board meeting at 4:30 p.m. today at the Ishpeming Senior Center on two Michigan Natural Resource Trust Fund Applications.
The first application is for a proposed land acquisition grant of 176 acres in Marquette and Negaunee Township. The second grant application is for the development of a 5-mile extension of the IOHT to Lakeneland in Chocolay Township.
The IOHRA will be submitting a Michigan Natural Resource Trust Fund application for acquisition of 176 acres from the Koski Family Trust who have owned the property for 80 years. The property abuts the IOHT near the LS&I overpass in Negaunee Township and will open up this private land to public use., specifically a single track park for hikers, mountain bikers, snowshoers, and fat tire bikers, looking for a more intimate experience with the land. Fishing would also be available at the Bishop Creek that runs through the property. The land features beautiful vistas of Lake Superior and the Huron Mountains, rocky outcrops, and a wooded refuge near new subdivisions.
The IOHRA will also be submitting a Michigan Natural Resource Trust Fund application for development of a 5-mile non-motorized trail extension from Kawbawgam Road to Lakenenland in Chocolay Township.
Don Britton noted, “The Lakenenland connection is in our 2018 Recreation Plan and we are excited to finally get to this project. We would build a 12′ wide, limestone type trail within the Soo Line State owned corridor to provide a connection to the highly popular metal art sculpture park. This would allow a safer and accessible trail for walkers, bikers, snow bikers, and wheel chair users. IOHT users would have a new destination while Chocolay neighborhoods would have easier access to Lakenenland.”
For more information on the grants, visit ironoreheritage.com/news. To comment, attend the meeting in person or through Zoom, https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84406701633, Meeting ID 844 0670 1633 and Passcode 310735, email ironorheritage@gmail.com before March 24 or mail your comments to 102 W. Washington, #232, Marquette MI 49855.