Since the beginning of Michigan’s trail movement 25 years ago three remarkable things have happened:
First, the popularity and need for trails has skyrocketed.
People in every corner of our state have embraced trails for fitness, reconnecting with nature, commuting, and for P
ure Michigan fun. They take to trails to explore Michigan’s lovely small towns that in turn have embraced trails as economic engines that deliver fresh tourism-related business. Simply put, trails build a community’s social capital and in towns across our state, trails that are community resources and a local treasure.
Second, Michigan has become the #1 trail state in America.
With 2,478 miles of non-motorized trails, we lead the country. Trails connect downtowns, schools, neighborhoods, shopping and cultural destinations and natural wonders. This has only been possible with your help, because getting trails planned, approved, funded and built is tough work. The Trails and Greenways Alliance has been on the front lines at hundreds of critical junctures with information, experience and knowledge to help local groups get the job done.
Finally, we are now on the verge of what is the most exciting trail news I have ever shared with you.
For the past two years we have been working to create Trail Route 1 – our first cross-state multi-use trail. The first Great Lake-to-Lake Trail will connect eleven existing trails between South Haven and Port Huron. It will be a monumental 240+-mile journey linking 78 communities along one beautifully imaginative route. It has the potential to attract thousands of users from across the state and across the nation. We have taken the first important steps toward its realization – identifying the route, beginning conversations with trail groups and towns along the way, and developing strategies to fill in the gaps between the existing trails. Just look at the Lake-to-Lake Trail vision poster. 
It has already inspired communities along this route to complete trail projects and to explore connections. But our next steps are impossible without your help. We must overcome obstacles including Interstate highway crossings, gaining the right of way through many easements, and creating continuous signage to guide visitors on this grand journey.
Why trails matter now more than ever.
This work is critical to Michigan’s economy, our revitalization, our health, and the very heart and soul of our state. Community leaders often turn to trails when demonstrating the “pride points” of their region. MTGA is working to make sure that trails are connected to other “pride points” and destinations of a community via on- or off-road non-motorized connections so that they are part of an overall bike/walk friendly network. Increasing local policies such as “complete streets” will help make these connections happen.
We continue to tell the trails story.
MTGA’s Connecting Michigan State Trails Vision and Action Plan continues to be our compass as we work with new partners to make user-friendly maps and integrated tourism connections so people can easily access online the information they need for their trails adventures. We are working with the Michigan Festivals and Events Association to make trails an integral part of events and festivals across the state. Our work with the Michigan Snowmobile and Trails Advisory Council is yielding new potential for marketing and coordination between trail user groups and Travel Michigan.
We are working to make sure that trails always get their fair share.
It takes innovative partnerships and funding strategies to build a trail, and then, to keep it maintained, exciting and fresh. Both rural and urban communities struggle to find these needed resources while at the same time their residents put trails at the top of their list of desired community amenities. MTGA is working with legislators on Senate Bill 555 that will introduce a Michigan Trails and Greenways license plate, providing a tangible way for the public to demonstrate their support. We are also working with key partners to ensure non-motorized transportation is prominently featured in state and federal appropriations for transportation. If we don’t win these battles, all the trails momentum will dwindle, leaving many pending trail connections incomplete. As a friend of Michigan trails, you don’t want to look back several years from now and dream of what could have been. We are on the verge of some big breakthroughs. At the same time, we are threatened by precipitous funding cuts at every level.
We need your help now more than ever.
Michigan’s trail system has certainly grown but we have so much more to accomplish. We must ensure critical connections are made and that the benefits of trails we all cherish and enjoy are realized throughout the state. Please show your support today with a generous contribution towards our work to establish the premiere interconnected statewide trail system in Michigan. We promise that every dollar will be put to great and splendid use.
Nancy Krupiarz
Executive Director
PS: Please open up the Great Lake-to-Lake Trails poster, take a look, and imagine what the future could look like. Then ask yourself if you can help us on this journey. Thank you for continuing support for Michigan trails.
The Active Living Detroit Mini-Grant Program awards mini-grants of up to $1000 to Detroiters developing sustainable projects and activities that 1) engage community residents, 2) build local ownership of Detroit neighborhoods and 3) create social and physical environments that promote active living and physical health.
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