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News from the Keweenaw Peninsula Posted Oct. 4, 2004 Text and map © 2004 Michigan Department of Natural Resources, courtesy Ann Wilson, DNR communications representative, Office of the Press Secretary, Marquette; Marty Nelson, DNR Baraga unit manager. Ronald Yesney, DNR West U.P. recreation specialist. Reprinted with permission. Photos © 2004 Keweenaw Now.

Keweenaw Point Advisory Committee recommendations, p. 3

Non-motorized

1. General Trail Development

• Partner with local experienced interest groups to design, develop and maintain network of non-motorized trails that will eventually interconnect with 'greater' Keweenaw trails (Copper Harbor System, Estivant Pines, and Horseshoe Harbor). Trails will offer high-quality user experiences and a variety of trail opportunities (terrain, difficulty, scenery, etc.) This "Hiking / Biking Paths of Keweenaw" partnership would be established by the MDNR to assist them in meeting yearly trail development goals. This kind of Cooperative effort has worked well in the development of the North Country Trail. The partnership would prevent budget restrictions from stalling progress.
  
• All trails will be developed with the enjoyment and safety of all non-motorized trail users in mind and built using sustainable methods. Preference will be given to using existing sections of trails, and separating non-motorized trails from motorized trails as feasible. Trails should be carefully planned as to minimize impact on environmentally sensitive areas. 

At the Aug. 17, 2004, KPAC meeting in Allouez, Dana Richter, far right, of Copper Country Audubon, points out wetlands and other environmentally sensitive areas in a report on minimum impact zones to be considered in locating motorized or non-motorized trails and campsites. (Photo by Michele Anderson)

• Non-motorized trails will be designated 'non-motorized multi-use' including but not-limited to hiking, walking, running, mountain biking, horseback riding, xc skiing, and snowshoeing. Terrain will dictate the type/level of non-motorized use while education and monitoring will help to mitigate conflict. Portions of trail are expected to follow roads/motorized routes (shared use) where terrain and sensitive areas limit new trail options.
  
• Non-motorized trails will also include the already developed Keweenaw Water Trail (kayak, canoe, etc.) 

• Primary trail will be a 'shoreline trail' that begins on the Mandan Road near the intersection of Mandan Rd and Montreal River. The trail will generally parallel Montreal River to the mouth, then head east paralleling shoreline around the tip of the Keweenaw to Schlatter Lake, then northwest towards Horseshoe Harbor and finally reconnecting with Mandan Road. 

   

  At the Aug. 3, 2004 KPAC meeting in the Mohawk School, Sam Raymond, left, standing, and Lori Hauswirth, standing near map, present their recommendations for non-motorized trails. Seated at far right is Marty Nelson, Baraga DNR, who provided digitized maps for the committee. (Keweenaw Now file photo by Michele Anderson)

  • Primary trail will include connector trails as needed to control points including: parking areas, campsites and scenic locations (Montreal Falls, Mouth of the Montreal, Fish Cove, Keystone Bay, High Rock, etc.)
    
  • Additional, less strenuous, 'short' loops should be developed that allow for 'mini-adventures' from specific trailheads where feasible (Schlatter Lake and Hoar Lake). 
    
  • Continue promotion of already developed Keweenaw Water Trail with identification of water-accessible only primitive campsites at Fish Cove west, Keystone Point, and south of High Rock Bay.

     

    Map showing proposed non-motorized trails. Click on map for bigger map. (Map © 2004 Michigan DNR and courtesy Marty Nelson, Baraga DNR office, and Ann Wilson, DNR communications representative, Office of the Press Secretary, Marquette.)

    3. Trailheads and Signage

    • Trailheads should be identified at accessible locations along Mandan Road, at Keystone Bay, and near Schlatter Lake. Additional future network trailheads that would allow access could include: Copper Harbor, Keweenaw Mtn. Lodge, and Estivant Pines. 
      
    • Develop a "Hiking / Biking Paths of Keweenaw " logo and trail sign design concept to compliment the rustic State Forest trail signage (Local graphic designers would enjoy the challenge to develop such a program at N/C.) Signage should be kept to a minimum while providing both direction and confidence to users. 

    4. Access
    

    • Easements (or land purchase) may be needed at Keystone Bay, Tip of Keweenaw and north of Schlatter Lake to develop recommended direct trail routes but second option would be to work around current private parcels as necessary. 
      
    • Obtain trail easements (or land purchase) for connecting trail from Estivant Pines (to Mandan Rd). Work with Nature Conservancy to incorporate Horseshoe Harbor Road into system. 
      

    Go to KPAC Recommendations, p. 4, Public Access

    Return to KPAC Recommendations, p. 1, Camping

    Return to KPAC Recommendations, p. 2, Maintenance and Enforcement; Motorized Trails

*Editor's note: Keweenaw Now is providing this Michigan Department of Natural Resources information as a public service.