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		Points of View Mary Tuisku, Hancock City Councilwoman August 13, 2004 Guest Column © 2004 Mary Tuisku. Published with Permission. Photo © 2004 Keweenaw Now.

Recreational Trail Use

HANCOCK -- It was a sad day in Houghton County when the trains stopped running. For Hancock residents living near the tracks, the sound of train whistles and engines in the distance brought excitement and smiles as children ran to the windows and porches to wave to the conductors and engineers as the trains passed.

As the years passed and those wide-eyed children grew into adults, life along this railroad right of way also changed. The bi-weekly passing of trains has been replaced by constant dirt-bike, three- and four-wheeler and motocross bike traffic when there is no snow and by snowmobile traffic when there is adequate snow.

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources, in its effort to provide more recreational opportunities for residents and tourists alike, purchased the abandoned right of way. In the case of the trail through Hancock, it was designated an all-season recreational trail, which allows motorized recreational vehicles to use it year round.

The City of Houghton also has a trail within its city limits; however, motorized vehicles are not permitted to use it except during the winter. The trail in Houghton is a four-season trail, but what makes it attractive and neighborhood friendly is the way the city has designated it and marketed it for multiple use. When it is not being groomed for snowmobiles, walkers, joggers, runners, bicyclists, skaters, wheelchair users, etc., are able to use this beautiful trail without the fear of possibly being hit by a speeding ORV or motorcycle. Houghton has been named one of the most pedestrian friendly cities in the country due in part to the vision and commitment of its city leaders and their understanding of the importance of quality of life issues.

Across the bridge in Hancock, the conditions on the trail are much different. The DNR has created a monster, and the people living anywhere near the trail have been forced to surrender the serenity they used to cherish. In government jargon, the State of Michigan set forth another unfunded mandate. In other words, the state designated this trail as an all-season trail and has basically told Hancock to maintain and police it.

As municipal budgets get tighter and tighter, cities are already struggling just to provide basic services to their residents. The Michigan DNR set the speed limit at 10 mph and the Hancock Public Works Department posted signs. It is unfortunate that approximately 25% of the trail’s users have absolutely no respect for this law or the neighborhoods they pass through. It is unfortunate that this minority has given the majority of users a bad name. It is unfortunate that the police have to be called to deal with the problems on the trail, as they have enough other problems to deal with. It is unfortunate that the State of Michigan does not provide the money and equipment to deal properly with the offenders.

It is unfortunate that the basic human desire for reasonable peace and quiet can no longer be found in some of our previously quiet neighborhoods. It is unfortunate that some parents allow their children to disrupt other peoples lives and, even when told of their children’s behavior, refuse to do anything about it. It is unfortunate that responsible trail users have to worry about their safety. It is unfortunate that the DNR has the power to designate motorized trails through established neighborhoods without any input from the affected residents.

It is extremely unfortunate that a trail system that has such a positive economic effect in this region should have such a negative effect on those who live near it.

This is a huge problem which is not going to get any better unless people begin to demand action. The trails are owned by the State of Michigan, and the state should be held accountable. At this point in time, the state should change the classification of the west Hancock trail to non-motorized with the exception of snowmobiles in the winter as Houghton’s trail is. If this will not be done, then at least the portion of the trail within the city should be designated as trail access only with the state assuming the responsibility for enforcing a speed limit that recognizes and respects neighborhoods.

I doubt if there is a person living along the trail who would want to see this economic and recreational asset shut down. All we want is a little respect and reasonable peace and quiet.

Editor's Notes: Read more by Hancock City Councilwoman Mary Tuisku in her January 15, 2004, article, "To Residents of the City of Hancock." Read about Mary Tuisku and her community involvement. Views expressed by our guest columnists are not necessarily the views of Keweenaw Now.