MTGA Trails Toolkit

A presentation which gives an overview of the trail development process, including determining a trail route, creating a vision, advocacy, acquisition, and development.

Michigan’s current trail assets represent impressive progress toward completion of an interconnected state trail system serving motorized and non-motorized users.

To achieve an interconnected statewide system in a more systematic, focused, and efficient way, coordinated and concerted action at a statewide level among the many organizations pursuing trail development will be necessary.

Achieving the Governor’s vision will require connectivity in all its manifestations: infrastructure, financial, programmatic, stakeholder support, design and technical

Connecting Michigan is an especially proactive and broad-based initiative to identify and address the critical issues that are impeding Michigan’s progress on developing a statewide interconnected system of trailways and greenways. These treasured resources, so appealing to a wide array of interests, benefit Michigan communities and provide exceptional opportunities for various recreational pursuits, health and fitness, nonmotorized transportation, environmental enhancement, economic and educational benefits, and tourism. Today’s vision can be tomorrow’s reality.

This report done in 2006 and 2007 looks at types of maintenance activities for undeveloped trails, local connector trails and high-use developed trails. It documents types of activities, frequency, and cost of each activity.

A list of contacts and web links for Michigan trail advocates. If you know of a publication, photos or other information that you don’t see listed, contact Josh DeBruyn @ 517.335.2918 or Cindy Krupp @ 517.335.2923 for assistance. The publication may be available online or via the League of Michigan Bicyclists.