Despite facing a lawsuit, the Petoskey City Council said April 20 it’s committed to holding on to two easements that grant public access to the Little Traverse Wheelway. A portion of the trail collapsed in 2020 and a landowner couple is suing the city for not repairing the section on their land, which remains damaged and closed to the public.
(Ed. Note: This story was originally published by Bridge Michigan, a nonprofit and nonpartisan news organization. Visit the newsroom online: bridgemi.com.)
By Laura Herberg
Bridge Michigan
Some residents are praising the Petoskey City Council after it committed April 20 to maintaining public access to portions of the Little Traverse Wheelway, a trail that runs 26 miles from Harbor Springs to Charlevoix.
Parts of “the Miracle Mile,” a scenic stretch of the trail that borders Lake Michigan, showed signs of erosion in 2019 and collapsed in 2020 after lake levels rose. It has been closed ever since.
A landowner couple, Gustav and Courtney Lo, sued the city in August, saying they wanted the city to release two easements on their property that granted public access to the trail because the city had not maintained the trail.
Petoskey City Manager Shane Horn told Bridge Michigan earlier this month that a proposed settlement was constructed by the city attorney and the Los’ attorney. Gustav Lo told Bridge the agreement gave the city a year to obtain millions of dollars and landowner permission to initiate repairing the trail. If the city accepted the agreement and did not meet the demands, it would have had to release the two easements on the Los property, giving up public access to that portion of the trail.
The council discussed the situation during a closed session at its meeting Monday. Afterward, Mayor John Murphy read the following statement:
“It’s the city council’s intention to preserve the easements of the trail. The city council has authorized the city attorney to continue in discussions with the Los with a goal, with the intent to preserve existing easements while addressing the Los’ concerns.”
Three public commenters spoke. They each praised the decision.
“I cannot tell you how grateful I am (for) what the council has said here tonight,” said Petoskey resident John Rohe. “Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.”
Gustav Lo was not as celebratory.
“It sounds like they are no longer interested in pursuing the offer that was made a few weeks ago,” he told Bridge.
Petoskey City Councilmember Joseph Nachtrab, who represents the ward that includes the damaged trail, told Bridge the proposed settlement was not presented to the council during closed session. He said the only proposed settlement agreement that had been formally presented to the council was one discussed at a March 2 council meeting that said that, if Petoskey released its easements with the Los, they would drop their lawsuit.
The construction firm Baird & Associates told the city in 2024 that repairing the trail would cost $20 million. The council was also under the impression that it would need to seek easements and permission from several landowners to move forward with repairs.
For those reasons, at the March 2 meeting, Nachtrab initially motioned to accept the agreement. He then withdrew the motion after public commenters said they thought the city would be making a mistake.
Nachtrab said he’s now questioning exactly what kind of new or modified easements the city would need to move forward with repairs.
Nachtrab said he fully supports the statement read on April 20.
“That trail, that easement section is absolutely … it’s amazing,” he said. “If there’s any way that we can come up with some solution, some project, some scope, that we could put the trail back up, that is reasonably protected from erosion, I think we need to try to preserve that.”
Gustav Lo said he would look at what the city puts on the table next.
“We’ll see what they have in mind now,” he said.
By Laura Herberg
Bridge Michigan
Some residents are praising the Petoskey City Council after it committed April 20 to maintaining public access to portions of the Little Traverse Wheelway, a trail that runs 26 miles from Harbor Springs to Charlevoix.
Parts of “the Miracle Mile,” a scenic stretch of the trail that borders Lake Michigan, showed signs of erosion in 2019 and collapsed in 2020 after lake levels rose. It has been closed ever since.
A landowner couple, Gustav and Courtney Lo, sued the city in August, saying they wanted the city to release two easements on their property that granted public access to the trail because the city had not maintained the trail.
Petoskey City Manager Shane Horn told Bridge Michigan earlier this month that a proposed settlement was constructed by the city attorney and the Los’ attorney. Gustav Lo told Bridge the agreement gave the city a year to obtain millions of dollars and landowner permission to initiate repairing the trail. If the city accepted the agreement and did not meet the demands, it would have had to release the two easements on the Los property, giving up public access to that portion of the trail.
The council discussed the situation during a closed session at its meeting Monday. Afterward, Mayor John Murphy read the following statement:
“It’s the city council’s intention to preserve the easements of the trail. The city council has authorized the city attorney to continue in discussions with the Los with a goal, with the intent to preserve existing easements while addressing the Los’ concerns.”
Three public commenters spoke. They each praised the decision.
“I cannot tell you how grateful I am (for) what the council has said here tonight,” said Petoskey resident John Rohe. “Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.”
Gustav Lo was not as celebratory.
“It sounds like they are no longer interested in pursuing the offer that was made a few weeks ago,” he told Bridge.
Petoskey City Councilmember Joseph Nachtrab, who represents the ward that includes the damaged trail, told Bridge the proposed settlement was not presented to the council during closed session. He said the only proposed settlement agreement that had been formally presented to the council was one discussed at a March 2 council meeting that said that, if Petoskey released its easements with the Los, they would drop their lawsuit.
The construction firm Baird & Associates told the city in 2024 that repairing the trail would cost $20 million. The council was also under the impression that it would need to seek easements and permission from several landowners to move forward with repairs.
For those reasons, at the March 2 meeting, Nachtrab initially motioned to accept the agreement. He then withdrew the motion after public commenters said they thought the city would be making a mistake.
Nachtrab said he’s now questioning exactly what kind of new or modified easements the city would need to move forward with repairs.
Nachtrab said he fully supports the statement read on April 20.
“That trail, that easement section is absolutely … it’s amazing,” he said. “If there’s any way that we can come up with some solution, some project, some scope, that we could put the trail back up, that is reasonably protected from erosion, I think we need to try to preserve that.”
Gustav Lo said he would look at what the city puts on the table next.
“We’ll see what they have in mind now,” he said.
Tips of the Trade When Hunting Turkeys or Catching Walleye
Jack Payne shows off a couple of walleye.
Photo credit Jack Payne
By Jack Payne
Daybreak came late on Saturday, opening day of my turkey season. A misty rain greeted me before I left my truck, and It was hanging around.
Five toms flew down from the roost and were strutting on the ridge bordering the pines. I tried aggressive and frequent calling.
Two toms were slowly making their way to me when three more birds dropped from their roost. All three landed 10 yards behind me. I knew one was a hen, but was unsure about the other two.
The two toms were just over 60 yards out. Do I dare peek over the deadfall where my back was resting? I did, and a hen was five yards away. We made eye contact, she started the putt-putt routine, and the game was over. I failed to follow my rule about patience.
We spent parts of three days earlier in the week on the Detroit River. What a gas of a good time we had. Started fishing a new spot at 1 p.m.; a downpour started at 1:45. At 3 p.m., we had our limit, and a boat with a bilge pump failure. Time to head in.
Folks, we used our side scan. Some graphs didn't come with the side-scan transducer, but they can be purchased. Less than $200. With a side scan, we can search a path 80 feet on each side of the boat.
Bottom-hugging fish throw a shadow, and suspended fish, and at times bottom fish, look like a piece of white rice. We set our drifts up so that we could drift over as many tightly packed pods of fish as possible.
When we hit the pod, doubles were common, and even a triple was caught. Side scan is super easy to master. Watch two or three short videos, and it will come together quickly.
The second morning, just as we completed our limit, a dense fog rolled in. We were eight miles from the dock. Every graph sold in the past decade and maybe before that, has some pre-loaded chart or mapping.
Please use your menu button and find it.
The chart on my graph showed where we started, the shipping channel, and every channel marking buoy. The fog was spotty. As we ran across the vast expanses of the river, we hit pockets of cold air and then warm air. At these temperature changes, the fog was at its thickest.
Following the pointer led us directly to the dock. Using your chart screen creates a sense of calmness during a time when panic could seep in.
I also color-code the depths on my chart screen. One color for depths of four feet and less. Another for depths between four and 12 feet. A third color for the rest. White is a default color when a shipping channel is present.
Friday morning greeted us with a fog that was a mixture of peanut butter and pea soup. Fifty feet was the maximum distance, though it was less at times. It took us 25 minutes to reach a spot that we normally reached in five.
Sunday morning, my butt was placed against a fallen tree one hour before the birds started waking up. As the woods woke up, toms started gobbling in the trees. This lasted for 30 minutes. Then slowly, one bird after another flopped down to the ground. Six toms strutting around, six toms that drifted in the opposite direction.
First thoughts were to give chase. Common sense said wait for the hens to drop down. A good 15 minutes after the toms dropped down, the hens started gliding to the forest floor.
One tom reversed direction and worked his way toward me. It took this bird 48 minutes to cover the last 20 yards. He walked behind some boulders, showing only his head, and he was well within range. Then he would walk away just out of range. Forty-eight minutes of this game before a load of pellets smacked him in the face. Patience and very minimal calling did the trick.
Stop in at Bob's Gun and Tackle Shop for any outdoor products.
Daybreak came late on Saturday, opening day of my turkey season. A misty rain greeted me before I left my truck, and It was hanging around.
Five toms flew down from the roost and were strutting on the ridge bordering the pines. I tried aggressive and frequent calling.
Two toms were slowly making their way to me when three more birds dropped from their roost. All three landed 10 yards behind me. I knew one was a hen, but was unsure about the other two.
The two toms were just over 60 yards out. Do I dare peek over the deadfall where my back was resting? I did, and a hen was five yards away. We made eye contact, she started the putt-putt routine, and the game was over. I failed to follow my rule about patience.
We spent parts of three days earlier in the week on the Detroit River. What a gas of a good time we had. Started fishing a new spot at 1 p.m.; a downpour started at 1:45. At 3 p.m., we had our limit, and a boat with a bilge pump failure. Time to head in.
Folks, we used our side scan. Some graphs didn't come with the side-scan transducer, but they can be purchased. Less than $200. With a side scan, we can search a path 80 feet on each side of the boat.
Bottom-hugging fish throw a shadow, and suspended fish, and at times bottom fish, look like a piece of white rice. We set our drifts up so that we could drift over as many tightly packed pods of fish as possible.
When we hit the pod, doubles were common, and even a triple was caught. Side scan is super easy to master. Watch two or three short videos, and it will come together quickly.
The second morning, just as we completed our limit, a dense fog rolled in. We were eight miles from the dock. Every graph sold in the past decade and maybe before that, has some pre-loaded chart or mapping.
Please use your menu button and find it.
The chart on my graph showed where we started, the shipping channel, and every channel marking buoy. The fog was spotty. As we ran across the vast expanses of the river, we hit pockets of cold air and then warm air. At these temperature changes, the fog was at its thickest.
Following the pointer led us directly to the dock. Using your chart screen creates a sense of calmness during a time when panic could seep in.
I also color-code the depths on my chart screen. One color for depths of four feet and less. Another for depths between four and 12 feet. A third color for the rest. White is a default color when a shipping channel is present.
Friday morning greeted us with a fog that was a mixture of peanut butter and pea soup. Fifty feet was the maximum distance, though it was less at times. It took us 25 minutes to reach a spot that we normally reached in five.
Sunday morning, my butt was placed against a fallen tree one hour before the birds started waking up. As the woods woke up, toms started gobbling in the trees. This lasted for 30 minutes. Then slowly, one bird after another flopped down to the ground. Six toms strutting around, six toms that drifted in the opposite direction.
First thoughts were to give chase. Common sense said wait for the hens to drop down. A good 15 minutes after the toms dropped down, the hens started gliding to the forest floor.
One tom reversed direction and worked his way toward me. It took this bird 48 minutes to cover the last 20 yards. He walked behind some boulders, showing only his head, and he was well within range. Then he would walk away just out of range. Forty-eight minutes of this game before a load of pellets smacked him in the face. Patience and very minimal calling did the trick.
Stop in at Bob's Gun and Tackle Shop for any outdoor products.
Invasive Balsam Woolly Adelgid Detected in Roscommon County
Balsam woolly adelgid, a tiny, sap-feeding insect that attacks true fir trees, has been detected at the Backus Creek State Game Area in Roscommon County.
The Michigan departments of Agriculture and Rural Development and Natural Resources have been managing isolated balsam woolly adelgid infestations in Clare, Missaukee and Oceana counties since 2023. A small infestation found in Kent County in 2021 is believed to be eradicated.
The DNR manages the 4,378-acre Backus Creek SGA, located east of Houghton Lake, for forestry and wildlife including waterfowl, upland game birds and deer, and the area is widely used by hunters.
Signs of a potential infestation were noted by a DNR forest technician in early March while conducting initial preparations for a prescribed harvest planned for 2028 to 2030.
An insect sample was sent to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, then forwarded to Smithsonian Institution’s National Museum of Natural History, which provided final verification in late March.
—————
Why be concerned?
In Michigan, balsam woolly adelgid can infest species in the fir genus including balsam, Fraser and concolor (white) fir. The insect cannot feed on other trees or plants.
The pest is on Michigan’s Invasive Species Watch List because persistent infestation weakens trees, kills branches and slowly causes trees to decline or die.
Symptoms of balsam woolly adelgid infestation include:
• Tiny, 1-to-2-millimeter, white, woolly tufts on the lower trunk of the tree and possibly on large branches.
• Swelling and distortion of the twigs, commonly called “gout.”
• Flagging – a branch or branches that turn brick-red and die.
• Tree crowns that become narrow and misshapen with few needles.
—————
What is being done?
Forestry and Invasive Species Program staff from DNR and MDARD conducted a grid survey of the area surrounding the initial detection and identified several other pockets of balsam fir with light to medium balsam woolly adelgid infestation within the game area.
Survey efforts will continue for a short time until balsam woolly adelgid eggs hatch and begin their crawler, or mobile, stage, when accidental movement on people, gear and vehicles is possible. Surveys will resume in the winter when the insect is no longer active.
In Roscommon County, thus far the insect has only been detected on DNR property. If the survey area expands to include private property in the vicinity, owners will be contacted beforehand to request permission to inspect the fir trees on the properties.
An MDARD quarantine now regulates the movement of all true fir (Abies species) within and outside of defined regulated areas in Michigan. As of 2024, regulated areas include parts of Clare, Missaukee and Osceola counties.
An MDARD external quarantine regulating the movement of potentially infested nursery stock from areas in North America with known infestations has been in effect since 2014.
Landowners, land managers and those who frequent the outdoors are encouraged to look for and report signs of balsam woolly adelgid. The fuzzy white ovisacs are most visible in the winter months. Adelgids are in the crawler stage in spring and summer, so anyone finding suspected infestations should clean clothing and gear as soon as possible to avoid spreading the insect to new areas.
Balsam woolly adelgid can be introduced on infested nursery stock, Christmas trees, firewood or tree products. Though the insects don't move far on their own, they can be carried by wind, wildlife, humans or vehicles to new locations.
• Don’t move firewood: Buy firewood at or near your destination to prevent the spread of invasive insects and diseases.
• Play, Clean, Go: After visiting Michigan’s forests and trails, take time to clean your vehicle, clothing and gear before traveling to a new location.
Reports can be made using the Midwest Invasive Species Information Network (MISIN) reporting tool or the MISIN smartphone app or by emailing photos and location information to MDA-Info@Michigan.gov.
The Michigan departments of Agriculture and Rural Development and Natural Resources have been managing isolated balsam woolly adelgid infestations in Clare, Missaukee and Oceana counties since 2023. A small infestation found in Kent County in 2021 is believed to be eradicated.
The DNR manages the 4,378-acre Backus Creek SGA, located east of Houghton Lake, for forestry and wildlife including waterfowl, upland game birds and deer, and the area is widely used by hunters.
Signs of a potential infestation were noted by a DNR forest technician in early March while conducting initial preparations for a prescribed harvest planned for 2028 to 2030.
An insect sample was sent to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, then forwarded to Smithsonian Institution’s National Museum of Natural History, which provided final verification in late March.
—————
Why be concerned?
In Michigan, balsam woolly adelgid can infest species in the fir genus including balsam, Fraser and concolor (white) fir. The insect cannot feed on other trees or plants.
The pest is on Michigan’s Invasive Species Watch List because persistent infestation weakens trees, kills branches and slowly causes trees to decline or die.
Symptoms of balsam woolly adelgid infestation include:
• Tiny, 1-to-2-millimeter, white, woolly tufts on the lower trunk of the tree and possibly on large branches.
• Swelling and distortion of the twigs, commonly called “gout.”
• Flagging – a branch or branches that turn brick-red and die.
• Tree crowns that become narrow and misshapen with few needles.
—————
What is being done?
Forestry and Invasive Species Program staff from DNR and MDARD conducted a grid survey of the area surrounding the initial detection and identified several other pockets of balsam fir with light to medium balsam woolly adelgid infestation within the game area.
Survey efforts will continue for a short time until balsam woolly adelgid eggs hatch and begin their crawler, or mobile, stage, when accidental movement on people, gear and vehicles is possible. Surveys will resume in the winter when the insect is no longer active.
In Roscommon County, thus far the insect has only been detected on DNR property. If the survey area expands to include private property in the vicinity, owners will be contacted beforehand to request permission to inspect the fir trees on the properties.
An MDARD quarantine now regulates the movement of all true fir (Abies species) within and outside of defined regulated areas in Michigan. As of 2024, regulated areas include parts of Clare, Missaukee and Osceola counties.
An MDARD external quarantine regulating the movement of potentially infested nursery stock from areas in North America with known infestations has been in effect since 2014.
Landowners, land managers and those who frequent the outdoors are encouraged to look for and report signs of balsam woolly adelgid. The fuzzy white ovisacs are most visible in the winter months. Adelgids are in the crawler stage in spring and summer, so anyone finding suspected infestations should clean clothing and gear as soon as possible to avoid spreading the insect to new areas.
Balsam woolly adelgid can be introduced on infested nursery stock, Christmas trees, firewood or tree products. Though the insects don't move far on their own, they can be carried by wind, wildlife, humans or vehicles to new locations.
• Don’t move firewood: Buy firewood at or near your destination to prevent the spread of invasive insects and diseases.
• Play, Clean, Go: After visiting Michigan’s forests and trails, take time to clean your vehicle, clothing and gear before traveling to a new location.
Reports can be made using the Midwest Invasive Species Information Network (MISIN) reporting tool or the MISIN smartphone app or by emailing photos and location information to MDA-Info@Michigan.gov.
Renewing Your Lawn For Spring
By Melinda Myers
Spring is a time of renewal in our landscapes, but a weather-worn lawn may need your help to regain its health and beauty. Overseeding thin and sparse lawns can help jump start your way to an attractive lawn that’s better able to outcompete the weeds.
Keep in mind water is critical to get newly seeded and overseeded lawns to establish and survive. So be prepared to help nature along with your lawn’s recovery.
Have the soil tested as you get started. Your University Extension service may have a soil testing lab or can recommend a reliable one. The test report will tell you how much fertilizer is needed, if any. This can also help you determine if fertilization or nutrient deficiencies are the cause of your lawn’s decline.
Mow the lawn shorter than normal, 1½ to 2 inches, and remove the clippings and any other debris by sweeping or raking. This helps expose the soil, allowing the seeds to reach the soil for better seed-to-soil contact needed for sprouting.
Remove thatch, the layer of dead grass at the soil surface. This also increases the seed-to-soil contact when overseeding the lawn. A vertical mower, power rake or other type of dethatching equipment is usually needed to manage this task.
Core aeration is another way to increase success when overseeding a lawn, especially on compacted soil. Core aeration removes plugs of soil, creating holes in the lawn to allow water and fertilizer to reach the soil and plant roots. These holes also provide an excellent environment for seeds to sprout and grow. Make three to four passes to ensure enough holes for adequate seed-to-soil contact. The process is easier and most effective when the soil is slightly moist.
Select a grass seed mix suited to your growing conditions. Kentucky bluegrass is the popular lawn grass for this part of the country. It is cold tolerant, thrives in cool weather, goes dormant during extended drought but greens up once rainfall returns.
Consider using one of the coated grass seeds like Outsidepride’s Kentucky bluegrass with OptiGrowth (outsidepride.com) to increase your success. Its natural coating provides uniform size for easier spreading; the red color allows you to see where it’s been applied and the added weight helps the seed reach the soil surface. This natural water absorbing coating makes it more forgiving if you miss a watering.
Use a spreader to sow the seeds and gently water after planting and often enough to keep the soil and seed slightly moist. You will likely need to water at least once - and possibly several times - a day as temperatures rise.
Continue to mow the lawn slightly shorter than normal, about half the recommended height, to reduce competition with the seedlings. Be patient as it generally takes anywhere from 3 to 4 weeks for bluegrass seeds to germinate. Once the seedlings grow that tall, gradually begin increasing the mowing height until you reach the recommended 3 to 3-1/2 inches for your Kentucky bluegrass lawn.
With proper maintenance and a bit of cooperation from nature you can help transform your lawn from an eyesore to an asset in your landscape.
—————
Melinda Myers has written more than 20 gardening books, including the Midwest Gardener’s Handbook, 2nd Edition and Small Space Gardening. She hosts The Great Courses “How to Grow Anything” instant video series and the nationally syndicated Melinda’s Garden Moment radio program. Myers is a columnist and contributing editor for Birds & Blooms magazine and was commissioned by Outsidepride for her expertise to write this article. Myers’ website is MelindaMyers.com.
Spring is a time of renewal in our landscapes, but a weather-worn lawn may need your help to regain its health and beauty. Overseeding thin and sparse lawns can help jump start your way to an attractive lawn that’s better able to outcompete the weeds.
Keep in mind water is critical to get newly seeded and overseeded lawns to establish and survive. So be prepared to help nature along with your lawn’s recovery.
Have the soil tested as you get started. Your University Extension service may have a soil testing lab or can recommend a reliable one. The test report will tell you how much fertilizer is needed, if any. This can also help you determine if fertilization or nutrient deficiencies are the cause of your lawn’s decline.
Mow the lawn shorter than normal, 1½ to 2 inches, and remove the clippings and any other debris by sweeping or raking. This helps expose the soil, allowing the seeds to reach the soil for better seed-to-soil contact needed for sprouting.
Remove thatch, the layer of dead grass at the soil surface. This also increases the seed-to-soil contact when overseeding the lawn. A vertical mower, power rake or other type of dethatching equipment is usually needed to manage this task.
Core aeration is another way to increase success when overseeding a lawn, especially on compacted soil. Core aeration removes plugs of soil, creating holes in the lawn to allow water and fertilizer to reach the soil and plant roots. These holes also provide an excellent environment for seeds to sprout and grow. Make three to four passes to ensure enough holes for adequate seed-to-soil contact. The process is easier and most effective when the soil is slightly moist.
Select a grass seed mix suited to your growing conditions. Kentucky bluegrass is the popular lawn grass for this part of the country. It is cold tolerant, thrives in cool weather, goes dormant during extended drought but greens up once rainfall returns.
Consider using one of the coated grass seeds like Outsidepride’s Kentucky bluegrass with OptiGrowth (outsidepride.com) to increase your success. Its natural coating provides uniform size for easier spreading; the red color allows you to see where it’s been applied and the added weight helps the seed reach the soil surface. This natural water absorbing coating makes it more forgiving if you miss a watering.
Use a spreader to sow the seeds and gently water after planting and often enough to keep the soil and seed slightly moist. You will likely need to water at least once - and possibly several times - a day as temperatures rise.
Continue to mow the lawn slightly shorter than normal, about half the recommended height, to reduce competition with the seedlings. Be patient as it generally takes anywhere from 3 to 4 weeks for bluegrass seeds to germinate. Once the seedlings grow that tall, gradually begin increasing the mowing height until you reach the recommended 3 to 3-1/2 inches for your Kentucky bluegrass lawn.
With proper maintenance and a bit of cooperation from nature you can help transform your lawn from an eyesore to an asset in your landscape.
—————
Melinda Myers has written more than 20 gardening books, including the Midwest Gardener’s Handbook, 2nd Edition and Small Space Gardening. She hosts The Great Courses “How to Grow Anything” instant video series and the nationally syndicated Melinda’s Garden Moment radio program. Myers is a columnist and contributing editor for Birds & Blooms magazine and was commissioned by Outsidepride for her expertise to write this article. Myers’ website is MelindaMyers.com.
Popular Western Upper Peninsula Scenic Site Closed Through Fall
Agate Falls Scenic Site, a popular western Upper Peninsula attraction managed by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources Parks and Recreation Division, is closed through late fall for essential repairs and improvements to the site's trestle bridge.
This closure, which is slated for completion Nov. 1, also includes rerouting an off-road vehicle trail that runs through the property off state Highway M-28 in Ontonagon County. Agate Falls Scenic Site is known for its picturesque views and activities including fishing, hiking and ORV riding.
The DNR is using a Federal Highway Administration Recreational Trails Program grant to pay for the site's repairs and improvements, which are expected to cost $1.6 million. This program provides funds to states to develop and maintain recreational trails and trail-related facilities for nonmotorized and motorized recreational trail uses.
Along with closing the scenic site, the DNR also has rerouted a 4.6-mile section of ORV SB Route. Riders will need to travel on a detour totaling 18.6 miles until the scenic site reopens in November.
Considered one of Michigan's most picturesque waterfalls, Agate Falls is located along the middle branch of the Ontonagon River. A half-mile trail at the scenic site provides access to an observation platform with views of the top of the falls.
This closure, which is slated for completion Nov. 1, also includes rerouting an off-road vehicle trail that runs through the property off state Highway M-28 in Ontonagon County. Agate Falls Scenic Site is known for its picturesque views and activities including fishing, hiking and ORV riding.
The DNR is using a Federal Highway Administration Recreational Trails Program grant to pay for the site's repairs and improvements, which are expected to cost $1.6 million. This program provides funds to states to develop and maintain recreational trails and trail-related facilities for nonmotorized and motorized recreational trail uses.
Along with closing the scenic site, the DNR also has rerouted a 4.6-mile section of ORV SB Route. Riders will need to travel on a detour totaling 18.6 miles until the scenic site reopens in November.
Considered one of Michigan's most picturesque waterfalls, Agate Falls is located along the middle branch of the Ontonagon River. A half-mile trail at the scenic site provides access to an observation platform with views of the top of the falls.
