Marquette Trail System Gets Good Press & Community Support

MARQUETTE, MI - Saturday, July 17, 2010 — On Tuesday, July 13 The Mining Journal wrote a very positive editorial about the Iron Ore Heritage Trail and the upcoming millage vote. We are very appreciative of their support of our efforts and want to thank them for endorsing this trail system. However, we do want to clarify that the Iron Ore Heritage Trail will be a multi-use trail. In fact, much of the trail utilizes State owned rail grades that are currently snowmobile trails and will remain snowmobile trails. In the western portion of the County, the State owned rail grades will also be open to ATV traffic.

The Iron Ore Heritage Recreation Authority has worked very hard to bring trails for all types of recreation. We realize that we have a population who enjoy different means of travel and recreation and we have tried to accommodate their needs.

Above is a map that showcases the trail and the users allowed in each section. While some sections will be totally non-motorized all year, other sections will provide non-motorized access in the warm weather seasons while accommodating snowmobile traffic in winter, and other sections will provide dual, parallel trails for non-motorized (including equestrians) and motorized users.

All trails will be interpreted with the beautiful, unique signage recognizing this region's importance as the Marquette Iron Range. Please support this effort to provide a year round, multi-use, permanent, interpretive trail system. It is our opportunity to provide a community asset that will be built and paid for now and enjoyed for generations to come.

Also featured on the map above, along with the Iron Ore Heritage Trail, the Republic Wetland Preserve is co-located in Republic at the trail head. The Wetland Preserve is an area more than 2000 acres covering the old mine site and surrounding area. Below is a description and map of the wetlands area.

According to the article Republic Wetlands Preserve, by Chuck Hurst, found on the Republic Wetland website:

"Beginning in the spring of 2008 visitors will be able to hike, bike, ski, paddle and ride to their hearts content right here in Republic. Our committee of volunteers has completed the GPS work within the Republic Wetlands Preserve (map above). This Preserve is truly a spectacular asset not only for Republic but the State of Michigan and the Midwest in general. It is our expectation that in conjunction with the Iron Ore Heritage Trail this will provide the springboard for the rejuvenation of the town of Republic to a premiere destination area for travelers throughout the Midwest and beyond. The Preserve is 2,300 acres or approximately 4 square miles in size with over 12 miles of trails in place. It offers a wide diversity of habitat with many different varieties of wetlands. The preserve was developed by Cleveland Cliffs Inc. (Cel) from the tailing basins associated with the now closed Republic mine.

We are currently pursuing numerous grants provided by the State for enhancement of the trail system including footbridges, boardwalks, observation stands signage and mapping. In addition, the local Audubon Society will soon begin to inventory the variety of bird species utilizing the Preserve. The Republic Wetlands Preserve is just another reason to visit the best kept secret in the US -the Upper Peninsula of Michigan."

A dedication ceremony was held at Gamble's Creek Gate on the morning of Wednesday, October 8, 2008, marking the official opening of the Republic Wetlands Preserve to the public. In attendance were officials from Cliffs Natural Resources, Federal and State Legislators, DNR for the State of Michigan, Marquette County, Republic Township, and the public.

Those desiring to view and experience the trail should know that the trail is a circle about 2 miles in length. More trails are expected to open later. The trail is gravel, and tailings chips. There are no water or toilet facilities along the trail. Cell phone service is very limited and should not be relied upon. The trail is for non-motorized access. In the spring and early summer, mosquitoes and wood ticks are abundant. There is limited parking at Gamble's Creek Gate. Detailed maps are available at the Republic Township Hall...which is on the way to Gamble's Creek Gate. Be sure and tell a friend or family member were you will be and for how long before embarking on this adventure. Bring your camera and if you have one, a telephoto lens. Wildlife is abundant.

EDITOR'S NOTE: Thanks to Kim Kolesar for forwarding this information to the Chronicle.