MML November/December 2022 Review Magazine

Northern Field Report

U.P. Trail Initiatives and Public Health

By Morgan Schwanky

T he Upper Peninsula is known for its beautiful nature filled with hills, forests, waterfalls, and more. It draws travelers from around the world to experience its wonders. And there has been extensive planning to make accessing these wonders a good experience for all. U.P. Regional Planning The Eastern U.P. Regional Planning & Development Commission (EUPRP&DC) partners with local stakeholders to develop land use policy, digitally map routes and trails, create and update non-motorized transportation plans, develop water trails, and more. Jeff Hagan, CEO of EUPRP&DC, has been involved with the commission for many years. “We’ve always worked with MDOT very closely, and through that effort we developed a non-motorized plan that encompasses the whole U.P.; the initial plan was done in 2009.” Many of the projects also build upon themselves and create larger initiatives. “We were invited by MDOT to participate with the other two regional planning commissions iin the U.P.—Central UP Planning and Development (CUPPAD) and Western U.P. Planning and Development Region (WUPPDR)—to update that 2009 plan. That updated plan was started in the end of 2020.” Hagan went on to explain the purpose of these plans: “When we update this plan, we try our best to identify what’s going on in the region. We aggregate all that information, and it goes into the overall plan. We try to locate as much information about the various trial initiatives in the region, what is being proposed, and what is needed.” The commission also took accessibility into account, making sure that everyone can enjoy the trails. Hagan commented that user-friendly kayak launches that are ADA accessible have been added in the Sault Ste. Marie area. There is still funding available through the state, and Hagan expects more communities will be implementing ADA accessible docks in the future.

Non-Motorized Trails A major initiative within the U.P. has been creating trails specifically for non-motorized users. Hagan noted that having these designated trails provide another layer of public health: safety. Trail users will not be on the same roads as motorists, which greatly decreases the chances of them being hurt in an accident involving a motorized vehicle. Hagan highlighted the Spirit Stone Trail, which runs between Brimley State Park and the Iroquois Light House in Brimley. The trail was developed by the Bay Mills Indian Community, and it worked with the Chippewa County Road Commission to identify funding. It is one of the few off-road separated pathways in the region. “Their focus was on healthier communities and safety. It is located adjacent to the county highway in Bay Mills, with a fifty-five-mile per-hour speed limit, and the way to get from point A to point B was to walk or bike on the road. There are different community assets that are not accessible other than by walking,” Hagan explained. Trail Use Increased During COVID-19 The COVID-19 pandemic affected the public health of the entire state, and the planning commission knew that it needed to update its guidelines. Due to public indoor gyms closing on and off during lockdown periods, the commission saw a large uptick in visitors. Even with social distancing in place, people were able to still get out and exercise with less risk. The increase in use caused more people to discover what the EUPRP&DC had to offer, which Hagan and his colleagues already knew. “We place a high importance on these trails, we see the value of them. We see the health benefits.”

34 THE REVIEW

NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2022