Calumet Area Trails Organizers Seek Public Input
Calumet, Michigan - Representatives from local municipalities, agencies, businesses, and non-profit
organizations are working to increase access to and connectivity of trails in the Calumet area. The group
applied to the National Park Service, Rivers, Trails and Conservation Assistance (RTCA) program for technical
assistance in planning a cohesive trail system around and through Calumet Township, the Village of Calumet,
and the Village of Laurium. A broad-based partnership has been formed to direct the project. Project partners
include Main Street Calumet, Inc., Village of Calumet, Calumet Township, Village of Laurium, Keweenaw
Convention and Visitors Bureau, Western Upper Peninsula Planning and Development Region, Keweenaw
National Historical Park, Keweenaw Economic Development Alliance, Swedetown Trails Club, Keweenaw ATV
Club, Michigan Technological University Geospatial Research Facility, Keweenaw Snowmobile Club and local
businesses.
Project partners have been meeting since March to develop a foundation for planning. So far, the team has
created a map of the area’s motorized and non-motorized trails and has begun to identify general issues and
locations to improve access and enhance connectivity. Open spaces, outdoor recreation sites, and key
landmark historic sites will be included on the map.
The next step is to gather feedback from community leaders, stakeholders and the general public. The public is
invited to participate in an open house for Calumet Area Trails Planning on Tuesday, October 8th from 4-7pm
at the Keweenaw National Historical Park Headquarters at 25970 Red Jacket Road, Calumet. The public is
invited to arrive and depart at any time during the open house; light refreshments will be available.
“We’re looking forward to engaging the community to find out more about how people are using the current
trails, routes and pathways, what issues they encounter and what ideas they might have about how to
improve what already exists“, said Main Street Calumet Executive Director, Leah Polzien. The group will be
requesting information not just on recreational trail use but utilitarian routes as well, such as paths taken
during commutes or non-motorized trips to the grocery store.
The project team will compile recommendations from the public and other stakeholders into a Calumet Area
Trails Action Agenda. This report, targeted for 2020, will include a unified trail concept plan (map) and steps
for partnerships to enhance and promote the trail system.
Trails have been shown to favorably impact a community’s quality of life and economy. Studies prove a link
between trail use, increased physical activity among all ages, and personal and public health benefits.
Community trail systems have proven to be a strong driver in bringing new business and economic life to
American cities, towns, and communities. Project partners believe the initiative will increase patronage of
downtown businesses by trail users and improve access to the area’s historical features and recreational
assets for area youth.
Questions about this project can be directed to Leah Polzien, Executive Director of Main Street Calumet via
email at leah@mainstreetcalumet.com or by calling (906)337-6246. Main Street Calumet is a 501c3 nonprofit
organization focused on historical preservation and economic revitalization in Calumet. More information
about the organization can be found at www.mainstreetcalumet.com.
Source: U.S. Department of the Interior, National Park Service
