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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Sept. 16, 2015
Contact: Jacquelyn Baker (DNR), 517-284-6094; Ed Golder (DNR), 517-284-5815, or Mona Lisa Faz (TransCanada), 832-320-5248
DNR receives first corporate donation – $25,000 – toward development of Michigan’s Iron Belle Trail in Kalkaska County
Funding helps elevate importance of accessible outdoor recreation opportunities as Michigan Trails Week nears
The Michigan Department of Natural Resources today accepted a $25,000 donation from TransCanada for development and maintenance of a portion of the hiking route along Michigan’s Iron Belle Trail in  Kalkaska County. Peter Jaskoski, director of Government Relations for TransCanada US Pipelines, presented a check to DNR Director Keith Creagh today at Lansing City Market during an event highlighting the upcoming Michigan Trails Week celebration.
Paul Yauk, DNR state trails coordinator, who also was on hand for the event, said this TransCanada donation – and the on-the-ground resources it makes possible – is exactly the type of support needed for the Iron Belle Trail and all trails in Michigan to reach their full potential.
“We have planned the Iron Belle Trail along a number of existing hiking and bicycling trails, taking advantage of Michigan’s extensive network of trails,” he said. “There is a lot of excellent infrastructure already in place, but there is also plenty of room for development to fill in some of the gaps and better connect community to community.
“It’s wonderful to see a company stepping up to contribute in this way, making a real difference in the long-term quality of life for employees and residents in Kalkaska County.”
TransCanada’s Jaskoski said that with Kalkaska County being home to TransCanada ANR Blue Lake Pipeline facilities and a large number of employees, it made sense for the company to take an active interest in helping to provide quality outdoor recreation for the area. TransCanada owns and operates natural gas and oil pipelines across North America, with energy assets in 35 U.S. states. Also a large independent power producer, the company generates enough capacity to power more than 11 million homes through a mix of solar, wind, hydro and nuclear power facilities.
“Many of our employees already participate in local hiking and trail groups, and they’re pretty excited about this investment in Michigan’s Iron Belle Trail,” Jaskoski said.
The donated funds will be used to purchase trail maintenance equipment that can be used throughout the county, and for building materials that will be used to create two trailhead information kiosks along TransCanada’s “adopted” stretch of trail. Jaskoski said several TransCanada employees already have expressed interest in helping design and build the kiosks.
Representatives of several other associations and organizations interested in Michigan's trails and outdoor recreation opportunities were present at today's event. They include the Michigan Trails & Greenways Alliance, the National Park Service, the North Country Trail Association, the Michigan Department of Transportation, the Southeast Michigan Council of Governments, and Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan.
Michigan’s Iron Belle Trail – stretching from Belle Isle Park in Detroit to Ironwood in the western Upper Peninsula – features two distinct routes for hiking and bicycling that together will cover 2,000 scenic miles. This trail, portions of which are under development, builds on Michigan’s nationally recognized trails network and reputation as the country’s Trails State. Michigan’s Iron Belle Trail links existing trails and provides greater economic, transportation, social and health benefits for trail users and communities. It is made possible by federal, state and local units of government and many organizations across the state working together. Learn more at www.michigan.gov/dnrtrails.
Michigan Trails Week is an annual, weeklong celebration of the state’s variety and abundance of trails. With more than 12,000 miles of recreational trails that meet the needs of hikers, bicyclists, paddlers, snowmobilers, off-road vehicle users, equestrians and other outdoor explorers, Michigan offers plenty of opportunity for residents and visitors to “hit the trails.” Find your trail adventure – and a roster of statewide events – at www.michigan.gov/trailsweek.
/Note to editors: Accompanying photos are available below for download. Caption information follows.
Iron Belle Trail - TransCanada donation check presentation: Officials from the Michigan Department of Natural Resources and TransCanada and several trails and outdoor recreation advocates were on hand today at Lansing City Market to celebrate TransCanada's $25,000 donation toward development (in Kalkaska County) of Michigan's Iron Belle Trail. Shown (L to R) are Suzy Medici, an associate from the TransCanada Troy, Michigan, office; Michigan DNR Director Keith Creagh; TransCanada's Government Relations Director Peter Jaskoski, and Paul Yauk, Michigan DNR state trails coordinator.
DNR Director Creagh and TransCanada Peter Jakoski: Michigan DNR Director Keith Creagh (left) talks with Peter Jaskoski, director of Government Relations at TransCanada, about funding for development of Michigan's Iron Belle Trail./
The Michigan Department of Natural Resources is committed to the conservation, protection, management, use and enjoyment of the state’s natural and cultural resources for current and future generations. For more information, go to www.michigan.gov/dnr.
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