UPDATE: A Michigan DNR news release, issued Tuesday, has been updated to better define restricted access on the DTE Energy Trail while erosive conditions exist. In summary, temporary parking lot closures will be put in place, as needed, to limit access for both mountain bikers and foot traffic on the trail. The updated release follows.
Jan. 25, 2017
Contact: Gary Jones, 734-475-8307
DTE Energy Foundation Trail parking lot intermittently will close to minimize activity when erosive trail conditions exist
The Michigan Department of Natural Resources and the Potawatomi Mountain Biking Association have announced proactive steps to preserve and protect the popular DTE Energy Trail at Waterloo Recreation Area.
As a result, the trail parking lot intermittently will close when erosive trail conditions exist due to wet weather and there is a need to minimize activity along the trail. The trail parking lot closures will help limit all trail use. Foot traffic (hiking and walking) still will be allowed in the area around the trail.
Visitors are encouraged to utilize other hiking trails. Alternative trails include the Waterloo-Pinckney Hiking Trail, which can be accessed from the Green Lake Campground on M-52, or a number of looped hiking trails that are accessible at the Eddy Discovery Center, 17030 Bush Road in Chelsea.
The Potawatomi Mountain Biking Association, a nonprofit organization and chapter of the International Mountain Biking Association, has taken a lead role in monitoring conditions on the trail and taking preventative measures to ensure the trail remains sustainable.
The DTE Energy Foundation Trail Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/dtetrail will announce trail parking lot closures and regularly post need-to-know information such as information on grooming, trail updates and projected opening dates.
"We would like to thank the Potawatomi Mountain Biking Association for partnering with the DNR to help us minimize impacts on the DTE Energy Foundation Trail," said Gary Jones, park manager for Waterloo Recreation Area. "Since the trail opened this past summer, it has become a popular destination for mountain bikers, hikers and cross-country skiers. We know that visitors want to help us protect the trail and, therefore, it is essential that everyone abides by the closures to preserve its foundation."
The first 5-mile loop of the DTE Energy Trail opened in summer 2016 through a partnership between the DTE Energy Foundation, the Potawatomi Mountain Biking Association and the DNR. The nonmotorized, single-track trail is open to mountain bikers, trail runners, hikers and cross-country skiers. The trail ultimately will encompass five loops and will cover approximately 20 miles. The second loop is expected to be completed in 2017. The trail was made possible by a $255,000 grant from the DTE Energy Foundation.
The Waterloo Recreation Area is approximately 21,000 acres offering a variety of recreation activities such as hiking, biking, fishing, camping, kayaking and much more. The DTE Energy Foundation Trail is just one of the many attractions that make the Waterloo Recreation Area an all-around great place to bring your family or to find some peace and tranquility in nature. More information can be found at www.michigan.gov/waterloo or www.facebook.com/WaterlooRecArea.
For more information, contact Gary Jones at 734-475-8307 or jonesg@michigan.gov.
/Editors’ note: An accompanying photo is available below for download. A suggested caption follows.
The DTE Energy Foundation Trail, located in the Waterloo Recreation Area, is open to mountain bikers, trail runners, hikers and cross-country skiers. The trail's parking lot occasionally will close when erosive trail conditions exist and it is necessary to limit trail activity./
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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