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Sept. 4, 2018
Beaver Island water trail opens opportunity for adventure paddling
With more than 1,000 miles of the national North Country
Scenic Trail, continuing development along the Detroit-to-Ironwood Iron Belle
Trail, and a 12,500-mile system of state-designated trails enjoyed by outdoor
enthusiasts of all types, Michigan is cementing its reputation as the nation’s
Trails State.
We’re boosting our trails resumé on the water, too, as paddleboarding and other paddlesports take the lead as the fastest-growing form of outdoor recreation. A
newly opened water trail – the Beaver Island water trail in northern Michigan –
offers the unique experience of paddling around an island. The water trail
wraps 42 miles around the island in Lake Michigan, sitting about 30 miles off
the coast near Charlevoix.
“The island contains an extensive system of hiking, biking
and birding trails, making it a great destination for adventurous visitors,”
said Jon Allan, Office of the Great Lakes director.
Allan said the water trail plan was developed by Traverse
City-based LIAA and the local community, with the support of Michigan’s Coastal
Management Program and the DNR.
“Safe landing points were identified in 18 places for
paddlers circumnavigating the island, and local officials are working with the
DNR to add rustic campsites at some of them,” he said.
The local community formed the Beaver Island Archipelago
Trails Association to increase paddling opportunities, craft promotional
materials, perform maintenance and add signage. Interpretive signage
and programming along the water trail will highlight the island’s
unique history, relationship to the Great Lakes and natural resources.
Michigan’s Coastal Management Program has invested nearly $2
million in its water trails initiative since 2012. Connect with the Coastal
Management Program online or contact program manager Ronda Wuycheck.
Celebrating 40 years
in 2018, Michigan’s Coastal Management Program works
in partnership with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, which
supports a network of state-federal partnerships protecting America’s coasts.
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The Office of the Great Lakes works in partnership
with the Michigan Department of Natural Resources. |
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