Millersburg Depot Regional Trailhead grand opening set for Jan. 18

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Jan. 10, 2013

Contact: Jeff Winegard, 231-348-8280 or Emily Meyerson, 231-487-0931, 
Top of Michigan Trails Council; or Ed Golder, 517-335-3014


Millersburg Depot Regional Trailhead grand opening set for Jan. 18

The official grand opening of the Millersburg Depot Regional Trailhead, located halfway between Alpena and Cheboygan along the North Eastern State Trail, will take place at 2 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 18, in downtown Millersburg, Presque Isle County. 

The event will celebrate the unique partnership that made the facility a reality. The Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR), Presque Isle County, the Village of Millersburg and the Millersburg Area Historical Society shared resources to develop and maintain the trail for year-round enjoyment. Those attending can come by snowmobile, foot or car. Guests can also bring ice skates and enjoy the village ice rink located on-site.

“Depending on the season, the trailhead is a perfect spot for hikers, equestrians, bikers and snowmobilers to stop and rest along the trail,” said DNR Parks and Recreation Division Chief Ron Olson. “It meets the goal of the Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund, which is to provide support to communities that want to offer residents and visitors quality recreation opportunities.”

The Millersburg Depot Regional Trailhead developed from a master planning process that began in 2004, when Millersburg was identified as a potential trailhead location. In 2012, the trailhead and local park facility were built. Funding provided from the Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund, the Recreation Improvement Fund and the Recreation Trails Program made it possible.

The Michigan Snowmobile Association, Presque Isle Sno-Trails and the Top of Michigan Trails Council are sponsoring the grand opening event.

“I believe all our organizations support this project because we realize that this unique partnership is a model to help improve our trails year-round and provide modern amenities, all while improving the quality of life of local communities,” said Emily Meyerson, trail coordinator for the Top of Michigan Trails Council.

For details on the grand-opening event, contact the Top of Michigan Trails Council, 231-348-8280 or visit www.trailscouncil.org. To learn more about the Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund, visit www.michigan.gov/mnrtf.

The Recreation Passport is an easy, affordable way for residents to enjoy and support outdoor recreation opportunities in Michigan. By checking “YES” for the $11 Recreation Passport ($5 for motorcycles) when renewing a license plate through the Secretary of State (by mail, kiosk, online at www.expresssos.com or at branch offices), Michigan motorists get access to state parks, recreation areas, state forest campgrounds, non-motorized state trailhead parking and state boat launches. In addition, Recreation Passport holders can experience real savings at businesses and retailers that participate in the Passport Perks discount program. The Recreation Passport is valid until the next license plate renewal date. Nonresidents can purchase the Recreation Passport ($30.50 annual; $8.40 daily) at any state park or recreation area or through the Michigan e-Store at www.michigan.gov/estore. 

Learn more about this creative way of sustaining Michigan's outdoor recreation and natural resources at www.michigan.gov/recreationpassport. For information on Passport Perks shopping discounts or how businesses and retailers can enroll in the program, visit www.michigan.gov/passportperks.