ANNUAL REPORT
TRAILS CONNECT PEOPLE, MTGA CONNECTS TRAILS
Michigan Trails & Greenways Alliance is the statewide voice for non-motorized trail users, helping people build, connect and promote trails for a healthier and more prosperous Michigan.
Chair
Julie Clark - Traverse City
Vice-Chair
Gary Wood - New Buffalo
Treasurer
Jason Church - Perry
Board Members
Julie Metty Bennett - Whitmore Lake
Mark Brochu - Marysville
Elizabeth Iszler - Ann Arbor
Lonnie Kester - Millington
Rob Pulver - Rockford
2024 BOARD OF DIRECTORS STAFF
Secretary
Neal Billetdeaux - Manchester
Liaison
El Huntington - Farmington Hills
Past Chair
Ann Conklin - Canton
Executive Director
Andrea LaFontaine
Communications & Outreach Manager
Alyssa Walters
TWENTY YEARS
2024 marked the Michigan Trails & Greenways Alliance's 20th Anniversary, a milestone celebrating two decades of trail advocacy, development, and community impact. Since 2004, we have created the most rail-trails in the nation, connected regions through seamless trail systems, and invested in communities for generations to come. Thank you for being part of our journey and legacy!
MI TRAILS 2050
Last year, MTGA unveiled MI Trails 2050, a bold initiative to create a comprehensive roadmap for the future of trails in our state. While Michigan boasts an impressive trail network, its full potential remains untapped.
MI Trails 2050 aims to address this by:
Taking a holistic approach that prioritizes health and wellness, recreation, environmental stewardship, sustainable transportation, and economic development.
Raising awareness of trails as multi-purpose amenities that enhance community identity and quality of life.
Engaging diverse voices through six regional summits, bringing together communities, stakeholders, and trail enthusiasts to co-create a shared vision and actionable framework.
The benefits of this initiative are far-reaching: inclusive and accessible trails that promote physical activity, strengthen social bonds, attract tourism and skilled residents, support local businesses, and encourage sustainable transportation and conservation.
FRESH AIR FORUMS
In partnership with Heart of the Lakes and mParks, the Michigan Trails & Greenways Alliance hosted a series of free listening sessions across the state. These sessions brought together stakeholders to foster a more inclusive and sustainable future for Michigan’s trails, parks, and open spaces while addressing the pressing challenges facing our communities.
What We Accomplished
Explored solutions: Participants discussed innovative strategies, including sustainable financial models, to address funding challenges and ensure longterm support for outdoor spaces.
Promoted inclusion: Conversations centered on creating welcoming and accessible spaces for all community members.
Facilitated collaboration: These sessions provided a platform for networking and deep-dive discussions, resulting in actionable takeaways to guide the future of Michigan’s trails, open spaces, and parks.
ENHANCING BELLE ISLE PARK TRAILS
Michigan Trails & Greenways Alliance partnered with the Michigan Department of Natural Resources to secure funding for a new non-motorized multi-use trail serving Detroit and its surrounding communities. Supported by the Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation, this initiative enhances connectivity between Belle Isle Park, the Riverfront, and the statewide Iron Belle Trail.
A key component of the loop trail, the project emphasizes accessibility and includes amenities such as bike-sharing stations and repair facilities, all while providing scenic waterfront views.
FUNDING IMPACT
In 2024, MTGA secured nearly $200,000 in grants, allowing us to expand our i support critical trail projects across Michigan. This funding, made possible by gen support from organizations such as the Michigan Health Endowment Fund, DALM People for Bikes, Rails-to-Trails Conservancy, Catalyst Fund, Ralph C. Wilson Fou a legacy Board Member contribution has helped drive trail development, accessib outdoor recreation opportunities across the state.
Additionally, we congratulate the recipients of the 2024 Catalyst Fund, which con accelerate innovative trail projects. Forbush Corner Nordic received $8,000 to e snowmaking and develop new biking and hiking trails. Calhoun County Trailway awarded $5,000 to support the design of a key four-mile paved trail connection Company’s BlueOval site. City of Memphis received $6,500 for new wayfinding trail maps to improve accessibility. Iron Ore Heritage Recreation Authority was aw $7,000 to plan a new trail system in the Koski Forest, including a trailhead and a friendly access.
These projects demonstrate the impact of strategic funding in expanding and enh Michigan’s trails. We are grateful to our funding partners for their support in mak initiatives possible.
ADVOCACY IMPACT
Our advocacy efforts have concentrated on both funding specific trail projects and securing greater investments in outdoor recreation across the state. This year, we have supported funding for key trail projects while also promoting increased state and federal investments in outdoor infrastructure.
THANK YOU BOARD MEMBERS
This year, we bid farewell to three dedicated board members. Their contributions have been invaluable, and we are deeply grateful for their years of service.
TO OUR DONORS & MEMBERS
On behalf of the Michigan Trails & Greenways Alliance (MTGA), we extend our deepest gratitude for your ongoing contributions throughout 2024. Your support is invaluable as we work to build, maintain, protect, and connect trail corridors across our beautiful state. For the past 20 years, MTGA has been at the forefront of Michigan's trail movement, and it's because of donors like you that we've been able to make such a significant impact. Think of the miles of new trails, the revitalized communities, and the countless Michiganders enjoying the outdoors – these achievements are a direct result of your generosity and belief in our mission. Michigan is the Trail State because of you.
Your contribution makes you a vital part of the solution. Because of your support, MTGA can continue building on our successful efforts to promote more and better trails for happy and healthier Michiganders. Here are just a few examples of how your donation is making a difference:
Empowering Communities: We're continuing our efforts to connect communities with vital resources and offering capacity support, including guidance with grants, planning, and wayfinding.
Connecting Trail Enthusiasts: We're hosting local and regional trail summits and mixers to foster collaboration and share best practices.
Advocating for Trails: We're actively advocating for the needs of our members and Michigan's trails at the legislative level.
Planning for the Future: We're strategically planning for the future of trails in Michigan, anticipating the needs of users and ensuring long-term sustainability.
Educating Policymakers: We're presenting to legislative committees, highlighting the positive impact of trails on our mental, physical, community, economic, and environmental health.
And this is just the beginning! Your support empowers us to do so much more. Thank you again for your commitment to Michigan's trails. We are truly grateful for your partnership
Michigan Trails & Greenways Alliance works alongside hundreds of communities and trail users around the state, offering resources and support to build and connect trails. As a result of our work, projects were planned, grants were secured, and trails are being built.
When we create more miles of trail: people are healthier, access is easier, and we can go further together.
