Nakwema Trailway Torch Lake Township
August 23, 2023 Open House
Presentation Outline
● Background & Project Goals
● Planning Process
● Engineering Analysis
This is a Title
● Proposed Trail Alignments
● Next Steps
● Q & A
● Breakout Session
OUR TEAM
Brent Bolin, Top of Michigan Trails Council, Executive Director
Elizabeth Calcutt, Nakwema Trailway Project Manager
Julie Clark, TART Trails, Executive Director
Erik Cronk, C2AE, Project Manager
Stephanie Marchbanks, Community Planner, Networks Northwest
Zach Vega, Community Planner, Networks Northwest Torch to Bay Trail Team
This is a Title Where Paths Connect
The Nakwema Trailway — which in Ojibwe means, “where paths connect” — is a generational project that gets at the heart of what makes northwest Michigan a magical place to live and to visit, and will help our region continue to thrive.
PROJECT GOALS
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Develop a non-motorized trailway between the TART Trails and the Top of Michigan Trails Council networks, connecting multiple communities and over twenty-five protected natural areas throughout three counties to create a 325+ mile trail network in northern Lower Michigan.
Create opportunities for everyone to participate in active living and healthy lifestyles through yearround outdoor recreation and active transportation, while providing access to the region’s iconic shoreline and showcasing the region’s phenomenal cultural and natural resources.
Provide an extraordinary resource for residents of and visitors to northwest Lower Michigan to spur economic development opportunities, enhance regional identity and strengthen vibrant communities.
WHY?
● Connections to Parks and Natural spaces
● Future Generations - Young people, families with children
This is a Title
● Connecting Communities and People
● Economic Benefits for All
● Honoring the Legacy of our Native Lands
● Highlighting our Agricultural Roots
● Accessible Connections for All
● Health Benefits and Active Lifestyle
How will it be built?
● Partnership and collaboration
● Value and data driven process
● Utilizing state and federal grants, contributions from local units of government, and private funding - a projected 60/40 split between public and private sources
● With long-term maintenance included in planning and fundraising to ensure that future generations can enjoy this trail experience
Trail Development Process
Torch Lake Township Planning
● Launched Schematic Design Fall 2022
● Torch to Bay Trail Team
● Listening and Learning
○ Online Community Survey
○ Tonight’s Feedback
● Engineering Analysis
● Goal of a preferred alignment and cost estimates
Public Input
Community Survey Results
● Online survey December 2022 - January 2023
● Over 375 responses
● 80% current trail users - TART and Little Traverse Wheelway most visited
● We heard:
○ Walking/hiking and cycling will be top uses
○ Priority connections are Barnes Park, Torch Lake Twp Day Park, Torch Bay Nature Preserve
○ Strong interest in connecting to water, scenic areas, and businesses
○ Safety is a priority
○ Desire for wayfinding signage and restrooms
Schematic Design
Evaluation Criteria & Route Analysis
● Safety
● Right-of-Way
● Natural Features (wetlands, soils, topography, T&E species)
● Driveway and Road Crossings
● Potential Easements
● Constructability
● Connection Points/Destinations
Typical Cross Sections
BREAKOUT SESSION
● Review maps
● Provide input on posters
● Fill out comment cards
CONTACT US BRENT BOLIN
Executive Director, Top of Michigan Trails
231.348.8280
brent@trailscouncil.org
JULIE CLARK
CEO, TART Trails
231.941.4300
julie@traversetrails.org
● Ask questions
ELIZABETH CALCUTT
Nakwema Trailway Project Manager
231.941.4300
elizabeth@nakwematrailway.org