SBHT Fall 2023 Funders Report

Pathways to Sleeping Bear FALL 2023 FUNDERS REPORT

Over a decade ago, and together with government agencies, partner organizations, and the input of countless individuals, we shaped a vision for a 27-mile non-motorized trailway. This trail would be one that provides a safe, accessible, and scenic pathway from M-22 and Manning Road at the southern boundary of Leelanau County to the northern boundary of the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore at Good Harbor Bay (CR-651). We envisioned a trail that would convince us to climb out of our cars to walk or bike through a forest, where we make connections with the natural world in this slice of heaven we call home. This trail is the Sleeping Bear Heritage Trail.

Today, we enjoy 21 miles of pathway on the ground. We celebrate mornings spent walking with friends along the trail, delighting in a solo cross country ski, watching our grandchildren enjoy their summers Up North. Time spent with family and friends outdoors on a beautiful trail strengthens connections that make up the most important and meaningful relationships we’ll build throughout our lives, and generations to come.

Many of our original team are hard at work to complete this vision of all 27 miles of the Sleeping Bear Heritage Trail. With ever increasing trail use, and visits to the Lakeshore at record-breaking heights, the goals of offering people of all ages and abilities a chance to experience the wonder of the Lakeshore outside of their cars are even more relevant today. The Pathway to Good Harbor will take us one great 5- mile leap further in realizing what we dreamt up in the past, and guide us into the future.

It is only because of your support that we are able to offer non-motorized connections to more people and places throughout the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, and surrounding communities.

We look forward to completing the vision of the northern end of the trail, improving access to the land and water we all love, and working towards a cleaner, greener, healthier future.

We are grateful for your investment in our work and our community.

Thank you, Carol Quarderer and Kerry Kelly Campaign Cabinet Co-Chairs

A Trail For Generations In 2022, Pathways to Sleeping Bear celebrated a decade of Heritage Trail memories made. The first leg of the Heritage Trail opened over ten years ago. Today, with 21 miles on the ground, trail use has steadily increased each year.

Designated a Pure Michigan® Trail, the Heritage Trail directly benefits those who use it by improving mental and physical health, and enhancing overall quality of life. Even those who do not use the trail gain through the significant economic, environmental, and public health benefits that this trail generates.

The Heritage Trail directly brings in over $3M in annual revenue to the local economy. The trail also serves as critical infrastructure in attracting and retaining talent in the region.

Pathway to Good Harbor Update The Pathway to Good Harbor is taking shape! We are on schedule to meet construction milestones on the 5-mile section of trail from Bohemian Road (CR-669) to Good Harbor Trail (CR-651). Our summer open houses in Glen Haven were well attended by locals and visitors alike. Over 100 people came to learn more about the trail and share their vision for the future.

The Michigan Department of Transportation recently reviewed the first phase of design plans with project partners. The current engineers estimate for construction increased the total project budget.

Estimates will continue to be refined as design progresses. Input received from MDOT and project partners at the National Park Service, TART Trails, and the Leelanau County Road Commission, as well as reference to over a decade of public input, will inform the continued development of engineering plans.

We anticipate the next round of plans to be available by the end of year, which will represent roughly 60% of design. Once design engineering is complete in the spring, the trail will be shovel ready and well positioned to leverage construction funding from federal, state, public, and private sources.

Construction of this section of trail is planned to begin in 2024 if we meet our funding goals.

For the People, By the People Funding for the trail is provided through public-private partnerships that require strategic and collaborative approaches to leverage the strengths of each partner. With your support, we are able to invest in public infrastructure that is built in line with community values, and be an incredible asset for everyone to enjoy, year-round.

We are hard at work to bring much needed public investment to non-motorized transportation projects in northern Lower Michigan and are planning to launch broad-based fundraising to meet our private income goals in the next year, and complete the northern end of the Heritage Trail.

Private Funds

Raised | 22%

Public Funds Needed | 60%

$3,146,000

Pathway to Good Harbor Project Budget: $14,500,000

Total Pathway to Good Harbor Funds Raised To Date:

$8,575,000

Private Funds Needed | 18% $1,204,000 Public Funds Raised | 10% $1,575,000

$4,721,000

THANK YOU!

sleepingbeartrail.org