Iosco Exploration Trail

Connecting Communities in Iosco

December 2021 IET Newsletter

Chairs' Reflection

This past year has been a wonderful learning experience for both myself and our committee. As we have progressed past our first major trail section completion from downtown Oscoda to the Oscoda School Complex, we continue to move forward and have secured funding for the next two sections of trail.

Phase 3 is what we have labeled the next section of trail from the school to Old Orchard Park. This 5.3 mile section of trail will wind its way through the national forest, Foote Site Village and end at the entrance to Old Orchard Park Campground, a 500 plus site facility sitting on the shores of Foote Pond. At a total cost of $2.5 million, funding sources such as the Transportation Alternative Program (TAP) through MDOT and the Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund (MNRTF) through the MDNR as well as the Iron Belle Trust Fund, the Iron Belle Trail Fund, Iosco County, Oscoda Township and the MEDC through a crowd funding program called Patronicity all funds are committed and construction is expected to begin in the latter part of 2022.

Phase 4 is what we have labeled the south leg of our trail. This section is routed along US23 south of AuSable/Oscoda from the bridge to a point just north of Gowen Road near the AuSable/Baldwin Township line. The current Iosco county bike path extends from our south Iosco County line in Alabaster Township along US23 to just south of the AuSable/Baldwin Township line. Phase 4 will give us the ability to connect these trails to provide access through Iosco County. This 4.4 mile long section has a cost of $2.7 million again with funding sources such as the Transportation Alternative Program (TAP) through MDOT and the Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund (MNRTF) and the Recreation Trails Program (RTP) both through the MDNR as well as the Iron Belle Trust Fund, the Iron Belle Trail Fund and AuSable Township. While these funds are noticed for this project they cannot be committed until they are formally allocated by the respective government agencies and final permits and clearances from the respective agencies are in hand. Construction is expected to begin in early 2023.

This continues to be a long process which at times can be frustrating coordinating multiple non-profits, four federal agencies (USFS, USFW, FHWA, FERC), three local townships, two state agencies (MDOT, MDNR), two engineering firms (Rowe, Spicer), one power company with two real estate departments (CMS-hydro, CMS-realestate) and a-partridge-in-a-pear-treeeee…….sorry got a little carried away there. We have still maintained our focus and goals through hard work on the part of our committee and its members. Most of these agencies and organizations have representatives at the table and have been committed partners from the start. For that we are extremely thankful as this has been one of the reasons for our success.

We are also working through our sub-committee of the Iosco Bike and Trails to revitalize an abandoned horse trail and turn it into a mountain bike course. This trail is in the Champagne Hill/Foote Pond overlook area and is called the Wildcat Mountain Bike Trail. More information on this trail can be found elsewhere in this newsletter.

None of this could be possible without the dedication and support of key volunteers on our committee. We planned and executed our 1^st Annual Cornhole Tournament (we hope to continue this next year) and set up the Giving Tuesday program. Attended the IET canopy events for Farm Bureau Blue Berry Farm Breakfast, Eagle Point Fall open house where we sold our water bottles and T’s to raise funds, and executed fund raising campaigns to cover the cost of trail maintenance, our goal.

Constructing the trail is only the start of our responsibility. The main role that the IET has is the future maintenance of this trail system. We have started planning now to meet that obligation by budgeting for future trail expenses and planning fund raising programs to enhance these funds. As a 501(c)3 organization we seek out donations, donors and volunteers to help us achieve these goals. Our committee members work to find grants that are available and continue to solicit donations for our cause. If any of you would like to donate or volunteer we would be grateful for the assistance and you would get an opportunity to be part of a program that will leave its mark on our community forever. Also if any organization or activities that you are involved with would like to help the IET through contributions of either time or funds we would welcome the chance to speak with you or your group.

We can always be reached through our website www.ioscoexplorationtrail.org or by email at ioscoexplorationtrail@gmail.com.

Thanks for your support and we look forward to hearing from you.

Fred Lewis

Chair

Iosco Exploration Trail

Help us Ring in the New Year

Iosco Exploration Trail relies on the generous donations of individuals and trail supporters, local businesses, and organizations. Your contributions enable the IET to build sustainable trail programming, provide long-term maintenance, and promote healthier lifestyles in Iosco County.

Please consider a monthly recurring donation of $10 or more

as a personal investment in the betterment of Iosco

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Iosco Exploration Trail in Phases

Phase 1

IET Phase 1 is complete and runs from AuSable, Mill St., to Oscoda down River Road to Oscoda Schools.

Phase 2: Loon Lake Trail

IET Phase 2 is complete and runs from Loon Lake Park in Hale, MI, along the water and through the woods, over bridges and with beautiful scenery to Kokosing Rd.

Phase 3 Update

By Bill Palmer

The IET has been working diligently for nearly three years to design and secure funding for Phase 3 of the Iosco Exploration Trail as part of Michigan's Iron Belle Trail. This is a 6.2 mile section that will connect Old Orchard Park to the completed Phase 1 which then goes to downtown Ausable/ Oscoda. The necessary funding has been secured and currently the IET is working with the U.S Forest Service, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Consumers Energy, and other stakeholders to secure easements on their properties. The IET is hopeful to have this in place soon and to begin construction in the fall of 2022.

Phase 4 Update

By Kelly Graham

Phase IV in AuSable Township, along the east side of US 23, from Mill Street Bridge to the Southern end of the Township is moving forward with a tentative construction date to begin spring of 2023. We have acquired Conditional Grant Commitments from State and Federal sources and are continuing to look for funding to fill in the gaps. Thank you to all that have supported and continue to support our efforts.

Towanda on the Loon Lake Trail

By Roberta Smith, IET Secretary

I had the absolute pleasure to speak with the Hale Towanda group over speaker phone recently to get an account of their experiences out on the Loon Lake Trail. What a joy! Hale Towanda is a group of over 60 members that come together several times per week to exercise and support one another. According to Towanda lead member, Linda Nunn, the group has been together for about 7 years. They do a spectrum of aerobics, hula hooping, cardio drumming, weight lifting, Zumba, walking, DVD and YouTube work outs, and more! When the Loon Lake Trail was developed, the Hale Towanda started utilizing it right away making hikes together a regular occurrence. "The woods are kind of neat. On windy days the trees sway back and forth. The different terraines are nice. The lake and the wildlife are all so beautiful.", said Kim Kocher, Towanda member.

"With over 60 members, we have about 30 that are active. A good class size is about 10 people. We love getting outside on the terrain. It's a better walking workout than in a room with DVD's.", said Linda Nunn.

"We go up hills, down hills. We've watched the development of the homes which has been really fun", said Judy Bigger, Towanda member.

On the speaker phone conversation, I hear the buzz of excitement from the group. Conversation in the background is fun to listen to. "The different flora and fauna are so fun to discover.", said Deb Salgat. Kim Kocher adds in, "We see raccoons, coyotes, deer, wildflowers, mushrooms, and so much more!"

When asked about grievances, the group worked hard to find any negatives about the Loon Lake Trail. They indicated a few current down trees over the trail due to the recent weather and voiced that it gets slippery with the dead wet leaves. Despite those, the group is overall incredibly grateful for the Loon Lake Trail and talked very highly of the beautiful path. "The trail brought our group closer together because we couldn't meet as much due to covid. It allowed us to still get outside, visit, and get our workout in even while social distancing.", said Sheryl Skrentner.

I asked the group what types of events might interest them in the future and offered up a few options including a walking wildlife photography event, Art on the Trail, or a bird watching event. Excited and talking among themselves about different interesting events, they then helped brainstorm by adding in options that highlight and include wildflowers, mushrooms, and a meet and greet for Hale residents.

As the conversation continued, I answered questions about the different segments of the IET as part of Michigan's Iron Belle Trail and which phases were completed, starting, and coming in the future. A wonderful conversation overall with Hale Towanda members. Love to see community members outside using the trail to exercise and stay healthy. Outdoor activity is so important. More than ever, getting the word out about the Loon Lake Trail and all the IET phases completed or starting soon is imperative and I think the Towanda group agrees!

Hale Towanda can be found on Facebook, HERE. They welcome all ages to join their group and currently have members ranging from ages 40 to over 80. Meeting several times per week at the Plainfield Twp Hall in Hale, Towanda is focused on healthy lifestyles, working out, and supporting one another through exercise and having fun together. Amazing and fun group. If you are looking to join an active and social group focused on exercise and well-being, check out Hale Towanda, today!

Take a virtual ride on the Loon Lake Trail

Video created by John Stachlewicz, IET supporter

Wildcat Mountain Bike Trail: Winter Recreation

By Brian Pritchett, Iosco Bikes and Trails Committee

The Wildcat trail is open to the public all winter long. Our team has been experimenting with grooming to help keep it in great condition as the snow begins to fall. Our team is meeting monthly to prepare for new trail development plans for spring. This trail is made for riders by riders. If you want to be a part of a trail network that will be around for decades, look up our rider group on Facebook under Iosco Bikes and Trails, HERE. We would love to have more volunteers and riders to help continue growing the trail network.

For those interested in fat tire biking in the winter, keep a look out for trail reports and grooming conditions! Be sure to support by following general trail guidelines to keep things in good condition!

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Guinness Biker Group Visits Wildcat: Gifts Iosco Bikes and Trails

Guinness Bikers visited Iosco this fall and checked out the Wildcat Mountain Bike Trail. With 19 riders, the crew met with members of the Iosco Bikes and Trails Committee, part of the IET, and all rode together. "With a minimum of help, these few hard working local mountain bikers have put together a really nice trail system on the banks of the Au Sable River.", said Mike Fitzpatrick, a Guinness Biker.

Before the group left, on behalf of the Guinness Bikers, Mike Fitzpatrick presented a thank-you gift to two of the Iosco Bikes and Trails Committee members, Doug and Jeremy. It is a collapsible 20" Japanese pull saw, called a Silky Katanaboy 500. The blade was engraved with “Guinness Bikers” (see photo inset).

The Guinness Bikers out of Shelby Charter Township, MI, describe themselves as "a fun group of Guinness drinkers with a mountain biking problem." Check out their group page on Strava, HERE.

We thank the Guinness Bikers for the support and for coming out to enjoy the Wildcat. They are always welcome for a visit!

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IET Out and About in Iosco

Farm Bureau Blueberry Farm Breakfast

In June, IET members represented the Iosco Exploration Trail at the Farm Bureau Blueberry Farm Breakfast event at the Tawas Blueberry Farm in Tawas City. The IET tent educated attendees, had trail maps, current and upcoming campaign information, and IET merch. Senator Jim Stamas and other local politicians were in attendance.

Photo credit: Patricia Alvord

Plainfield Twp Plaza Open House

On October 27th, the IET set up shop at the Plainfield Twp Plaza for their annual Open House event. This is the second year the IET was in attendance. We had a great time talking to Hale residents about the local Loon Lake Trail and educating about the IET as part of Michigan's Iron Belle Trail. Once again, we had a blast and look forward to attending again in 2022. IET Chair, Fred Lewis, IET Vice Chair, Jane Hayward, and IET Secretary, Roberta Smith, were all tending the booth and talking with attendees.

"In The Wild" Cornhole Tournament

In August, the IET, in partnership with Third Coast Cornhole, had an awesome turnout for the 1st annual "In The Wild" Cornhole Tournament. Players traveled from Ann Arbor, Flint, Bay City, and locally to compete. Both backyard and tournament players were welcomed! We would like to thank all the players and attendees, volunteers, IET members, and the Third Coast Cornhole group who ran this event professionally, making it fun and exciting! Thank you to the Cornhole Tournament event sponsors, Senator Jim and Marsha Stamas and Landon Beach Books! Watch for the 2nd annual date announcement in early 2022!

1st annual "In The Wild" Cornhole Tournament

Check out these awesome teams and players! So much fun!

#GivingTuesday: A Special Day of Giving

The IET was recently a part of the Community Foundation of Northeast Michigan's #GivingTuesdayNEMI online fundraising event. Locally, 60 nonprofits were selected to participate. The Iosco Exploration Trail was gifted $975 from individual donors through this special day of giving. Thank you to all who participated. The IET relies on community support, grants, fundraisers, and small business and corporate donors. Every dollar raised is an investment in this beautiful area of Michigan. A big thank you to CFNEM for making us a part of this great annual online event!

One Local Business Makes a Big Impact

Throughout 2021, Wiltse's Brew Pub has made an enormous effort to help support the Wildcat Mountain Bike Trail revitalization and expansion project lead by Iosco Bikes and Trails Committee as part of the IET. By hosting a series of local events, Wiltse's has eagerly and happily provided an outlet for local trail awareness and education to their patrons and the Oscoda community. They have planned and executed fundraising efforts including a silent auction, a concert, and even a special sale of "Wildcat Wheat" brew. We are grateful to Shaynee Wiltse and all those involved in supporting this tremendous and generous effort. Having this type of support is so meaningful to our organization. We look forward to partnering in 2022 with this amazing local business to continue the momentum of trail education that supports health and well-being, recreational sports, and getting active in the great outdoors of Iosco County! A HUGE thank you!!! Check out Wiltse's Wildcat Wheat page, HERE.

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An IET Thank You

The IET Board of Directors and Iosco Bikes and Trails Committee would like to thank all of our event sponsors and IET Benefactors for 2021. As our small nonprofit continues to grow and the remaining trail phases and Wildcat expansion continues to be developed and constructed, we are working to build capacity and sustainability, develop and implement trail programming, plan meaningful and fun events, and improve community outreach and education. Our mission, "Connecting Communities in Iosco through Trails", truly begins by connecting with community and local businesses, having meaningful partnerships, community participation, and a fun and welcoming atmosphere for all stakeholders to experience and enjoy. Please consider spreading the news about the Iosco Exploration Trail and consider a sponsorship, Corporate IET Benefactor gift, or individual donation to help the mission. To learn about partnering or sponsoring the IET, check out our partnership page on our website, HERE.

Corporate IET Benefactors and IET event Sponsors

Iosco Exploration Trail depends on the generosity and support of

our community partners, event sponsors, individual donors, volunteers, and supporters. We want to thank the following businesses for their support, enthusiasm and dedication to the IET and Wildcat Mountain Bike Trail here in Iosco County.