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Health and Trails in Michigan continuedMany of the local municipalities within the county realizedthe benefit of this agricultural heritage trail and the excitementgenerated from this project, allowing the MacombPlanning and Economic Development Department to obtaina grant from the State of Michigan to develop an expandedcountywide master trailways plan. The plan’s purpose is toserve as a guide for a unified and coordinated vision for nonmotorizedtransportation between communities and theregion.Photo by Gerard P. Santororeview fee ranges from $650 to $800 and the yearly licensefee is based on the number of square feet affected andadjusted by a factor that increases rates for those uses thathave a higher impact to the corridor (i.e. above groundrequests cost more than a request to place items undergroundthat are soil bored and don’t disturb the finished grade).While this has generated some income, the program willnever generate enough funds to pay for all of the maintenancecosts. Staff research has determined that maintenancecosts per year will run from $75,000 to $85,000 and the bestway to generate this type of money is to create a maintenanceendowment fund of approximately one million dollars.The plan began with each individual community’s trails planand then looked at connections to adjacent communities andneighboring counties. Trail routes were categorized intoregional, county and local trails. Macomb County governmenthas agreed to be the leader in the development of theregional trails. It was the first in-depth countywide trail planin the State of Michigan, and as such, was recognized by theAmerican Planning Association Michigan Chapter as theOutstanding Plan for 2004.Complete GPS trail condition survey and mapping service:• Easy to read flexible printed reports, digital photos, allassociated tables plus “raw data” in any format• Customized feature codes for any database• Map sizes from pocket to kiosk available• Customized data dictionaries available• 30 years of trail building experience(530) 583-9128 • donaldhays@thegrid.netwww.trailbuilders.org/donald_hays.html18NEW YEARS 2007 American Trails
Health and Trails in Michigan continuedFuture HopesPhoto by Gerard P. SantoroBesides its 130 parks, Macomb County is blessed with a 31-mile coastline along Lake St. Clair, which is part of theGreat Lakes and St. Lawrence Seaway system. With a navigableriver delta and over 44 marinas, this shoreline is amajor destination for boaters and anglers in southeastMichigan. The Clinton River and its three major branchesprovide natural greenways linked throughout the county.To better identify these recreation and natural resources, thecounty has developed computer mapping datasets thatinclude natural areas, historic villages, farm markets, andagricultural heritage sites. This effort has contributed to thedevelopment of a “Greenways Vision.”The “Greenways Vision” consists of the identifying “hubs”where significant natural areas remain, and then using naturalstream corridors and the network of pathways to link theseareas to each other. Benefits include recreation as well aspreservation of natural landscapes and enhancement of habitatfor wildlife. The model that was created for MacombCounty helped promote the region-wide program initiated bythe Community Foundation for Southeast Michigan.This regional study, being conducted by the GreenWaysInitiative (a program associated with the CommunityFoundation for Southeast Michigan) will assist all local andregional governments in setting priorities for developing trailand greenway linkages throughout this region, across theState of Michigan, and then connecting to neighboring states,as well as to the Trans-Canadian Trail in Ontario.ConclusionA well thought out suburban trailways system can helpcounter unhealthy habits and trends. Although recent budgetrestrictions may hold back some development, an organizedmaster plan for trails allows local governments to be morecompetitive for state, federal, and non-profit funds. Thenewly developed trails may do more to encourage active useamong more residents than traditional large acreage parks.Being able to access cultural, historical, institutional, andnatural places makes residents and visitors more engaged invaluing and caring for their communities.For more information on the Macomb County TrailwaysMaster Plan and the Macomb Orchard Trail visitwww.wadetrim.com/resources/macombwww.macomborchardtrail.comART THURESON, INCPhone 248.623.8599 FAX 248.623.8766Treated Timber Bridges• Prefabricated ready to assemble• Quotation includes: Lumber, Piling & HardwareBoardwalk Lumber and Timber• Treating: CCA, ACQ, Creosote, Penta, CuNap• Special Fabrication• Glue Laminated LumberPiling and Poles• Southern Pine, Douglas FirCrane Mats• Made with cut-outs or cable loops• Quick delivery – any width or lengthSteel Pedestrian Bridges• AISC Certification• Treated timber or concrete deck options• Clear span lengths up to 250 feetwww.artthuresoninc.comwww.AmericanTrails.org19
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