Bob Hendrickson, IOHT

NEGAUNEE — Plans are being finalized to add a boardwalk in a wetland area along the Iron Ore Heritage Trail trail east of Negaunee, near the Negaunee mine site, according to Bob Hendrickson, trail administrator of the Iron Ore Heritage Recreation Authority.

The concept of a boardwalk had been in the original plans for the area, but had been put on hold due to costs, Henrickson said.

“But we were able to secure a Michigan trust fund grant for $218,000. We will be able to cover the balance of the $340,000 cost from our reserves.”

Last week, the IOHRA approved the updated boardwalk design from low bidder Sanders & Czapski Associates.

“We have to resubmit the plans to (Michigan Department of) Environmental, Great Lakes, and Energy for approval since the originally proposed design has been changed. But, the adjusted plans will have less impact and a smaller footprint than the original proposal, so we don’t foresee any problems,” Hendrickson said.

Going through the permitting process could take 30 days. Once approvals are secured, he anticipates work will begin in May or June and that the project should be completed by midsummer.

To cut costs, Hendrickson said the boardwalk has been cut by about 300 feet in length and the width reduced from 10 feet to 8 feet. The new Americans with Disabilities Act-compliant boardwalk, which will be built with treated lumber, will be about 1,000 feet long with two bump-out viewing platforms and benches. Signs will explain the importance of working wetlands and how they are beneficial to people and the environment.

The boardwalk will be located in an emergent cattail marsh and one of the interpretive signs will include an aerial view of the boardwalk, Hendrickson said.

The more-than-47-mile Iron Ore Heritage Trail extends from Republic to Chocolay Township and provides a path for bicyclists, runners, hikers, cross-country skiers, snowmobilers and birdwatchers.

Local municipalities, including Marquette city and township, Negaunee city and township, city of Ishpeming, Chocolay Township, collect a millage for the support of IOHRA and have representation on its board.