Fund set up to support NTN
A worker clips branches form a barberry plant. The Marquette County Conservation District and the Noquemanon Trail Network (NTN) partnered together with staff members and volunteers to start removing a large patch of thorny, invasive barberry from the Board of Light and Power Rocks trail. Japanese barberry, a popular landscaping plant, has become invasive to the Upper Peninsula. (Journal file photo)
MARQUETTE — An endowment fund has been established to support the Noquemanon Trail Network.
Administered by the Community Foundation of Marquette County, the Noquemanon Trail Network Designated Endowment Fund was initially created by a gift from local donors Cary Gottlieb and Carol Gamber, in memory of their friend and trail advocate, Rob Schmeling. The annual distribution from the fund will support trail development projects, ongoing maintenance, signage, conservation work and other efforts to encourage year-round use of the trail system, said Zosia Eppensteiner, CEO of the Community Foundation of Marquette County.
“It’s not going to be for one area,” Eppensteiner said. “”We are grateful to partner with NTN, made possible by the generosity and vision of our donors, to create a lasting way for others to support the care and preservation of this local trail network.”
Founded in 2001, Noquemanon Trail Network’s mission is to secure, develop, maintain and promote the use of a non-motorized trail network throughout the Central Upper Peninsula of Michigan. NTN relies on the support of the community and land owners to keep trails open and available to the public. As of 2020 there are 7 trail systems maintained by NTN from Munising to Big Bay including; over 75 miles of single track trail, 35 miles of groomed winter single track, over 125 km of nordic ski trails, 2 pump tracks and Forestville Trailhead with a 25-site campground.
“Investing in trail maintenance is one of the most effective ways to give our trails a future”, says Lori Hauswirth, executive director of the NTN. “We hope to pass this world-class experience to future outdoor enthusiasts.”
A small section of the South Trails is pictured. (Journal file photo)
Added community outreach coordinator Jeni Kilpela: “For us, our trails are more than just paths through the woods – they’re lifelines for community health, tourism, and local pride.
For more information about the Community Foundation of Marquette County, how to support, and other vehicles for community giving, please call 906-226-7666 or visit www.cfofmc.org.
Bud Sargent can be reached at 906-228-2500, extension 544. His email address is bsargent@miningjournal.net.
