MI-TRALE to install nine additional trail counters with Yamaha grant
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WESTERN UPPER PENINSULA -- Michigan Trails and Recreation Alliance of Land and the Environment is moving forward with plans to install nine additional trail counters throughout the western Upper Peninsula, thanks to a $7,500 grant from Yamaha's Outdoor Access Initiative Program.
MI-TRALE announced on June 30 that it had received the grant, which supports safe, responsible trail riding and the development of open, sustainable riding areas. The organization has now confirmed that all necessary materials have arrived and installation of the nine new TRAFx trail counters is scheduled to take place during October.
The project experienced some delays as MI-TRALE gathered the materials needed for installation amid supply shortages. With those materials now on-site, the organization is ready to expand its existing trail-monitoring system.
MI-TRALE also expressed its appreciation to Pat's Motor Sports in Greenland for supporting the grant and the trail systems throughout the western Upper Peninsula.
Donald Helsel, MI-TRALE president, said the organization has been using trail counters for approximately 10 years. However, the limited number of counters previously installed restricted how much the collected data could be used.
"The additional counters will allow us to review trail usage and traffic patterns on our trails," Helsel said.
The counters operate year-round, providing information on both off-road vehicle and snowmobile traffic. This data will give MI-TRALE a more complete picture of how its trails are used throughout the seasons.
Trail-counter data is collected twice a year, reviewed and shared with interested parties. MI-TRALE will use the expanded information to help develop its maintenance schedule for the coming year.
By better understanding trail traffic and usage patterns, the organization expects to improve maintenance planning and help ensure trails remain safe and enjoyable for the people who use them.
"We cannot thank the Yamaha Outdoor Access Initiative Program enough for the funds to expand our system of trail counters," Helsel said.
The project directly supports MI-TRALE's mission to advance the safe and responsible use of multi-use trails for both motorized and non-motorized recreation. The organization works toward the development, designation and interconnection of multi-use trails throughout Michigan's Western Upper Peninsula.
The addition of nine counters represents another step in MI-TRALE's ongoing efforts to manage and maintain the region's trail systems while using reliable data to guide future improvements.