The Iron Ore Heritage Trail has proven to be a real gem of a local venue, attracting recreationers of all stripes.

And it’s about to get even better, courtesy of a $218,000 Michigan Trust Fund grant and a fair amount of its own money.

The funds will be used to construct a boardwalk in a wetland area along the trail east of Negaunee, near the Negaunee mine site, according to Bob Hendrickson, trail administrator of the Iron Ore Heritage Recreation Authority.

According to a recent Mining Journal story on the matter, 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.

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

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.

This is very positive news for the trail and area in general. It’s one more reason for people to use the trail.