BOYNE CITY — The Little Traverse Conservancy and the Top of Michigan Mountain Bike Association announced a partnership to purchase and permanently protect 36 acres of rolling hardwood forest in Boyne City. The organizations are working together to raise $300,000 for the land acquisition and trail expansion.
The 36-acre parcel is located adjacent to the Boyne Forest Trails, which is currently the bike association’s most popular trail system. This expansion is intended to protect the natural landscape while ensuring the multi-use trail experience can grow to accommodate more users.
The $300,000 fundraising goal is intended to cover the cost of the property acquisition, the planning of a trail extension and the purchase of a new excavator for trail maintenance. The organizations noted that the current equipment needs replacement to keep up with the demands of the trail system.
Lynn Wolf serves as the president of TOMMBA. The association recently completed a strategic plan that involved gathering feedback from the local community regarding the future of the organization and its trails.
“We’ve just completed our latest strategic plan and asked our communities how they want TOMMBA to show up in the years ahead,” Wolf said. “The answer was clear and resounding: go back to our roots and build more trails. Having an excavator that actually works is key to that!”
Emily Hughes is the Chief Development Officer for the Little Traverse Conservancy. She emphasized that the project is an investment in the local community and the many individuals who use the Boyne Forest Trails for outdoor activities.
“These are all investments that will benefit the entire community of users who enjoy this highly popular trail system,” Hughes said.
Before new trails are integrated into the property, the Conservancy plans to conduct a thorough inventory of the land. This process follows the organization’s Ecological Conditions and Response protocol, which allows staff to evaluate natural features and ecological qualities. The results of this inventory will dictate how the trail extension is designed to minimize environmental impact.
Supporters of the project can find more information and donation opportunities at the Little Traverse Conservancy website.