Iron Ore Heritage Trail Upgrade Celebrated by Run/Bike Event – Sept. 26

Republic, Michigan – September 23, 2015 – A celebratory Run/Bike event with Ribbon Cutting Ceremony will take place on Saturday, September 26th, at 11 a.m. at the western terminus of the Iron Ore Heritage Trail in downtown Republic.

The Iron Ore Heritage Recreation Authority (IOHRA) recently upgraded 2.5 miles of trail, reaching from downtown Republic at the Chicken Coop – a gift shop in downtown – along School Lake, and proceeding north on the LS&I rail grade to the Republic/Humboldt Township Line. The trail was built and upgraded with a fine crushed aggregate ranging from eight feet to ten feet wide to accommodate walkers, bikers, ORVers, snowmobilers, and equestrians.

Awarded a $281,000 grant from the Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund grant and $100,000 from the Cliffs Eagle Mine Community Fund, the Iron Ore Heritage Trail used the funds to upgrade the Republic portion of the trail, as well an additional 2.5 miles of trail within the City of Ishpeming and Tilden Township.  A kiosk and Republic story panels have also been placed at the Chicken Coop, which acts as the western most trail head along the Iron Ore Heritage Trail. The total project is expected to be nearly $500,000.

“Our board is ecstatic to see this last trail upgrade project finalized.  We promised voters in 2010 that we would use their tax dollars to build, manage and maintain the Iron Ore Heritage Trail.  Now, we have combined their money with State, Federal and other private monies to upgrade all sections of the trail within the boundaries of our township and city members and have done it earlier than expected,” cited Carol Fulsher, administrator of the IOHRA.  “Now we get to celebrate this final construction project.”

For more information, please contact the Iron Ore Heritage Trail Authority by calling (906) 235-2923 or call Liz Hangas at the Chicken Coop at (906) 376-8005.