A HUGE thank you to all those who donated to the IET for the Community Foundation of Northeast Michigan's #GivingTuesdayNEMI Program

With your support, we'll be building out IET trail programs in 2021 with the goal of supporting outdoor recreation, health and physical fitness, Safe Route to school, and more!
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Did you miss #GivingTuesday? No worries, you can still donate to the IET! 

Click here to donate

Did you order IET swag recently?
​If yes, they are set to deliver by December 15th.

Missed the ordering deadline?
Don't worry, we'll have another sale
in early 2021! 

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Partnerships are what make communities great! 
We are grateful to Alpena Community College for creating this spectacular video for our local, national, and global community of supporters which highlights and showcases beautiful Iosco County and the upcoming Iosco Exploration Trail and part of Michigan's Iron Belle Trail. 

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ABOUT THE IOSCO EXPLORATION TRAIL (IET)

Bike friendly communities are desired by the majority of people in and around Iosco County and throughout Michigan. With the Michigan Iron Belle Trail (IBT) initiative moving forward connecting existing trails, we want to ensure the long term success of our part of that initiative, the Iosco Exploration Trail (IET), here in beautiful Iosco County. The IET Committee, stakeholders, supporters, businesses, volunteers, and visitors enjoying the natural beauty here are excited to take part in connecting the trail and non-trail communities by way of the Iosco Exploration Trail as part of the Michigan Iron Belle Trail.

​The Michigan Iron Belle Trail connects Detroit to Ironwood, Michigan, by way of smaller community trails. The initiative is to connect those completely to have one fluid trail system. https://www.michigan.gov/dnr/0,4570,7-350-79133_79206_83634---,00.html
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By connecting existing trails and strategically constructing designated phases, the State of Michigan is working with local governments to construct this. At 774 miles long, it's no easy task. The Iosco Exploration Trail phase is 34 miles long connecting Oscoda/AuSable to Hale via the River Road National Scenic Byway. The Mill Street bridge now includes the Iron Belle Trail, as construction has already started. A group of dedicated leaders in the community have been planning for the future of the IET and created a board to oversee the planning, construction, and future maintenance. The Iosco Exploration Trail, Inc. is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization which will ensure longevity of the trail by funding the long term maintenance, when needed, and is committed to bringing outdoor and recreational opportunities to the communities it serves. 

​​Connecting Hale to Oscoda/AuSable Townships with a safe dedicated trail will create an even more vibrant, active community that will enhance outdoor experiences and draw people to the area in new ways. Providing a safe route for anyone traveling to school and work is an important community benefit.

The walking, hiking, biking trail will allow residents a safe place to enjoy the outdoors while maintaining their health and personal well-being. Opening up equal access to natural areas in our county and in other communities by way of a solid trail system will bring visitors from around the country and world to our area of the state. The Iosco Exploration Trail encourages conservation and appreciation for our environment.  ​