In a race to the finish line and only 60 days to reach our goal.
July 1-August 30
July 1-August 30
Help us close the funding gap to complete Iosco Exploration Trail Phase 3, a part of Michigan's Iron Belle Trail, in Oscoda, MI!
This effort will be made possible through a new crowdfunding campaign, the Michigan Economic Development Corporation and the nonprofit Iosco Exploration Trail (IET) announced July 1, 2021. The campaign is being offered through the Michigan-based crowdfunding platform Patronicity.
This effort will be made possible through a new crowdfunding campaign, the Michigan Economic Development Corporation and the nonprofit Iosco Exploration Trail (IET) announced July 1, 2021. The campaign is being offered through the Michigan-based crowdfunding platform Patronicity.
We are seeking your help to close the funding gap for the completion of phase 3 of the Iosco Exploration Trail (IET), as part of Michigan's Iron Belle Trail in our beautiful little town of Oscoda, MI. Your support is vital to this community project.
Closing the funding gap for phase 3 of the IET will provide a route for pedestrian and bicycle traffic out to and from Old Orchard Park, traversing safely alongside the very busy River Road National Scenic Byway, connecting to local attractions nearby including Foote Dam Site, the Au Sable River Queen riverboat ride, Au Sable River scenic overlook, and more. Phase 3 will connect to the already completed phase 1, which ends at Oscoda Schools from Oscoda. It will then go to Old Orchard Park, one of Northeast Michigan's largest campgrounds located within the Huron-Manistee National Forest, resting roughly 8 miles outside of town. Phase 3 is 5.3 miles long. Follow the photos, below, from the school along the right side of River Road National Scenic Byway to Old Orchard Park to get a feel for the landscape and future phase 3 that, with your help, we will finish!
The Details
Phase 3 of the IET will be constructed within the road right-of-way and on easements with US Forest Service (USFS) and Consumers Energy. Existing and future trail construction projects will be completed on either end of phase 3 extending the vast system of paths in the area, and connecting the Iosco Exploration Trail from Oscoda / Au Sable to Hale, and to Michigan’s Iron Belle Trail system from Detroit to Ironwood.
To date, nearly 90 percent of the phase 3 has been funded through other state, federal, and private foundations through nine different grants and agencies including the Department of Natural Resources, Michigan Department of Transportation, Iron Belle Trail Challenge Grant, Iosco County, United States Department of Agriculture, and more.
Current funding allows completion of the project only through Foote Village, but this Patronicity Campaign will help us leverage funding to complete it to Old Orchard Campground.
We only have 60 days to make it happen!
If we hit our goal with this Patronicity campaign, the MEDC will match every dollar up to $50,000! Essentially DOUBLING YOUR DONATION and closing the funding gap.
Closing the funding gap for phase 3 of the IET will provide a route for pedestrian and bicycle traffic out to and from Old Orchard Park, traversing safely alongside the very busy River Road National Scenic Byway, connecting to local attractions nearby including Foote Dam Site, the Au Sable River Queen riverboat ride, Au Sable River scenic overlook, and more. Phase 3 will connect to the already completed phase 1, which ends at Oscoda Schools from Oscoda. It will then go to Old Orchard Park, one of Northeast Michigan's largest campgrounds located within the Huron-Manistee National Forest, resting roughly 8 miles outside of town. Phase 3 is 5.3 miles long. Follow the photos, below, from the school along the right side of River Road National Scenic Byway to Old Orchard Park to get a feel for the landscape and future phase 3 that, with your help, we will finish!
The Details
Phase 3 of the IET will be constructed within the road right-of-way and on easements with US Forest Service (USFS) and Consumers Energy. Existing and future trail construction projects will be completed on either end of phase 3 extending the vast system of paths in the area, and connecting the Iosco Exploration Trail from Oscoda / Au Sable to Hale, and to Michigan’s Iron Belle Trail system from Detroit to Ironwood.
To date, nearly 90 percent of the phase 3 has been funded through other state, federal, and private foundations through nine different grants and agencies including the Department of Natural Resources, Michigan Department of Transportation, Iron Belle Trail Challenge Grant, Iosco County, United States Department of Agriculture, and more.
Current funding allows completion of the project only through Foote Village, but this Patronicity Campaign will help us leverage funding to complete it to Old Orchard Campground.
We only have 60 days to make it happen!
If we hit our goal with this Patronicity campaign, the MEDC will match every dollar up to $50,000! Essentially DOUBLING YOUR DONATION and closing the funding gap.
Once completed, the Iosco Exploration Trail, as part of the Iron Belle Trail, will offer local families and visitors outstanding opportunities to enjoy getting out and having a good time in Michigan’s great outdoors. From the inspiring overlooks of the Au Sable River to the quiet pathways through the Huron-Manistee National Forest, the trail will give people unique chances to see our state’s natural beauty. I was proud to support a Natural Resources Trust Fund investment in the trail, and I look forward to seeing the trail completed for outdoor enthusiasts to enjoy for generations to come.
Senator Jim Stamas
June 2021
June 2021