Iron Ore Heritage Trail celebrated the completed boardwalk with ribbon-cutting ceremony. From left are Nate Heffron, Negaunee city manager; Ron Yesney, Michigan Department of Natural Resources; Brian Lindberg, Associated Constructors; Dana LaLonde, West End Advisory Council; Bill Sanders, Sanders & Czapski Associates; Rob Katona, DNR; Carol Fulsher, Iron Ore Heritage Trail Recreation Authority (retired); Don Britton, IOHT Recreation Authority chair; Steven Tritten, Associated Constructors; Bob Hendrickson, IOHT Recreation Authority trail administer; Robert Illikainen, Associated Constructors; Austin Johnson, Associated Constructors; Peter O’Dovero, Associated Constructors; Larry Bussone, City of Ishpeming; and Rick Kauppila, U.P. Fabricating.

Negaunee — The Lake Superior Community Partnership assisted the Iron Ore Heritage Trail in celebrating the completion of its newly constructed boardwalk with a ribbon-cutting ceremony.

The project, funded in part by a Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund Grant, represents a notable enhancement to the trail system, which plays a key role in connecting the community to the region’s natural and historical treasures.

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources is proud to once again be a partner with the Iron Ore Heritage Trail for the development of the Marshland Boardwalk Project by providing a $218,000 grant from the Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund.

Since 2009, this has been the Iron Ore Heritage Trail’s seventh Trust Fund Grant for land acquisition, construction of trails and amenities along the 47-mile route, which has received more than $1.1 million from this grant source.

According to the Michigan DNR, the grant is supported by revenue from state-owned oil, gas and mineral extraction, with proceeds directed toward public outdoor recreation development.

These funds help support projects such as this boardwalk, enhancing outdoor recreation and conservation efforts across the state.

The ribbon-cutting event took place Oct. 10 at the boardwalk on the Iron Ore Heritage trail, between County Road 492 and County Road 480 in Negaunee.

“This boardwalk has been a goal of the IOHT Recreation Authority since 2010. It was the vision of the board and dedication of Carol Fulsher, IOHT admin predecessor, who secured the funding that made it a reality,” said Bob Hendrickson, trail administrator for the Iron Ore Heritage Recreation Authority.

This boardwalk marks another milestone for the Iron Ore Heritage Trail, which connects outdoor recreation enthusiasts with the rich history and scenic beauty of the region. The new boardwalk is designed to provide a safe, accessible, and scenic route for trail users while preserving the surrounding environment.

“We are thrilled to celebrate the completion of this beautiful new boardwalk, which not only enhances the Iron Ore Heritage Trail but also strengthens our community’s connection to the stunning natural and historical landscapes of our region,” Hendrickson said. “This project embodies our commitment to providing safe and accessible outdoor spaces for everyone to enjoy. We extend our gratitude to the Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund and all our partners for their support in making this vision a reality.”

For more information about the Iron Ore Heritage Trail or to donate to the Iron Ore Heritage Recreation Authority, go to ironoreheritage.com.