DTN, Billerud open new Paper Jam trail near Quinnesec mill
Dickinson Trail Network Vice President Sanj Peterson, left, and Brad Nurmela, operations vice president at the Billerud Quinnesec Mill, at the new 2.5-mile Paper Jam cross-country trail loop off DTN’s Ez Eh trail on land near the paper mill in Quinnesec. (Contributed photo)
A bike view of part of the new Paper Jam cross-country trail loop built by the Dickinson Trail Network on land near the Billerud paper mill in Quinnesec. (Contributed photo)
The logo for signage on the new Paper Jam cross-country trail loop, established by the Dickinson Trail Network on land near the Billerud mill in Quinnesec. (Contributed photo)
Signage for the new Paper Jam cross-country trail loop off Dickinson Trail Network’s Ez Eh trail on land near the Billerud mill in Quinnesec. (Contributed photo)
Dickinson Trail Network Vice President Sanj Peterson, left, and Brad Nurmela, operations vice president at the Billerud Quinnesec Mill, at the new 2.5-mile Paper Jam cross-country trail loop off DTN’s Ez Eh trail on land near the paper mill in Quinnesec. (Contributed photo)
A bike view of part of the new Paper Jam cross-country trail loop built by the Dickinson Trail Network on land near the Billerud paper mill in Quinnesec. (Contributed photo)
The logo for signage on the new Paper Jam cross-country trail loop, established by the Dickinson Trail Network on land near the Billerud mill in Quinnesec. (Contributed photo)
Signage for the new Paper Jam cross-country trail loop off Dickinson Trail Network’s Ez Eh trail on land near the Billerud mill in Quinnesec. (Contributed photo)
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QUINNESEC -- Billerud and Dickinson Trail Network have teamed to create a new 2.5-mile cross-country trail loop that branches off DTN's popular Ez Eh trail in Norway.
Billerud provided DTN access to several hundred acres of company-owned forestland near the Quinnesec mill to build the new trail, dubbed Paper Jam.
The addition expands the area's growing network of non-motorized trails and offers outdoor enthusiasts another way to experience Dickinson County's forests and scenic landscapes, Billerud said in a news release.
Paper Jam has gentle grades and a relaxed, flowing design that should appeal to a wide variety of users, including mountain bikers, hikers, trail runners, cross-country skiers and snowshoers.
It also offers a newly constructed boardwalk, abundant blueberry patches -- hence the "jam" part of the name --and expansive views across a sustainably managed forest overlooking the Menominee River, according to Billerud.
The trail has been in development for about two years, since DTN approached Billerud about access to the site. It came so close to the Ez Eh trail that "we could see the potential," DTN Vice President Sanj Peterson said.
But much of the wait was the process of going through corporate channels with the Sweden-based Billerud.
Once permission was secured, constructing the trail itself only took roughly three months, Peterson said, adding DTN is fortunate enough to have professional trail builder Steve Veihl of Iron Goat Trail Construction LLC as a board member. His mostly volunteer work and Billerud's generosity made it possible for DTN to afford the new trail.
While portions of the trail could be used all summer while under construction, the full trail has only been open a few weeks, she said.
Yet, "it's quickly becoming a favorite," Peterson said.
In its news release, Billerud said the project aligns with the company's commitment to sustainability and responsible forestry. Billerud develops high-performing paper and packaging materials from renewable fiber resources while helping create value in the communities where employees live and work.
"We believe responsibly managed working forests and community recreation can work hand in hand," Brad Nurmela, operations vice president at the Billerud Quinnesec Mill, said in the release. "We're proud to provide access to Billerud-owned land and work with local partners to create opportunities that benefit residents and visitors alike."
Dickinson Trail Network, a volunteer-led 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, works to build, maintain and promote a network of non-motorized trails throughout Dickinson County. Today, DTN helps support more than 40 miles of trails across the region.
"This trail is a great addition to our growing network and offers something for everyone, from mountain bikers and hikers to skiers and snowshoers," DTN President Chad Susott said in the news release. "Partnerships like this help us create new opportunities for outdoor recreation while showcasing some of the most scenic landscapes in Dickinson County."
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Betsy Bloom can be reached at 906-774-2772, ext. 85240, or bbloom@ironmountaindailynews.com.