Iron Range Resources & Rehabilitation awarded 11 Regional Trails grants throughout the past 18 months totaling $371,050. The grants were for equipment that will be used by area trail clubs, communities, and volunteers to maintain and groom trails throughout the agency’s 13,000-square-mile service area. “We were very pleased to support these volunteers, clubs, and communities with grants to help them purchase updated, efficient, and safe equipment to maintain the region’s trails,” said Commissioner Ida Rukavina, Iron Range Resources & Rehabilitation. “Their dedication and willingness to give their time and expertise create top quality trails that so many people enjoy, from year-round residents to tourists. Without these volunteers and club organizations, the cost for our local communities to maintain trails would be extremely high.” The region’s recreational trails require frequent and ongoing maintenance to maintain rider quality and safety. Equipment acquired with the grants will help volunteers eliminate ruts, clear brush and trees, and shape and improve trail surfaces. The volunteers help improve the quality of life for local residents and contribute to the tourism segment of the region’s economy.
The 11 recent grants include:
North Superior Ski & Run Club: $50,000 – A snowcat groomer to maintain over 15 miles of skiing, hiking, and running trails at Pincushion Mountain in Grand Marais. Total project investment is $192,000. North Superior Ski & Run Club: $2,500 – A flail mower to maintain over 15 miles of skiing, hiking, and running trails at Pincushion Mountain in Grand Marais. Total project investment is $5,000. Superior Hiking Trail Association: $6,000 – An ATV to mobilize materials in remote sections of the Superior Hiking Trail which is a 300-mile network of multi-use trails, off-road vehicle trails, and logging roads throughout the North Shore. Total project investment is $12,000.
Babbitt ATV & Snowmobile Club: $15,000 – A snowcat groomer to maintain 57 miles of trails in the Babbitt area. Total project investment is $30,000. (Pictured.) City of Hoyt Lakes: $50,000 – A skid steer vehicle with a bucket, forks, and brush cutter attachments, which is used by Ranger Snowmobile & ATV Club to maintain trails on the East Iron Range. Total project investment is $119,909. Itasca Driftskippers Snowmobile Club: $50,000 – A snowmobile trail groomer used to maintain 79 miles of trails in the Itasca County area. Total project investment is $293,000. North Superior Ski & Run Club: $50,000 – A snowcat groomer to maintain over 15 miles of skiing, hiking, and running trails at Pincushion Mountain in Grand Marais. Total project investment is $192,000. North Superior Ski & Run Club: $2,500 – A flail mower to maintain over 15 miles of skiing, hiking, and running trails at Pincushion Mountain in Grand Marais. Total project investment is $5,000. |
 Northern Lights Nordic Ski Club: $31,150 – Two snowmobiles that pull grooming attachments used to pack snow, create a track and maintain cross-country ski trails in the Itasca County/Grand Rapids area. The grant will also help purchase an ATV with tracks and a trailer to complete year-round trail maintenance such as mowing and removal of fallen timber. Total project investment is $62,300. (Pictured.) Northern Lights Nordic Ski Club: $21,400 – A side-by-side ATV that is fitted with tracks and grooming and trail maintenance to maintain cross-country ski trails in the Itasca County/Grand Rapids area. Total project investment is $42,800. Northern Traxx ATV Club: $50,000 – A dozer with an enclosed, climate-controlled cab and safety windshield to maintain 23 miles of off-highway recreational trails, 15 miles of roadway, and 14 miles of potential upcoming trail in the Chisholm-Hibbing area. Total project investment is $129,000. PathBlazers Snowmobile Club: $45,000 – A trail groomer to maintain 68 miles of trails in the Chisholm, Hibbing, and Side Lake areas. Total project investment is $90,000. |
 Voyageurs Trail Society, Inc.: $50,000 – A snowcat grooming tractor to maintain a network of trails sandwiched between Voyageurs National Park and the David Dill/Arrowhead State Trail. Total project investment is $269,725. (Pictured.)
Regional Trails grants assist with the design, engineering, and construction of various types of trails. Cities, townships, nonprofits, counties, and tribal governments are eligible to apply. Email Jim Plummer or call him at 218-274-7006 for Regional Trails grant information. |
|
