The debate of the final 4.2-mile “Segment 9” of the Sleeping Bear Dunes Heritage Trail within the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore (SBDNL) came to a screeching halt last week in Empire after SBDNL Superintendent Scott Tucker paused the project following consultations with the Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians (GTB).
“The existing design work will serve as a foundation for future planning efforts, with continued collaboration alongside the Grand Traverse Band and project partners. (SBDNL) remains committed to enhancing non-motorized connectivity throughout the Lakeshore and looks forward to continued, strong collaboration in the future,” SBDNL said in a press release.
By pausing current trail design that will lay the groundwork for a possible future project, according to SBDNL Superintendent Scott Tucker.
