SUTTONS BAY (MI) TRAIL MORTGAGE PAID OFF

-> According to a Sept. 10th news release, "Traverse Area Recreation and Transportation (TART) Trails is happy to announce that after twelve years the mortgage for the Leelanau Trail has been paid off. On Wednesday, September 5th, 2007 an excited group gathered in Suttons Bay to present a check as final payment. 'It has been quite a journey' commented Dave Monstrey, co-signer of the original land contract, as he handed the check over. Lois Bahle, a Suttons Bay business owner and original trail proponent provided a donation for the final payment.

"The Leelanau Trail property is now owned free and clear by the TART organization. The 15-mile, 185 acre linear property in Leelanau County is now preserved for future generations. 'We are thrilled to celebrate this milestone. It is a tribute to the vision, support and hard work of everyone who stepped forward to preserve this corridor. Now, the necessary financial support for the trail can be allocated entirely to making improvements and on-going maintenance' said TART Executive Director, Bob Otwell.

"The Leelanau Trail Association (LTA) was formed in 1994 and purchased the trail in two sections. In 1995 the organization signed the first contract to purchase the larger northern stretch of trail for $475,000. The Leelanau Trail was opened to the public in 1996. One year later the second southern section, the Leelanau Scenic Railroad, was purchased for $150,000. TART took over operations for the LTA in 1998..."

Source: Missy Luyk, Trail Program Specialist, TART Trails, Inc. (231) 941-4300; <missy@traversetrails.org>