This winter, Traverse Area Recreation and Transportation (TART) Trails, Inc. is spearheading a program to remove snow along the TART Trail as a supplement to the City’s snow removal.  With the clearing of the trail, more people will enjoy walking, running and bicycling outdoors through the winter.  This initiative is the result of passionate volunteers and designated donations from individuals and businesses.

Trained volunteers will clear prioritized areas of the TART Trail using a tractor with a front mounted snow blower obtained through a discounted lease agreement from John Deere Work ’n Play.  They plan to start at Cherry Bend Rd. and head south along the bay to Bunker Hill Rd. in Acme when there is snow accumulation of at least three inches.  The green tractor already caught the attention of many people in passing as it made the inaugural trip along the trail last Thursday.

Storage of the tractor is provided courtesy of Harrington’s By The Bay restaurant.  Owner Glen Harrington expressed their support by saying, “The TART Trail is in our backyard and is a benefit not only to everyone that uses it, but all of the businesses along the way.  We are very supportive of having it cleared of snow this winter”.  Other contributors include Air Way Automation, Tim & Karen Keller of Bay Home Medical & Rehab, Red Mesa Grill, DeWeese Hardware, ACE Hardware, Toy Harbor and many generous individuals.

The goal of TART Trails’ snow removal initiative is to maintain a trail network for year round transportation and recreation.  Fundraising efforts continue to fund fuel and routine maintenance costs.  Please contact Lee Maynard at Lee@traversetrails.org for more information, or visit TART Trails’ website to donate to the snow removal initiative (www.traversetrails.org).