HOME > PROJECTS & DOCUMENTS > ENVIRONMENT & NATURAL RESOURCES > WATER TRAIL DEVELOPMENT PLAN
On December 20, 2018, the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) announced the selection of the Middle Grand River Water Trail, which has 33 access sites that provide a variety of experiences for paddlers of all experience levels, as one of the first waterways in Michigan to be a state-designated water trail. The Middle Grand River Water Trail, which extends 87 miles throughout Clinton, Eaton, Ingham, and Ionia counties, was included in the first round of designations made by the DNR and the Office of the Great Lakes. The granting of this designation signifies our region's water trail provides a quality trail experience, offers clear information for users, and enjoys broad community support.
To become designated, the DNR’s new water trails program requires local water trail organizations to have established water trail plans that address components such as safety, stewardship, historic and cultural resources, education opportunities, funding, signage, management and development, local land and water use laws, and marketing and promotion.
Tri-County partnered with the Middle Grand River Organization of Watersheds (MGROW) to create this water trail development plan to improve the connectivity, accessibility, and quality of our region's main water trail, the Middle Grand River. Quality recreational amenities greatly improve the quality of life of Greater Lansing’s residents and visitors and make our region a more competitive place to live and play. Tri-County and MGROW are continuing to explore options for improved signage, kiosks, guidebooks, and other resources for the Middle Grand River. View additional publications below:
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