Posted on May 22, 2019
Author Anita Goodan, WKVI
In an effort to move forward with plans for the trails system in Starke County, Prairie Trails Club member Steve Lucas presented a resolution for consideration by the Starke County Commissioners Monday night.
The club members are looking modify the American Discovery Trail (ADT) in Starke County to improve public safety. According to Steve Lucas, the modification would take the trail in a safer route off of U.S. 35 and US 421.
“We want to have conversations with the ADT people and if you’re agreeable to the concept of course we’d have Rik Ritzler working with us to what he would be comfortable with, have them both cross at English Lake while the American Discovery Trail could continue on 421 to LaCrosse and go through that way,” stated Lucas.
He said traffic is heavy along U.S. 35 and U.S. 421 so the trail through English Lake would provide a safer, more scenic route for those utilizing the trail.
Lucas hopes that share-the-road signage can be installed to note the routes of the American Discovery Trail, the U.S. Bike Route 35 and the Great American Rail-Trail. The resolution also includes a request to create a design for a trailhead at the intersection of County Road 450 E. and County Road 210 at the south end of Bass Lake where a bench and bike rack could be included.
The commissioners unanimously approved the request to work in cooperation with the Northern Indiana Coordinator of the ADT to modify the route. The Starke County Highway Department plans to assist in putting up signage along the trail.
In addition to this discussion, the commissioners thanked those who worked to get a grant of nearly $400,000 for the addition of two miles on the Erie Trail.
Showing posts with label American Discovery Trail. Show all posts
Showing posts with label American Discovery Trail. Show all posts
Wednesday, May 22, 2019
Saturday, May 11, 2019
Community-Wide Matching Efforts Help Secure Next Level Funding for Prairie Trails Club
Posted on May 11, 2019
Author Jacque Ryan, WKVI
Members of the Prairie Trails Club gathered together Thursday night to celebrate receiving a Next Level Trails grant that’s going to help extend the Erie Trail.
According to officials, the first three-mile segment of the Erie Trail was built in 2008 connecting the Town of North Judson to County Road 100 W. Another segment of a little over six miles was completed in 2010. State and federal funds were utilized for those projects.
Currently, the trail is a little over 9 miles long and extends from the Town of North Judson up to U.S. 35. The planned expansion will add an additional 2 miles that will reach toward Ora.
Prairie Trails Club President Carolla Heilstedt said the Club was incorporated as their own non-profit organization in 2017, which allowed them to start applying for grants on their own. Up to that point, they’d been coordinating with the Hoosier Valley Railroad Museum.
The Erie Trail isn’t only for bipeds and bicyclists. A portion of the trail running from County Road 100 W to U.S. 35 has an adjacent sand-based equestrian path, which will be a part of the extended trail as well.
In addition to giving local travelers a safe route to use, the Erie Trail is also a draw for people from all across the country, according to Club President Heilstedt.
She explained, “We have a couple of different coast-to-coast trail lines that we’re a part of; so we’re a part of The American Discovery Trail, which extends from the east to the west coast, U.S. Bike Route 35 and we actually just received word that we were included in a new coast-to-coast trail system called The Great American Rails to Trail System.”
The Next Levels Trails Grant required a local match. Heilstedt mentioned that they never would have been able to secure the funding without the generous help of many.
Specific details about those contributions can be found below.
Key Sources for the Next Level Trails Grant Local Match:
Additionally, it will provide a safer route to Tippecanoe State Park, a forested area with cabins and equestrian camping facilities. The PTC is also working to close the gaps between the existing Panhandle Pathway and the Nickel Plate trails.
Heilstedt mentioned that there is a lot of preliminary work that must be done before any construction efforts can begin on the extension.
She shared, “We’ll have to have permitting, we’ll have to have surveying and just so much engineering and architectural planning submitted to INDOT and DNR for approval before we’ll be able to begin work.”
She added that she’s been coordinating with Territorial Engineers, the firm that assisted with the grant proposal and past work, about what they can do before the funding is in hand. The state is not expected to release the grant money until the end of their fiscal year in July.
Looking ahead, the Prairie Trails Club has more plans for the future.
Heilstedt noted, “We are very interested in expanding, not just the trail, but the opportunities along the trail and one of those opportunities that we’d like to offer the community are learning kiosks.”
She said they would like the kiosks to be digital and interactive. The trail-side devices would allow path-users to learn more about the plants and animals in the surrounding area and the efforts that Prairie Trails Club volunteers take to ensure invasive species are removed so native foliage and fauna can thrive.
Aside from informational kiosks, the organization is also interested in installing bike repair stations intermittently along the trail to help people who hit a snag during their travels.
There will be more grant rounds provided through the DNR’s Next Level Trails program yet this year and Heilstedt noted that officials consistently apply for grants from other sources to help fund future development.
For more information or to get involved with the organization visit PrairieTrailsClub.org.
Author Jacque Ryan, WKVI
Members of the Prairie Trails Club gathered together Thursday night to celebrate receiving a Next Level Trails grant that’s going to help extend the Erie Trail.
According to officials, the first three-mile segment of the Erie Trail was built in 2008 connecting the Town of North Judson to County Road 100 W. Another segment of a little over six miles was completed in 2010. State and federal funds were utilized for those projects.
Currently, the trail is a little over 9 miles long and extends from the Town of North Judson up to U.S. 35. The planned expansion will add an additional 2 miles that will reach toward Ora.
Prairie Trails Club President Carolla Heilstedt said the Club was incorporated as their own non-profit organization in 2017, which allowed them to start applying for grants on their own. Up to that point, they’d been coordinating with the Hoosier Valley Railroad Museum.
The Erie Trail isn’t only for bipeds and bicyclists. A portion of the trail running from County Road 100 W to U.S. 35 has an adjacent sand-based equestrian path, which will be a part of the extended trail as well.
In addition to giving local travelers a safe route to use, the Erie Trail is also a draw for people from all across the country, according to Club President Heilstedt.
She explained, “We have a couple of different coast-to-coast trail lines that we’re a part of; so we’re a part of The American Discovery Trail, which extends from the east to the west coast, U.S. Bike Route 35 and we actually just received word that we were included in a new coast-to-coast trail system called The Great American Rails to Trail System.”
The Next Levels Trails Grant required a local match. Heilstedt mentioned that they never would have been able to secure the funding without the generous help of many.
Prairie Trails without Next Level extension
Specific details about those contributions can be found below.
Key Sources for the Next Level Trails Grant Local Match:
- Hoosier Valley Railroad Museum: Has played an integral role in the PTC for years; donated the land where the trail is to be extended
- Greenways Foundation: An Indiana organization that promotes green and blue-ways provided a $5,000 grant
- The Luminous Fund: A charitable foundation led by the Carrier family provided a $5,000 grant
- Starke County Community Foundation: The local philanthropic organization donated $5,000
- Starke County Highway Department: With the authorization of the Starke County Commissioners, the Highway Department was permitted to provide up to $5,000 in labor and materials for an in-kind donation
- SCILL Center: built three bike racks that were valued at about $1,000 each
- Kankakee Valley REMC: supplied grant funding for bike rack materials
- Prairie Trails Club:
Club officials shared that this expansion will greatly improve safety by extending the trail past U.S. 35 to reach broad, quiet, rural roads that allow easy connection to the Bass Lake community which has numerous amenities for trail users.
- Provided $5,000 from treasury fund for general construction costs
- Collected plastic bottle caps for the Lids to Benches Program to recycle material into seating for the trail
- Committed to furnishing and coordinating safety and identification signage through partnerships already established with the Highway Department and local signage manufactures
Additionally, it will provide a safer route to Tippecanoe State Park, a forested area with cabins and equestrian camping facilities. The PTC is also working to close the gaps between the existing Panhandle Pathway and the Nickel Plate trails.
Erie Trail including Next Level extension
Heilstedt mentioned that there is a lot of preliminary work that must be done before any construction efforts can begin on the extension.
She shared, “We’ll have to have permitting, we’ll have to have surveying and just so much engineering and architectural planning submitted to INDOT and DNR for approval before we’ll be able to begin work.”
She added that she’s been coordinating with Territorial Engineers, the firm that assisted with the grant proposal and past work, about what they can do before the funding is in hand. The state is not expected to release the grant money until the end of their fiscal year in July.
Looking ahead, the Prairie Trails Club has more plans for the future.
Heilstedt noted, “We are very interested in expanding, not just the trail, but the opportunities along the trail and one of those opportunities that we’d like to offer the community are learning kiosks.”
She said they would like the kiosks to be digital and interactive. The trail-side devices would allow path-users to learn more about the plants and animals in the surrounding area and the efforts that Prairie Trails Club volunteers take to ensure invasive species are removed so native foliage and fauna can thrive.
Aside from informational kiosks, the organization is also interested in installing bike repair stations intermittently along the trail to help people who hit a snag during their travels.
There will be more grant rounds provided through the DNR’s Next Level Trails program yet this year and Heilstedt noted that officials consistently apply for grants from other sources to help fund future development.
For more information or to get involved with the organization visit PrairieTrailsClub.org.
Monday, August 13, 2018
Signage Installed Around North Judson to Help Guide Trail Travelers
Posted on August 11, 2018
Author Jacque Ryan, WKVI
Bicyclists and pedestrians utilizing the trails in North Judson now have some signage to guide them.
Back in May, Prairie Trails Club Representatives Steve and Kathy Lucas came before Town Council members, requesting permission to place signs around town that would help guide people using the trails. The members unanimously approved the request.
As a reminder, The Erie Trail in North Judson runs a little more than 9 miles and is a part of two major trails that stretch across the whole country. It is included in Indiana’s portion of the U.S. Bike Route 35 that starts in Canada and ends near New Orleans. That trail will eventually reach the Gulf of Mexico. The Erie Trail is also a part of the American Discovery Trail which runs from Delaware to California.
Ever since they received permission, Steve, Kathy and other members of Prairie Trails Club have been coordinating with Clerk-Treasurer Andrew Rowe with Town Superintendent Marshall Horstmann about the ideal places to erect the signs.
On Thursday, August 9th, they put their plans into action, according to Prairie Trails Club rep Peggy Bohac. Bohac also serves as the town photographer and she followed around crews on Thursday and snapped pictures as they put signs up in various places around town.
Multiple people also joined in with Thursday’s excursion around town including Town Superintendent Marshall Horstman and members of his utility crew Kim Kapp and Jason Manns as well as Clerk-Treasurer Andrew Rowe and Steve and Kathy Lucas. The Starke County Community Foundation’s Jessica Martinovic and Miranda Shepherd were also present and so were Nan Wellman and Amanda Brewer from OTES, the company that created the signs.
In addition to alerting travelers that they’re on a specific trail, Bohac noted that these signs will help direct people toward local services on their way through town. She mentioned that since North Judson is the only municipality that travelers pass through between LaPorte and Rochester, it is crucial to let them know where they can find resources in town.
Bohac added that with the initial plans for the US Bike Route 35, it wouldn’t have passed through the heart of North Judson. She stated that back in 2011, the Hoosier Rails to Trails Council recommended a route that would have skirted the northern edge of town. However, Bohac said that Town Council members made a decision in 2012 that led to the route that is there currently in place, which gives better access to commercial and public services in town.
Author Jacque Ryan, WKVI
[Photo Source: NJ Town Photographer Peggy Bohac]
Back in May, Prairie Trails Club Representatives Steve and Kathy Lucas came before Town Council members, requesting permission to place signs around town that would help guide people using the trails. The members unanimously approved the request.
As a reminder, The Erie Trail in North Judson runs a little more than 9 miles and is a part of two major trails that stretch across the whole country. It is included in Indiana’s portion of the U.S. Bike Route 35 that starts in Canada and ends near New Orleans. That trail will eventually reach the Gulf of Mexico. The Erie Trail is also a part of the American Discovery Trail which runs from Delaware to California.
[Photo Source: NJ Town Photographer Peggy Bohac]
On Thursday, August 9th, they put their plans into action, according to Prairie Trails Club rep Peggy Bohac. Bohac also serves as the town photographer and she followed around crews on Thursday and snapped pictures as they put signs up in various places around town.
Multiple people also joined in with Thursday’s excursion around town including Town Superintendent Marshall Horstman and members of his utility crew Kim Kapp and Jason Manns as well as Clerk-Treasurer Andrew Rowe and Steve and Kathy Lucas. The Starke County Community Foundation’s Jessica Martinovic and Miranda Shepherd were also present and so were Nan Wellman and Amanda Brewer from OTES, the company that created the signs.
L to R: James Manns, Peggy Bohac, Kim Kapp
[Photo Source: NJ Town Photographer Peggy Bohac]
In addition to alerting travelers that they’re on a specific trail, Bohac noted that these signs will help direct people toward local services on their way through town. She mentioned that since North Judson is the only municipality that travelers pass through between LaPorte and Rochester, it is crucial to let them know where they can find resources in town.
Bohac added that with the initial plans for the US Bike Route 35, it wouldn’t have passed through the heart of North Judson. She stated that back in 2011, the Hoosier Rails to Trails Council recommended a route that would have skirted the northern edge of town. However, Bohac said that Town Council members made a decision in 2012 that led to the route that is there currently in place, which gives better access to commercial and public services in town.
L to R: Nan Wellman and Amanda Brewer, Kathy and Steve Lucas, Andrew Rowe, Jessica Martinovic and Miranda Shepherd [Photo Source: NJ Town Photographer Peggy Bohac]
Tuesday, November 7, 2017
NJ Town Council Approves Signage for Prairie Trails Club
Posted on November 7, 2017
Author Jacque Ryan, WKVI
The North Judson Town Council received a request on behalf of the Prairie Trail Club (PTC) to install signage at the intersection of State Road 10 and State Road 39 during their meeting yesterday evening.
Peggy Bohac spoke as a liaison for Steve Lucas, the president of the PTC, and explained that the club had expressed interest in putting a sign up by Norwayne Field to alert people of where to find the trail. The trail in question is the North Judson Erie Trail which is part of the transcontinental American Discovery Trail. It was utilized for the 5K Color Run this summer.
She said that representatives with the Hoosier Valley Railway Museum have reported that many people come to the museum looking for the trail and often times the staff there is unaware of how to direct individuals.
In order to save time for the museum employees as well as travelers wishing to utilize the trail, PTC representatives proposed installing signage to clear up any confusion. Bohac went onto say that signs could also be installed along the trail in to alert cyclists of the available restaurants and other potential pit stops within the town.
The request received unanimous council approval. Bohac said she would also approach the Park Board with the same request, in order to make sure that all involved parties are informed of the decision.
Author Jacque Ryan, WKVI
The North Judson Town Council received a request on behalf of the Prairie Trail Club (PTC) to install signage at the intersection of State Road 10 and State Road 39 during their meeting yesterday evening.
Peggy Bohac spoke as a liaison for Steve Lucas, the president of the PTC, and explained that the club had expressed interest in putting a sign up by Norwayne Field to alert people of where to find the trail. The trail in question is the North Judson Erie Trail which is part of the transcontinental American Discovery Trail. It was utilized for the 5K Color Run this summer.
She said that representatives with the Hoosier Valley Railway Museum have reported that many people come to the museum looking for the trail and often times the staff there is unaware of how to direct individuals.
In order to save time for the museum employees as well as travelers wishing to utilize the trail, PTC representatives proposed installing signage to clear up any confusion. Bohac went onto say that signs could also be installed along the trail in to alert cyclists of the available restaurants and other potential pit stops within the town.
The request received unanimous council approval. Bohac said she would also approach the Park Board with the same request, in order to make sure that all involved parties are informed of the decision.
Friday, April 28, 2017
Take The Erie Trail to Open Sky
Founded in 2010, the Prairie Trails Club, Inc., is a non-profit organization dedicated to develop, manage and maintain the Erie Trail in North Judson and Monterey Indiana.
The North Judson Erie Trail is a free access, public multi-use path and greenway mostly located in southern Starke County, Indiana. Nine miles of paved trail extend eastward from the town of North Judson to U.S. 35 near Bass Lake. A shorter paved section has been completed in the town of Monterey to the east in Pulaski County. Motor vehicles are prohibited. The route is fully paved and intended for hiking and bicycling; a separate, unpaved, equestrian trail for horseback riding shares the corridor from Starke County Road 100 West to U.S. 35.
Centered on the rail banked right-of-way of the former Erie JK Line, much of the North Judson Erie Trail is elevated offering an excellent view of the unspoiled countryside of the Kankakee sand country, and though you’ll see some of the rich farmland for which Indiana is justly famous, the landscapes are often more natural and quite varied — groves of oaks, prairies, and marshlands. The level rail bed makes for easy hiking and cycling.
The North Judson Erie Trail is part of the transcontinental American Discovery Trail, extending from the Atlantic Ocean in Delaware to the Pacific Coast at Point Reyes in northern California.
Rules of the Trail
- The trail is open for everyone's use and enjoyment.
- Closed from dusk to dawn.
- Non-motorized use only - unauthorized motor vehicles prohibited.
- Do not trespass on adjoining property
- Obey stop signs.
- Ride or walk on the right side of the trail.
- Other trail users must yield to pedestrians. Warn trail users as you approach from behind ie: "On your left"
- Helmets recommended
- Take only pictures; leave only footprints - pack out your trash.
- Pets are welcome if kept on a leash and in control.
- Horses are welcome on the designated horse trail. Please do not ride horses on the asphalt.
- Report problems to Starke County Sheriff's Department - 574-772-3771. Use 911 for emergencies.
North Judson Erie Trail, Starke County, Indiana www.prairietrailsclub.org
Dedicated to public access trails and greenways in rural northern Indiana.
Wednesday, April 5, 2017
Starke County Commissioners Approve Additional Erie Trail Access
Posted on April 5, 2017
Author Mary Perren, WKVI
The volunteer organization that’s responsible for promoting and maintaining the Erie Trail between North Judson and Bass Station has received approval to add more access points to the route.
The Starke County Commissioners Monday approved access points on Range Road, 450 East at the southwest corner of Bass Lake and 600 East, which will connect to the campground. The Prairie Trails Club will purchase the necessary signs and will work with the Starke County Highway Department on their installation.
Eventually a trailhead will be added at Mark Bailey’s Discount Center at the intersection of State Road 10 and Range Road to provide an additional access point for bicycle riders and pedestrians to get on the route.
Both the American Discovery Trail between the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans and the U.S. Bike Route #35, which will connect Canada to the Gulf of Mexico, will pass through Starke County on the Erie Trail.
Prairie Trails Club President Bruce Fingerhut told the commissioners they hope to connect to Tippecanoe River State Park in Pulaski County at some point. That’s also the goal for the Panhandle Pathway, which currently stops in downtown Winamac. Once that happens, outdoor enthusiasts will have more than 40 miles of paved trail from North Judson to France Park in Cass County.
Part of the Erie Trail is also accessible to equestrians, with an adjacent bridle path from 100 West to U.S. 35. However, horse enthusiasts note there’s not a good place to unload their animals and park their trailers in order to access the route.
Additionally brush, vines and honeysuckle need to be cleared from the path. The Prairie Trails Club plans to schedule a cleanup day later in the spring. Visit http://www.prairietrailsclub.org/ for more information.
Author Mary Perren, WKVI
The volunteer organization that’s responsible for promoting and maintaining the Erie Trail between North Judson and Bass Station has received approval to add more access points to the route.
The Starke County Commissioners Monday approved access points on Range Road, 450 East at the southwest corner of Bass Lake and 600 East, which will connect to the campground. The Prairie Trails Club will purchase the necessary signs and will work with the Starke County Highway Department on their installation.
Eventually a trailhead will be added at Mark Bailey’s Discount Center at the intersection of State Road 10 and Range Road to provide an additional access point for bicycle riders and pedestrians to get on the route.
Both the American Discovery Trail between the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans and the U.S. Bike Route #35, which will connect Canada to the Gulf of Mexico, will pass through Starke County on the Erie Trail.
Prairie Trails Club President Bruce Fingerhut told the commissioners they hope to connect to Tippecanoe River State Park in Pulaski County at some point. That’s also the goal for the Panhandle Pathway, which currently stops in downtown Winamac. Once that happens, outdoor enthusiasts will have more than 40 miles of paved trail from North Judson to France Park in Cass County.
Part of the Erie Trail is also accessible to equestrians, with an adjacent bridle path from 100 West to U.S. 35. However, horse enthusiasts note there’s not a good place to unload their animals and park their trailers in order to access the route.
Additionally brush, vines and honeysuckle need to be cleared from the path. The Prairie Trails Club plans to schedule a cleanup day later in the spring. Visit http://www.prairietrailsclub.org/ for more information.
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