Noque Trail Network receives 238 acres donation to preserve trail

Wed, Dec  20, 2023 - By Noquemanon Trail Network

Donation Preserves Trail Access for Future Generations

The NTN is proud to announce the generous donation of 238 acres of land north of the Dead River that will help preserve the Noquemanon Ski Trail corridor between North Basin Drive and the NTN 510 Trailhead. This legacy gift to NTN not only permanently protects a section of the Noquemanon Ski Race corridor but also provides an opportunity for the expansion of both winter and summer trails in this beautiful area.

This acreage, combined with an 80 acre gift received from Granite Point LLC in 2019 (composed of Wally and Carrie Pearson, Craig Stein, Bob and Mary Mahaney, and Ken and Maura Davenport), a small easement across a property corner from the Holli Family, and an easement adjustment from Lyme Great Lakes Timberlands, provides critical connectivity for the trail system. The receipt of this land also represents a pivotal moment in NTN’s ongoing commitment to trail preservation and the promotion of outdoor recreation. Planning for the newly acquired land is underway.

The Donors

The donors of the land, Cary Gottlieb and Carol Gamber, have been longtime supporters and volunteers with NTN. Cary is the recent past president of the organization and served on the NTN board for over 17 years. In regard to the recent gift, Cary and Carol are hoping it helps assure the presence and access to non-motorized trails for Nordic skiing, singletrack biking, running, and hiking.

“This is some of the most beautiful land we’ve seen in Marquette County. We wanted to ensure that this land will be preserved in its natural state (to the extent possible) for all to use in perpetuity. We know that NTN will develop and maintain ski and singletrack trails in a responsible manner. Lastly, we hope that this will encourage others to consider similar land donations that will further the NTN mission.” As to why they want it called the ‘Solomon Gursky Property’, Cary suggested that “Solomon Gursky was there.”

Trail Protection Fund

With this gift of land, NTN is also announcing the establishment of a Trail Protection Fund within the organization as they work to further protect and enhance trail access across the region. The Fund will be used to purchase land, match grants, and reroute sections of trail that may be impacted by ownership changes.

According to Lori Hauswirth, NTN Executive Director, “At any given time, NTN is working with over 45 landowners across 8 trail systems for trail access. Permission for public use can change at any time with increasing development pressures putting trail connectivity at risk. It is a stress that NTN and similar organizations battle on a daily basis but may be unknown to those utilizing or benefitting from the trails. The more that stakeholders including users, organizations, businesses, and government understand the importance of trails, the better we can proactively pull together resources and partner for their protection, maintenance, and improvement.”

Thank you Cary, Carol, Wally, Carrie, Craig, Phyllis, Bob, Mary, Ken and Maura for your generosity.

To learn more about NTN or to contribute to NTN’s new Trail Protection Fund, visit www.noquetrails.org/trail-protection-fund/