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Manistee commission seeks clearer DNR coordination to advance county trail development
Summary
The Recreation Commission urged clearer coordination with the Michigan Department of Natural Resources on trail designation, engineering sequencing, and maintenance responsibilities and recommended convening DNR representatives to clarify expectations and funding eligibility.
At its April 6, 2026 meeting, the Manistee County Recreation Commission discussed next steps for county trail development and emphasized the need for clearer coordination with the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR). Rob Carson of Networks Northwest led the discussion, arguing that aligning plan priorities with funding eligibility will require DNR input on trail designation, engineering sequencing, and maintenance responsibilities.
Carson and Planning Director Katie Gruenberg stressed that project phasing must be explicit — designation, planning, engineering, then construction — and that unified support from local units and trail organizations strengthens grant applications. The Commission agreed to pursue a future convening with DNR representatives to clarify expectations and processes. No formal vote was taken on a policy change at the meeting.
