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DNR outlines options, limits for Thompsonville–Kaleva/Chief trail connection
Summary
DNR representative Scott Slavin briefed the Manistee County Recreation Commission on the forest road inventory and the feasibility of converting the DNR-owned railroad grade into a non-motorized trail, stressing the need to balance forestry access, hunting and long-term maintenance before any closures or conversions proceed.
Scott Slavin, a Michigan Department of Natural Resources representative, told the Manistee County Recreation Commission the department’s forest road inventory and ORV classifications are the starting point for any conversion of the DNR-owned railroad grade to a non-motorized trail.
"Mr. Slavin encouraged the Commission and community partners to submit comments through the DNR forest road inventory system," the minutes record. He said closing portions of the grade to conventional vehicle traffic is technically possible but requires review by multiple DNR divisions and careful consideration of forestry, hunting and land-access needs.
Commission members and the DNR discussed developing the corridor in smaller segments—for example Thompsonville to Kaleva—rather than attempting the full Thompsonville–Kaleva/Chief connection at once. Participants emphasized the need for formal maintenance agreements and clear long-term management responsibilities before converting or closing road segments.
Speakers also identified a key obstacle: a gap between Kaleva and Chief where ownership and roadway limitations complicate through-connections. Engineering options discussed included separated trail corridors, widened shoulders and easement acquisition across private property. The Commission and DNR noted that additional documentation and supportive resolutions from local governments would strengthen any future requests to the DNR to reclassify or close portions of forest road grade.
Next steps: the DNR asked the Commission and partner organizations to file comments in the DNR forest road inventory system and to pursue planning and engineering studies to define feasible alternatives and estimate long-term maintenance responsibilities.
