REGIONAL- Five North Country organizations netted almost $19,000 in Small Project Grants from a $100,000 program administered by the Iron Range Tourism Bureau (IRTB) and St. Louis County Trails Task Force, with funds provided by the Department of Iron Range Resources and Rehabilitation.
The grants provide funding for projects that foster the development and long-term sustainability of recreational trails and facilities in Northern St. Louis County.
Area grant award winners include:
Buyck Fire Department, $1,521 to create and install signs on area snowmobile trails to allow riders to to report their location in an emergency situation.
Ely Igloo Snowmobile Club, $5,000 to replace the Kawishiwi Falls Hiking Trail Bridge.
Growing Futures, LLC, $5,528 to purchase gear for the group’s Introduction to Wilderness offerings which provide outdoor overnight experiences to people of color.
St. Louis/Lake County Northeast Regional ATV Joint Powers Board, $4,300 to purchase trail counters and conduct an ATV trail use survey.
Voyageurs Snowmobile Club, $2,500 to enhance the Winchester Lake Overlook with a shelter and picnic tables.
“It’s great to see a high level of dedication to trail construction, trail maintenance and projects that enhance the experience for everyone who enjoys being outdoors,” said Beth Pierce, IRTB executive director. “Anything that develops or improves our trails and helps our clubs is an investment in our local quality of life and the visitor experience and can become a tool for attracting new residents.”
Eligible applicants include cities, townships, counties, nonprofits and tribal units of government within the St. Louis County and the Iron Range Resources and Rehabilitation service area.
Call Jim Plummer at 218-274-7006 for Regional Trails grant information.