Berrien County, Michigan – February 8, 2022 – The Friends of Berrien County Trails are excited to announce the launch of the Berrien County Trails Master Planning public engagement activities, which will include a community survey and community workshops.
In response to increasing awareness, use and support of trails throughout Berrien County, the Friends of Berrien County Trails is developing a county-wide Trails Master Plan. The plan will provide a county wide vision and foster the development of more trails in the county. The plan will address trails for transportation and recreation use including walking, hiking, biking, paddling, skiing and equestrian trails.
All residents of Berrien County are encouraged to participate in the planning process starting with taking this 15 minute online survey (www.surveymonkey.com/r/bctmp-survey) that will be available through the end of February. Then there will be public workshops offered later this spring.
“We are developing a Master Trail Plan for and with the people of the region to connect us all to our rivers, parks, and communities,” said Gary Wood, President of the Friends of Berrien County Trails. “Ongoing, and genuine community engagement is one of the core values of the project.”
ABOUT THE PLANNING PROCESS
The Friends of Berrien County Trails has identified a bold vision for a future in which walking, paddling, and bicycling and other trail opportunities are easily accessible throughout Berrien County for people of all ages and abilities. The Berrien County Trails Master Plan will provide the tools to achieve this vision. The Friends hopes to engage a broad group of stakeholders in a process that will build community consensus on future trail project priorities and investments.
“We want trails in Berrien County to become one of the top reasons residents and visitors love the SWMI region. Our vision is to develop trails that enhance people’s quality of life and strengthen the social, economic, and environmental well-being of our region,” said Dawn Marie Smith of Be Healthy Berrien.
The Friends of Berrien County Trails, in partnership with the Southwest Michigan Planning Commission and Be Healthy Berrien, has undertaken the development of the Trails Master Plan as a key activity to further the organization’s mission and goals. Abonmarche Consultants has been engaged to lead the planning process. You can learn more about the Friends and the Master Plan at www.BerrienTrails.org.