07/08/2006

Forum

There's more to the West Mullett Lake Trail issue

By Michael Grisdale

Grisdale

On behalf of the Cheboygan Area Chamber of Commerce board of directors, I am responding to a Record-Eagle editorial regarding the West Mullett Lake Trail published June 27.

We were wondering, how closely you have been following this issue? Your view failed to mention that part of the agreement included finding an alternate trail route to connect snowmobilers from Indian River to Cheboygan.

Many local governmental agencies, snowmobile groups and other interested parties signed off on the deal because the Department of Natural Resources assured them that another route would be established. Those conversations and public hearings date back to 1994.

Throughout this entire process, the Cheboygan Area Chamber, Cheboygan Area Tourist Bureau, snowmobile advocates and many local governmental leaders have worked long and hard with the DNR, as well as concerned Mullett Lake residents, to find an alternate trail that could serve as a connector route between Cheboygan and Indian River. Several ideas were explored, considered and submitted to the Natural Resources Commission; but, to no avail. They were all denied because of cost, and/or environmental concerns.

Our board has always taken the position of supporting "a snowmobile trail that connects Cheboygan and Indian River."

While the economic impact of such a trail is important to us, it is not the only concern. Safety issues and public policy have also been major factors in discussions over the years.

In our view, we should applaud the work of our elected officials. Isn't it their job to resolve this issue? Aren't they supposed to listen to their constituents? Who owns the trail? Maybe a better question is "Who bent your ear on this issue"?

This long, drawn out process has dragged on long enough. It has led us to this point. The Natural Resources Commission will be looking to act on a recommendation to open up a section of the trail to snowmobilers. It may call for some restrictions. That's understandable. We just don't understand the tone of your editorial. Terms like "lying," "stinks," "political self promotion" and caving in to pressure don't paint an accurate picture of the situation.

About the author: Michael Grisdale is executive director of the Cheboygan Area Chamber of Commerce.

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