While the vision has been developed, much work remains. The blueways have been mapped and are already being used. Of the roughly 160 miles of greenways, 64% is completed, 26% has a partial connection, 25% has a plan in place, and just 11% lacks paths for bicycles or pedestrians.
The Community Foundation has begun outreach up and down the corridor to engage local communities and citizens in learning about and partnering in the development of the Great Lakes Way. Conversations have also begun with representatives at the federal and state level about federal and state designations for the Great Lakes Way. The National Parks Service and Michigan Department of Natural Resources have provided staff to support the Community Foundation on this effort.
This is a multi-year undertaking that requires staffing, organization, outreach, branding, and communication. With the vision now in place, fundraising is being undertaken with other foundations, corporations, and individuals.
For more information please contact Dayna Hart at dhart@cfsem.org or Katie Brisson at kbrisson@cfsem.org.
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