Ed Butt tells us what is happening with the Betsie Valley Trail.
 

 
 
A retired attorney and longtime Board member of the Friends of the Betsie Valley Trail, Ed explained that FBVT is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization whose sole purpose is to promote the development and successful operation of the popular local Trail. Noting Sunrise Rotary's role in the construction of the Trailhead in Beulah, Ed cited a recent MDOT study stating the positive economic impact that such a trail can have on a community.
 
Recent developments at the Trail include a newly approved project to fix a portion of the Trail where roots from willow trees have broken through the surface, creating a danger for Trail users.  Just last week the Friends of the Trail agreed to supplement a $45,000 DNR grant to permit repairing and repaving the damaged section of the Trail at a total cost exceeding $123,000.
 
Also underway are efforts to build the William R. Olsen Endowment Fund established with the Grand Traverse Community Foundation last November.  The plan is to grow the Fund to the point that future maintenance needs on the Trail can be met from Endowment Fund income.