Serving Gogebic, Iron and Ontonagon Counties
Serving Gogebic, Iron and Ontonagon Counties
By P.J. GLISSON
Wakefield — As part of a continuing discussion of how to extend the Iron Belle Trail from Ramsay to Wakefield, the Wakefield City Council heard public input this week from a local landowner who concedes that his property is “the cheapest route” now under consideration.
Harry Butler, who said he owns one-half mile of shoreline on Plymouth Lake, has met with city officials in prior, private sessions, but addressed the council as a whole during its regular bi-monthly meeting.
Butler told the council that he understands it would cost several more million dollars to create a trail connection outside of his property.
He emphasized what he already has told city officials in prior, private meetings: He wants the city to place on its land there a 100-year moratorium on any motorized entry to the lake.
“I’m not against fishing,” he added. “I’m not against boats. I’m against motorized boats.”
He said he would welcome the city creating a park on its property there as long as his terms are respected — meaning that canoes or kayaks would be fine.
“I’m glad to hear these comments from you,” said Mayor Dale White. “When the time comes, we’ll keep these comments in mind.”
While speaking to the Globe afterward, Butler praised the value of the trail and said he supports Wakefield being part of the trail system.
“I’m willing to grant that easement at no cost,” he noted in relation to the continuation of the Iron Belle’s paved trail for hiking and biking.
The dual goal of Iron Belle Trail facilitators — which include various parties, including the state Department of Natural Resources — is to extend the paved “silent sport” trail while also continuing a separate gravel trail for motorized vehicles such as ORVs and snowmobiles.
Butler said that, in previous years, he once granted access to snowmobilers on his property but added, “They wore out their welcome.”
For example, he said, “They went off the trail.” Moreover, when he called their attention to the fact that they were on private property, he said, “There were some instances when they were rude.”
Now, in relation to the drive to extend the overall Iron Belle system, Butler said the push to convince him to grant the use of his property has left him feeling “demonized.”
Even so, he said he is also open to the possibility of a separate easement on the north side of his property for motorized trail traffic.
His primary objective now is to work with fellow shoreline neighbors to form “a private lake association,” so that he then can speak for a collective voice.
After the meeting, City Manager Robert Brown Jr. told the Globe that he expects a related meeting to be held within the next month.
“We’re scheduling a meeting with all the property owners on or near the trail,” he said.
Once everyone’s input is received, Brown said the data will be put in the city’s geographic information system, which will allow officials to consider a computerized map of the options.
Council members also:
—Tabled a decision on whether the city should accept responsibility for the Indianhead Water System, as the Gogebic Range Water Authority has expressed a desire to be relieved of that unit. In conjunction with a written report regarding the current status of the Indianhead system, the city manager recommended against acquiring it.
—Heard from Brown that he hopes to receive about $80,000, or the first half of the city’s allotment from the federal American Rescue Plan — relating to COVID-19 relief — this week. The second allotment is then expected in 2022.
—Voted to accept a bid of $12,000 from Smily’s Excavating & Trucking in Wakefield for the city’s stock gravel supply. It was the only bid received.
—Voted to issue two nights at Eddy Park Campground in the year 2022 as a donation to the 11th Annual Danny B. Suicide Awareness Jack and Jill Softball Tournament. Profits from the Aug. 28 event on Iron County fields will benefit the Range Suicide Prevention Council, local scholarships and other community programs.
All votes were unanimous.
The council’s next regular meeting will be on Aug. 23 at 5:30 p.m. in the municipal building. The public is welcome. Persons wishing to attend the hybrid meeting virtually should first call the municipal building at 906-229-5131 for access information.
