The Courtney Recreation Area in Ottawa National Forest is undergoing significant improvements, with several campsites closing temporarily to enhance equestrian facilities. This project is a collaboration between MI TRALE and the Ottawa National Forest Service to upgrade recreational opportunities in Mass City, Michigan, as reported by Keweenaw.
The project is scheduled from today until August 6th, will focus on widening corrals at four of the six equestrian campsites and installing new corral pads. Specifically, campsites 2, 3, 4, and 6 will be affected by these enhancements. These improvements aim to enhance safety and comfort for horses and riders while addressing environmental concerns like soil erosion, following Forest Service guidelines.
MI TRALE, a local organization dedicated to maintaining and improving trail recreation in the western Upper Peninsula, has been instrumental in this initiative. Following the completion of the current improvements, MI TRALE plans to install additional corrals, ensuring that all six equestrian sites are equipped with these essential facilities.
The collaboration between MI TRALE and the Ottawa National Forest Service exemplifies a successful partnership model in recreational area management. By combining resources and expertise, these organizations are able to tackle projects that significantly improve the quality of outdoor experiences for visitors, as highlighted on the Ottawa National Forest website.
MI TRALE has been leveraging technology to enhance the outdoor experience, providing detailed maps and a mobile app for trail navigation, and working to integrate horse trails into the “Michigan UP Trails” app. This comprehensive approach aims to provide extensive information about trails throughout the Upper Peninsula.
The Courtney Recreation Area improvements align with best practices outlined in the Equestrian Design Guidebook for Trails, Trailheads, and Campgrounds. This resource provides valuable insights into creating user-friendly and environmentally sustainable equestrian facilities, which have likely informed the current project’s design and implementation.
Looking ahead, both MI TRALE and the Ottawa National Forest Service have expressed their commitment to future collaborations. These partnerships aim to continually improve safety, comfort, and access to recreation in the Ottawa National Forest, ensuring that it remains a premier destination for outdoor enthusiasts.
The temporary closure of these campsites represents a necessary step towards long-term improvements. The enhanced facilities are expected to provide a superior camping experience for equestrians and contribute to the overall appeal of the Courtney Recreation Area. As the project progresses, both organizations encourage visitors to stay informed about the project’s progress and any potential changes to their camping plans.
