Michigan Senate approves bills to create 'Pure Michigan' trails, recognize towns along trails

4/23/2014
ASSOCIATED PRESS

LANSING, Mich. — The Michigan Senate has unanimously approved legislation to recognize top-notch trails as “Pure Michigan” trails and to create a mobile app for trail users.

Five bills sent to the House today are intended to highlight Michigan’s network of multi-use trails. The Pure Michigan campaign has helped market Michigan as a tourism destination.

The bills let the Department of Natural Resources director designate cities, villages and townships as a “Pure Michigan trail town.” Supporters say the designation would help local businesses cater to trail users.

Republican Sen. John Moolenaar of Midland says revamping the trail designation process would emphasize the ongoing development of a statewide, integrated trail system. The state would help create an online database of trail maps that could be downloaded and printed.

Online: Senate Bills 873-77