TROUT LAKE TOWNSHIP RECREATION PLAN

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1 TROUT LAKE TOWNSHIP RECREATION PLAN TROUT LAKE TOWNSHIP CHIPPEWA COUNTY MICHIGAN _ PREPARED BY: TROUT LAKE TOWNSHIP BOARD OF TRUSTEES & THE EASTERN UPPER PENINSULA REGIONAL PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION

2 Trout Lake Township Recreation Plan 2

3 Trout Lake Township Recreation Plan 3

4 X X X none 2/10/16 Trout Lake Township Recreation Plan 4

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6 TROUT LAKE TOWNSHIP BOARD OF TRUSTEES Helen Fischer, Supervisor Alvin English, Clerk Pam Barrett, Treasurer Jan Dean, Trustee Robert Simpson, Trustee _ Technical assistance for this plan was provided by the Eastern Upper Peninsula Regional Planning and Development Commission, whose contributions were made possible by a grant from the Michigan Department of Technology, Management and Budget through the Regional Prosperity Initiative. Trout Lake Township Recreation Plan 6

7 PLAN CONTENTS Community Description... 9 Adminsitrative Structure Parks and Recreation Budget & Funding Relationships with Other Agencies & Entities Recreations Programming Inventory Parks and Recreational Assets Owned by Trout Lake Township Other Parks and Recreational Facilities in Trout Lake Township Description of Planning & Public Input Goals & Objectives Action Program Appendices Appendix A: Additional maps Appendix B: Photographs Appendix C: Questionnaire & Analysis Appendix D: Project Resources (Site Plans, Etc.) Appendix E: Public Notices & Adoption Meeting MAterials Trout Lake Township Recreation Plan 7

8 PURPOSE Trout Lake Township is dedicated to providing its residents, as well as those visiting the township, with opportunities and facilities necessary to encourage healthy lifestyles and enjoyment of the outdoors. Thus, Trout Lake Township believes that it is imperative to maintain, improve, and expand its parks and recreational resources. In order to achieve this, Trout Lake Township must seek means to leverage local dollars with grant resources to finance projects laid forth in its Parks and Recreation Action Program, which will be critical if Trout Lake Township is to achieve its goals for parks and recreation. This plan intends to secure Trout Lake Township s eligibility to apply for recreation grants over the next five years. Trout Lake Township Recreation Plan 8

COMMUNITY DESCRIPTION Trout Lake Township is located in the southwest corner of Chippewa County, Michigan, and lies within the area described as T.45N R.6W; T.45N R.5W; T.45N R.4W; T.44N R.6W; T.44N R.5W; and T.

9 COMMUNITY DESCRIPTION Trout Lake Township is located in the southwest corner of Chippewa County, Michigan, and lies within the area described as T.45N R.6W; T.45N R.5W; T.45N R.4W; T.44N R.6W; T.44N R.5W; and T.44N R.4W. The township has a total area of square miles, of which, 1.56 percent is water. Trout Lake Township is bordered by the Mackinac County townships of Hendricks, Hudson, Moran, Brevort, and St. Ignace; it is bordered by the Chippewa County townships of Hulbert, Chippewa, Kinross, and Rudyard. The township is landlocked, but does have several decent-sized lakes around the unincorporated community of Trout Lake, which happens to be the only notable population center in the township. The Trout Lake Township: Location map on page 8 provides a graphic representation. The table below provides relevant statistics about those inhabiting the township. One can see that the median age of the township is about 14 years higher than the county and the state; one can also see that the median household income in the township is greater than county-wide data, but slightly less than state-wide data. There are no school facilities in the township. Residents attend school in Rudyard. Transportation systems include one state highway: M-123, which runs north to south through the township. The other primary thoroughfare is H-40 (Trout Lake Road), which runs east to west. The two intersect in the community of Trout Lake. The climate in Trout Lake Township sees an annual rainfall of 31.8 inches; an annual snowfall of 91.4 inches; 128 days with precipitation greater than 0.01 inches; 156 days that are predominately sunny; an average high temperature in July of 78 degrees Fahrenheit; and an average low temperature in January of 6.6 degrees Fahrenheit (source: city-stats.org). Trout Lake Township Recreation Plan 9

11 ADMINSITRATIVE STRUCTURE Trout Lake Township administrative duties are handled by the Trout Lake Township Board members. This Board consists of five elected members: supervisor, clerk, treasurer and two trustees. Trout Lake Township does not have a formal Park and Recreation Department. No official Recreation Committee exists, but township trustees have led the development of this plan. The Trout Lake Township Board of Trustees oversees the Trout Lake Township Park, which employs two people. Township Board Parks and Recreation Operations Has authority to commit funds for parks and recreation, accept grants, and purchase land on behalf of the township. Trustees are leading the development of the township s recreation plan. Management of Parks and Recreation Paid Employees Township Mini- Park Township Park/Campground Township Park employees (2) Trout Lake Pride organization volunteers to maintain park Township pays approximately $20,000 in wage per annum

12 PARKS AND RECREATION BUDGET & FUNDING Monies invested in parks and recreation for Trout Lake Township from the general fund and revenue generated from fees at the campground in the Township Park. Budget is approved in June of each year. PAST, PRESENT, AND PROJECTED PARKS AND RECREATION BUDGET: $35,000 $35,000 $38,000 $38,000 $40, $40,000 $40,000 $42,000 $42,000 $43,000 RELATIONSHIPS WITH OTHER AGENCIES & ENTITIES Trout Lake Township works in conjunction with the following entities in regards to funding support, providing recreational opportunities, volunteer work, and technical assistance: Trout Lake Pride organization Eastern Upper Peninsulas Regional Planning and Development Commission Additionally, Trout Lake Township has been working with the Michigan Great Lakes Water Trails Working Group to improve access to water trails that run along the township s shores. Trout Lake Township seeks promotional support from the local school districts in order to increase the reach of fundraising efforts to improve the parks and recreation sites in the township. RECREATIONS PROGRAMMING Trout Lake Township does not administer any parks and recreation programs at this point in time. Trout Lake Township does, however, play host to a softball tournament on Fourth of July weekend at the ballfield located at the township park. Trout Lake Township Recreation Plan 12

13 INVENTORY The data provided in this section was collected by the Trout Lake Township Recreation Committee and the Eastern Upper Peninsula Regional Planning and Development Commission (EUPRPDC) using inventories created for past iterations of this plan, internet resources including Google, Conservation And Recreation Lands (CARL) GIS data attained from Ducks Unlimited, and additional GIS data owned by EUPRPDC. ADA COMPLIANCE RANKING EACH FACILITY: 1 = None of the facilities/park area meets accessibility guidelines. 2 = Some of the facilities/park area meets accessibility guidelines. 3 = Most of the facilities/park area meets accessibility guidelines. 4 = The entire facility/park area meets accessibility guidelines. 5 = The entire facility/park area was developed/renovated using the principals of universal design. PARKS AND RECREATIONAL ASSETS OWNED BY TROUT LAKE TOWNSHIP Asset Name Location Size Purpose/Use ADA Accessibility Trout Lake Township Mini-Park Trout Lake Township Park Latitude: , Longitude: Latitude: , Longitude: Approx.: 0.5 acres 7 acres Small picnic area, community gathering space Boat launch, campground (77 sites with electric and 14 without), ball diamond (annual 4 th of July tournament), playground, pavilion (free), beach, restrooms, bathhouse Photo 3 p.26 2 p.26

14 OTHER PARKS AND RECREATIONAL FACILITIES IN TROUT LAKE TOWNSHIP Asset Name Location Size Purpose/Use Photo Sault Ste. Marie State Forest Area (DNR) Badgley-Little Trout Lake Nature Preserve (Little Traverse Conservancy) Throughout Township Latitude: , Longitude: acres Hiking, birdwatching, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, fishing; similar low-impact activities p.27 Muir Woods Nature Preserve (Little Traverse Conservancy) Latitude: , Longitude: acres Hiking, birdwatching, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, fishing; similar low-impact activities p.27 See the Trout Lake Township: Recreation Inventory map on the following page; see maps in Appendix A to reference land cover, land ownership, elevation, and soil types. Trout Lake Township Recreation Plan 14

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16 DESCRIPTION OF PLANNING & PUBLIC INPUT The Trout Lake Township Board appointed the Recreation Committee in order to carry out the necessary actions required when putting together a recreation plan. In order to do this, the Recreation Committee, in conjunction with the Eastern Upper Peninsula Regional Planning and Development Commission, plans to solicit public input in the following ways: Public Input Questionnaire This questionnaire was made available online on June 22, On August 11 th, 2015, hard copies of the questionnaire were provided to the township to be distributed at local events. A copy of the survey, along with analysis of the results, can be found on pages in Appendix C. Public Input Session The Public Input Session, held on October 13 th, 2015, was used to bring the public into a forum where they could discuss their ideas as to what the township needs regarding its parks and recreation. Public Hearing The Public Hearing was used to give members of the public an opportunity to speak before the board and the recreation committee and express their thoughts on the final draft of the plan.

17 GOALS & OBJECTIVES The purpose of this 5-year plan for Trout Lake Township is to expand the recreational opportunities for township residents and visitors. The rationale for these goals and objectives are rooted in the insights gleaned from the Recreation Questionnaire and the Public Input Session as well as from discussions with the Trout Lake Township Board of Trustees. GOAL 1: IMPROVE THE TROUT LAKE TOWNSHIP PARK OBJECTIVES: 1. CAMPGROUND FACILITIES: a. Upgrade electrical infrastructure at campground from 30 amps at sites to 50 amps. b. Construct new bathhouse at campground facility. c. Purchase new playground equipment. 2. DOCK AND BOAT LAUNCH: a. Improve water depth at boat launch. b. Construct a permanent dock. c. Improve signage to better organize parking. 3. BALL DIAMOND: a. Construct permanent bathrooms. b. Make improvements to playing field. GOAL 2: MAKE IMPROVEMENTS TO AND EXPAND TRAIL SYSTEM THROUGHOUT THE TOWNSHIP. OBJECTIVES: a. Identify all trail segments open to the public and break down by type walking/hiking, motorized, non-motorized, year-round, seasonal. b. Remove existing dangers from trail system. c. Connect campground and the community of Trout Lake with non-motorized trail segment or bike lane. d. Construct additional trail segments that connect existing trail segments and prime locations within the township. Trout Lake Township Recreation Plan 17

18 ACTION PROGRAM The monies available through grants, taxes and PILT funds will dictate the action plan for this Five Year Plan. These projects can be realized through the cooperation, assistance, and expertise of County, State and Federal governments. This Recreation Plan may be amended at any time during its five years to change priority or to add or change goals and objectives with public opinion and input. All development projects will be held to universal compliance and American Disability Act standards. FUNDING SOURCES: Township funds Local funds (local service organizations and businesses; donations and fundraising) Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians: 2 percent funds MDNR: Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund (MNRTF) min. 25 percent match MDNR: Land & Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) 50 percent match MDNR: Recreation Passport (RP) min. 25 percent match MDEQ: Coastal Zone Management (CZM) 50 percent match MDOT: Transportation Alternatives Program Other federal, state, and foundation grant programs 2016 Project Location Estimated Cost Improve boat launch (1.2.a; 1.2.b; 1.2.c) Trout Lake Township Park $50,000 Project Leadership Trout Lake Township Board Project Partners Grant Sources LWCF; MNRTF Identify trail segments open to public (2.a) Throughout township - Trout Lake Township Board SORBA, local trail organizations, DNR, EUPRPDC -

19 2017 Project Location Estimated Cost Upgrade electrical infrastructure (1.1.a) Trout Lake Township Park $50,000 Project Leadership Trout Lake Township Board Project Partners Grant Sources - RP, LWCF, MNRTF Remove hazards from trails (2.b) Throughout township - Trout Lake Township Board SORBA, local trail organizations, DNR Project Location Estimated Cost Project Leadership Project Partners Grant Sources Improve bathhouse (1.1.b) Trout Lake Township Park $55,000 Trout Lake Township Board - RP, LWCF, MNRTF 2019 Project Location Estimated Cost Improve ball diamond (1.3.a; 1.3.b) New playground equipment (1.1.c) Trout Lake Township Park Trout lake Township Park $15,000 $20,000 Project Leadership Trout Lake Township Board Trout Lak Township Board Project Partners Grant Sources - RP, LWCF, MNRTF - RP, LWCF Trout Lake Township Recreation Plan 19

20 2020 Project Location Estimated Cost Project Leadership Project Partners Grant Sources New trail segments (2.c; 2.d) Throughout township $100,000 Trout Lake Township Board DNR MNRTF, LWCF Trout Lake Township Recreation Plan 20

21 APPENDICES APPENDIX A: ADDITIONAL MAPS The maps on the following pages were produced by the Eastern Upper Peninsula Regional Planning and Development Commission using data procured from the following sources: Trout Lake Township: Land Cover o Source: National Land Cover Database 2011, which was created by the Multi- Resolution Land Characteristics Consortium. Trout Lake Township: Land Ownership o Source: Michigan Department of Natural Resources (2014) via the Center for Shared Solution, Michigan Department of Information Technology; and U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service (2012). Trout Lake Township: Elevation o Source: Michigan Department of Technology, Management and Budget via the Center of Geographic Information. Trout Lake Township: Soils o Source: Soil Survey Geographic Database (2013) via Esri Arc Online.

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28 APPENDIX B: PHOTOGRAPHS TROUT LAKE MINI-PARK TROUT LAKE TOWNSHIP PARK

29 BADGLEY-LITTLE TROUT LAKE NATURE PRESERVE MUIR WOODS NATURE PRESERVE Trout Lake Township Recreation Plan 29

30 APPENDIX C: QUESTIONNAIRE & ANALYSIS 2015 QUESTIONNAIRE 1. Are you a resident of the Eastern Upper Peninsula (Chippewa County, Luce County, and Mackinac County)? a. Yes b. No (Skip to question 5) 2. In which municipality (city, village, or township) do you reside? 3. Which kind of resident are you? a. Year-round b. Seasonal 4. How long have you been a resident at your current location? 5. Overall, how satisfied are you with the present number of public parks and recreation facilities available in your municipality? a. Very satisfied b. Satisfied c. Neutral d. Dissatisfied e. Very dissatisfied 6. Overall, how satisfied are you with the maintenance of public parks and recreation facilities available in your municipality? a. Very satisfied b. Satisfied c. Neutral d. Dissatisfied e. Very dissatisfied 7. Overall, how satisfied are you with the amount of land that tis preserved in your municipality? a. Very satisfied b. Satisfied c. Neutral d. Dissatisfied e. Very dissatisfied 8. Approximately how often during the past year did you, or members of your household, use or visit any public park or recreation facility located within you municipality? a. Several times a week b. Once a week c. Rarely d. Only when it s warm e. Only in the winter f. Never 9. Which parks or recreation facilities (trails, marinas campgrounds, stadiums, gyms, etc.) do you use frequently? 10. What additional recreational facilities does your community need? 11. Which of your municipality s recreation programs do you use? 12. What recreation programs would you like to have in your municipality? 13. Would you be willing to pay a nominal fee for entrance to improved parks and recreational facilities? a. Yes b. No 14. What is your age? a. Less than 18 years old b. 18 to 24 years old c. 25 to 44 years old d. 45 to 64 years old e. More than 65 years old f. I prefer not to answer 15. What is your gender? a. Male b. Female c. I prefer not to answer Trout Lake Township Recreation Plan 30

31 ANALYSIS OF 2015 QUESTIONNAIRE RESPONSES Number of responses: 16 Question Analysis % of the respondents said they are residents of the Eastern Upper Peninsula % of the respondents are residents of Trout Lake Township. 87.5% of the respondents said they live year-round in Trout Lake Township; % of the respondents said they are seasonal residents of the township; and 6.25% did not respond. 37.5% of respondents said they have been a resident of the township more than 4 20 years; 31.25% said between 5-10 years; 12.5% did not specify; 10% said between years; and 6.25% said between 1-5 years. 37.5% of the respondents said that they were satisfied with the present number of public parks and recreation facilities available in Trout Lake Township; 31.25% 5 said they were neutral on the matter; 18.75% said they were very satisfied; 6.25% said they were dissatisfied; and 6.25% did not respond % of the respondents said that they were neutral with the level maintenance of public parks and recreation facilities available in Trout Lake Township; 25% 6 were very satisfied; 18.75% were satisfied; 12.5% were dissatisfied; and 6.25% did not respond % of the respondents said that they were satisfied with the amount of land that tis preserved in Trout Lake Township; 18.75% said they were neutral on the 7 matter; 12.5% said they were very satisfied; 12.5% said they were dissatisfied; 12.5% said they were very dissatisfied; and 6.25% did not respond. 6.25% of the respondents said that they (when asked to approximate) visit a public park or recreation facility located within Trout Lake Township only when 8 it is warm; 12.5% answered several times a week; 37.5% answered once a week; 31.25% answered rarely; and 12.5% answered never. Of the responses given to the question asking which parks and recreation facilities do respondents use frequently, Trout Lake campgrounds were 9 mentioned 7 times, the Trout Lake Township Park was mentioned 4 times, the pavilion was mentioned 2 times, boat ramp/launch/dock was mentioned 4 times, and trails/atv (all-terrain vehicle) trails were mentioned 4 times. Of the responses given to the question asking which parks and recreation facilities does Trout Lake Township need, improved/new boat facilities at the 10 township park were mentioned 6 times, trails (bike/atv/orv) and trail access were mentioned 5 times, campground upgraders were mentioned 3 times (electricity/internet/quality), and dredging was mentioned 1 time. No programs were mentioned in response to the question regarding recreation 11 programs administered by Trout Lake Township. The only programs mentioned that are needed is Trout Lake Township are 12 programs to improve fishing and trail accessibility each were mentioned 1 time. 62.5% of respondents said they would not be willing to pay a nominal fee to enter 13 improved parks and recreational facilities. 37.5% said they would be. 12.5% of respondents were between years old; 18.75% said they were ; and 68.75% were more than 65 years old % of respondents were male; 18.75% were female; and 12.5% preferred not 15 to answer the question. Trout Lake Township Recreation Plan 31

32 EUPRPDC S INDEPENDENT CONCLUSIONS The survey results show that those living in Trout Lake Township either year-round or seasonally desire three things: improvements to the campground, improvements to facilities which enable use of the water resources located within the township, and improved trail access particularly for off-road and all-terrain vehicles. Regarding the availability of parks and recreation facilities available within the township, the vast majority were satisfied or neutral on the subject, suggesting that expansion of offerings is not necessary. Additionally, most were neutral or satisfied to some degree with how well they are maintained. The majority of respondents were also satisfied to some degree or neutral on the amount of land that is preserved within the township. It is clear from the data that the campground is an important part of the township. It was the most frequently mentioned when asked about what facilities the respondents use. The Township Park and pavilion also appears to be integral. The frequency of times that they improvements to the campground and water-access facilities were mentioned, along with the apparent desire for trail improvements and expansion, make them ideal targets for recreation fund allocations. Although, relatively speaking, Trout Lake Township had a good number of responses, EUPRPDC would recommend that the township continue to solicit input from local residents in order to ensure the data they collect is as thorough and far-reaching as possible. Trout Lake Township Recreation Plan 32

33 APPENDIX D: PROJECT RESOURCES (SITE PLANS, ETC.) Trout Lake Township Recreation Plan 33

APPENDIX E: PUBLIC NOTICES & ADOPTION MEETING MATERIALS QUESTIONNAIRE EUPRPDC s Facebook page: August 13 th, 2015; August 17 th, 2015 EUP News press release: August 14 th, 2015 St.

34 APPENDIX E: PUBLIC NOTICES & ADOPTION MEETING MATERIALS QUESTIONNAIRE EUPRPDC s Facebook page: August 13 th, 2015; August 17 th, 2015 EUP News press release: August 14 th, 2015 St. Ignace News: September 3 rd, 2015 Sault Ste. Marie Evening News: October 2 nd and 4 th, 2015 PUBLIC INPUT SESSION HELD ON OCTOBER 13 TH, 2015 Trout Lake Township Recreation Plan 34

30-DAY REVIEW PERIOD NOTICE Date of the Notice: December 8 th & December 12 th, 2016 Type of the Notice: Newspaper advertisement in the Sault Evening News Plan Location: Trout Lake Township Hall;

35 30-DAY REVIEW PERIOD NOTICE Date of the Notice: December 8 th & December 12 th, 2016 Type of the Notice: Newspaper advertisement in the Sault Evening News Plan Location: Trout Lake Township Hall; eup-planning.org/current-projects/recplans Duration of Draft Plan Public Review Period: December 12 th, 2015 to January 10 th, 2016 Copy of the Notice: Trout Lake Township Recreation Plan 35

36 PUBLIC HEARING Date of Notice: January 5 th, 2016 Name of Newspaper: Sault Evening News Date of Meeting: January 12 th, 2016 Copy of the Notice: (next page) Trout Lake Township Recreation Plan 36

37 ADOPTION MEETING AGENDA Trout Lake Township Recreation Plan 37

38 COPY OF ADOPTION MEETING MINUTES Trout Lake Township Recreation Plan 38

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40 LETTER OF ADOPTION TO REGIONAL PLANNING AGENCY Trout Lake Township Recreation Plan 40

41 APPENDIX F: POST-COMPLETION SELF-CERTIFICATION REPORTS Trout Lake Township Recreation Plan 41

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