Iosco Exploration Trail

In 2014, Spicer Group completed a study for the Iosco Exploration Trail (IET) for a proposed 34-mile non-motorized trail connecting Oscoda to Hale via the River Road National Scenic Byway. This route is on the Iron Belle Trail route. Routes were examined and cost estimates were developed. The results of the study were presented to the path committee in March of 2014.

At that time, the group agreed that the first phase of the trail they would like to complete was from the Au Sable River westward to Oscoda High School. The group pursued multiple grants through MDOT and the DNR to help fund the project. The grants were awarded in 2016. It is currently being designed, with construction estimated to begin in 2019. Spicer Group is assisting with the grant administration, the design, and will be working on construction administration.

Phase 2 encompasses the section of trail through Loon Lake Park in Plainfield Township. Spicer assisted the Township in pursuing a DNR grant and with the grant awarded, Spicer has been designing the project and obtaining the DEQ wetland permits. Once the permits are issued, Spicer will assist the Township with bidding and construction administration. The project is set to be constructed in 2018.

Spicer Group also assisted Oscoda Township with the writing and submission for an Iron Belle Trail grant for Phase 3 of the project, which runs from Oscoda Area High School west to Old Orchard Campground. The study was completed in 2017 and multiple grants were submitted to the DNR and MDOT in 2018. Much of this proposed route is on U.S. Forest Service Land. This will allow the U.S. Forest Service to begin preliminary work to allow for the planned trail on their property, and allow the Township to apply for funding for design and construction of the trail.