Friends of the Blue Star Trail

Our mission is to promote, construct, and maintain the scenic Blue Star Trail
to connect people and communities from Saugatuck to South Haven while improving their safety, wellness, economic health, and environment.

WHAT'S NEW?

Click on blue italicized links for more details on updates shown below.

December, 2020 - The Friends of the Blue Star Trail (“Friends”) announced that its Board of Directors has offered to match year-end donations up to $10,000. John Adams, President of the organization, noted that “This contribution by our Board demonstrates commitment to building the Trail and confidence that we are poised to take major steps forward.”

December, 2020 - The Tri-community Study Committee (Saugatuck Township, City of Saugatuck, Douglas, and the Friends) will soon resume its efforts to collaborate on a plan to complete a 4.5-mile section of Trail from Douglas over the bridge through City of Saugatuck and Saugatuck TWP to the Beeline Trail, which continues on to Holland (see map below) . Timely action by this committee and the three governments will put the effort on track to submit grant applications to MDOT and DNR in 2021-22 and begin construction in 2023.

November, 2020 – Based on the election results, the City Council will now have a majority of members who have pledged to actively work with the Friends to reach agreement on a design for the Trail within the City over the next few months. According to new City Council member Lauren Stanton, “We need more trails and bike paths so we can safely enjoy our most precious natural resources and unique downtown businesses.”

November, 2020 - Friends has retained the Abonmarche engineering firm to work with it and local stakeholders to develop a detailed route plan from South Haven north through Casco Township within the next two months. Friends was able to secure a private donation to cover the fees for this engineering work.

November, 2020 - Michigan voters approved a referendum that will make more of the DNR Trust Fund available for development projects such as building the Trail.

August, 2020 - With the onset of the pandemic in March, the tri-community trail committee has not reconvened since their first and only meeting on February 26.  As we await further progress on the north section, the Friends have begun exploring viable route options for the south section of Trail in South Haven and Casco TWP.

June, 2020 -  After much discussion and thoughtful reflection, the Board of the Friends of the Blue Star Trail has made the difficult decision to cancel the 2020 Lakeshore Harvest Ride. While riding bicycles in the countryside is certainly a recommended and safe activity, bringing hundreds of visitors and volunteers together at the start and finish, buffet lunch, and multiple stops at vendors along the route is not a good idea under current circumstances.

May, 2020 - Spring update and status of Tri-Community group
As the weather shifts into Spring, many of us are looking to get outdoors for fresh air, sunshine, and exercise. The recent stay-at-home order has been a reminder of the need for simple pleasures - like getting outside on a sunny day and stretching our legs. We are so incredibly lucky to live in such a scenic area and to have a portion of the Blue Star Trail complete. (more)

January, 2020 - Friends Board renews commitment even though the $200,000 conditional pledge expired as a result of Saugatuck City's Council inability to yet approve, after more than 2 years, an ASSHTO compliant trail route.

December, 2019 - Rather than approving the City's resolution (see below), we are pleased to report that the governments of Saugatuck Township, Douglas and most recently, Saugatuck City, have voiced support and agreed to work with Friends  to draft a viable resolution of support for the Trail.

December, 2019 - To respond to the stated desire of Saugatuck's City Council and Fire Dept. to preserve the center lane for emergencies, the Friends develop a center lane trail option by reconfiguring the 'split trail' options presented to Council in June.

December, 2019 - To avoid having to satisfy MDOT standards for trail, Saugatuck City's Council discusses during workshop meeting whether they should "go it alone " and build a trail which is less safe.

October, 2019 - Saugatuck City Council unanimously approved a resolution presented by the City Manager that the City “supports” proceeding with the north section of the Blue Star Trail in conjunction with Saugatuck Township and Douglas. But the resolution —with no input from the Friends of the Trail-- imposes conditions that make it actually a step backward, as several speakers at the meeting noted.

September, 2019 - On September 14, the 8th Annual Lakeshore Harvest Ride attracted over 400 riders and raised more than $26,000 for the Trail.  Big thanks to our sponsors, tour stops, volunteers and participants!

June, 2019 - Two new route options from Saugatuck City to Douglas are presented.

*Also, click on Articles, Editorials and Correspondence for more information.

EVENTS!

Our Annual Bike Tour, scheduled for September 19, 2020 has been rescheduled to September 18, 2021.

WHO ARE WE?

An all-volunteer charitable organization partnering with local communities to promote and fund the scenic Blue Star Trail - a 20 mile paved, non-motorized recreational trail between Saugatuck and South Haven.

WHAT DO WE DO?

Friends of the Blue Star Trail acts as a catalyst in partnership with local communities to promote and fund the trail.

HOW IS IT FUNDED?

We raise money through direct donations and our two main fund-raising events – “Toast to the Blue Star Trail” and “Lakeshore Harvest Ride”. These activities fund engineering and provide local match funds required to obtain state/federal matching grants needed to construct the trail.