Milestones

Chronology of events leading to the construction of an off-road trailway
connecting South Haven and Saugatuck along the lakeshore.

2008

A 16-member Visionary Task Force consisting of local/ state transportation planners and engineers, along with lakeshore area township, city and state government officials develop a conceptual plan for the creation of a 20-mile pathway from South Haven to Saugatuck. The SW Michigan Regional Planning Commission provides staff support.

2010	The Friends of the Blue Star Trail Board of Directors is formed and incorporated as a not-for-profit, 501 (c) 3 organization.

2011	Lakeshore area Townships and Cities provide resolutions of support for the initiative.

2012	The first annual Lakeshore Harvest Ride is created as an ongoing fundraising event. A professional feasibility study is conducted to determine levels of interest and financial support.

2013	Allegan County Community Foundation is officially recognized as the fiduciary for The Friends of the Blue Star Trail. Fund raising is officially initiated with the creation of the Blue Star Trail Case Statement.

2014	Allegan County Commissioners vote to own various south sections of the trailway as they are constructed. Saugatuck Township signs a memorandum of understanding with the Friends. A Congestion Mitigation Air Quality (CMAQ) federal grant is awarded for trailway construction.

2015	A conditionally-approved MDOT Transportation Alternative Program (TAP) is awarded for trailway construction.

2016

The 1st annual “Toast to the Blue Star Trail” party is held. It is a fun evening of food and drink connecting local supporters from Holland to South Haven and east to Kalamazoo. The party was sold out and raised nearly $15,000.
MDOT approves final plans for 2017 construction in Saugatuck Township along the west side of the Blue Star Highway.

2017

The 2nd Annual Toast Part sells out again and raises nearly $30,000.
The 6th Annual Lakeshore Harvest Ride bicycle tour is held in September and raises more than $13,000. Over 270 riders enjoy beautiful weather while they shop at more than 20 farms, wineries, cider mills and art studios.
The 1st segment of Trail in Saugatuck Township running along the west side of the Blue Star Highway from North St. to Old Allegan Rd. is completed.

2018

January - The Allegan County Commissioners unanimously passes a new resolution in support of the Blue Star Trail. The County will assume ownership of the Blue Star Trail (once constructed) in Ganges and Casco Townships. This twelve mile segment of the Trail will become a part of the County Parks system with funding for maintenance provided by Friends of the Blue Star Trail.
March - The Saugatuck TWP Board members unanimously approves resolutions in support of the planned next segments of the Blue Star Trail. This support is critical for the state and federal matching grant applications which we will be submitting later this month. The first phase will extend the current completed segment south to the border of Saugatuck and north to connect with the existing trail to Holland. The second phase will extend south of Exit 36 to Fallen Leaf Trail.

Accomplishments (to date)

Over $485,000 has been raised from more than 450 individual donors, corporations, and foundations to match dollars for government grants. An additional $100,000 has come from the proceeds of the events we coordinate.
Two federal grants have been awarded totaling over $800,000.
Right of Way certification (ROW) along Blue Star Highway in Saugatuck Township has been obtained for trail construction.