Serving Gogebic, Iron and Ontonagon Counties

MDNR funds for Copper Peak discussed with county board

By RALPH ANSAMI

[email protected]

Bessemer — The Gogebic County Board of Commissioners Wednesday heard a presentation on how Copper Peak might qualify for Michigan Department of Natural Resources Trust Funds.

Bob Jacquart, chairman of the organizing committee for Copper Peak, gave the board an update on plans to return ski flying to the site in Ironwood Township.

Jacquart outlined funds that have been approved for the facility, including $125,000 in a Department of Agriculture grant.

Jacquart said the drawback to attempting to tap into the DNR’s Trust Funds is that Copper Peak is privately owned and a public entity would have to be involved in the grant application process.

Copper Peak Inc., a nonprofit organization, now owns Copper Peak, while North Country Lumber has timber rights.

Stacy Haughey, DNR Upper Peninsula Regional Coordinator out of the Marquette office, told the board Copper Peak is a “priority” on the state level and State Sen. Tom Casperson, R-Escanaba, and State Rep. Scott Dianda, D-Hancock, are aware of that.

Haughey provided a hand-out to the county board that shows the Natural Resources Trust Fund provided more than $4.2 million to Gogebic County in grants from 1975 to 2015.

“The Trust Fund grants money every year. Why not in the U.P.?” she said.

“It’s a great possibility to move forward,” she added.

With a mountain bike trail developed at Copper Peak, the possibility of the township or county taking ownership of at least part of the 320 acres was discussed as a means to secure a grant. A pavilion with a restroom was mentioned a possible project that could be included in a funding application.

Jerry Wuorenmaa, executive director of the Western Upper Peninsula Planning and Development Region, also appeared before the board Wednesday to discuss the county’s five-year recreation plan, which he noted has implications concerning Copper Peak.

Haughey said funds might be available from the DNR to purchase easements for trails near Copper Peak. Commissioners noted the DNR has funded the Iron Belle bike trail across the state with Trust Fund dollars.

Jacquart said there are four monitor devices at Copper Peak to record wind speeds. He suggested panels could be erected to deflect wind.

A 2019 meet for the third week in September is planned at Copper Peak, with a plastic landing surface to be used.

Jacquart said area residents can expect more key information on funding and the future of Copper Peak around October. He said a “powerful” team, including Olympian Billy Demong, is working on getting ski flying back here.

Jacquart said he has spoken often with DNR Director Keith Creagh about the importance of Copper Peak and the need for funding.

 
 
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