L’ANSE – The Plum Creek Foundation recently awarded a $3,000 grant to the Keweenaw Nordic Ski Club to help replace the bridge on River Trail, which follows Swedetown Creek in Hancock and is part of the club’s Maasto Hiihto trail system.

According to Jay Green, president, River Trail is the club’s most popular cross-country ski, snowshoe and hiking trail, largely due to its scenic features and undulating terrain, which suits all ability levels. The original bridge was constructed in 1980 and has since eroded and rotted away. The club plans to replace the bridge with a steel structure and concrete footing to accommodate higher creek flows, reduce maintenance and provide safer crossing.

“Our world-class trail system offers more than 55,000 residents and visitors the chance to enjoy outdoor recreation each year,” said Green. “Thanks to the help of the Plum Creek Foundation, we can continue to offer quality cross-country skiing, hiking and snowshoeing trails that promote active, healthy living in our community.”

Other major donors and partners include the City of Hancock, the Keweenaw Community Foundation/Portage Community Health Fund and the Community Foundation of the Upper Peninsula/Upper Peninsula Sustainable Forest and Wildlife Fund. Volunteers will construct the new bridge, which will be completed in September.