Questions and Answers About Us

How many trails does TOMTC own?

None. In fact we own no property at all except for office equipment and supplies.

If TOMTC doesn’t own trails who does?

Trails are “owned” by various entities. Most of ours, either in their entirety or in segments, are owned by the MDNR. Others are owned by units of local government such as the City of Petoskey or Cheboygan County. Some are owned by private parties who have given permission for the trail to pass through their property. TOMTC continues to work toward obtaining more easements to fill in the gaps in the trails and to encourage more public ownership of the rights-of-way.

Do you have to get permission to use the trails?

No, our trails are open to the public for their designated uses. As a courtesy though, large groups whose activity might affect others, should notify the trail owner and perhaps TOMTC. We can help to identify trail ownership and perhaps help you in organizing your event. An example was the help we gave the March of Dimes in laying out the course on the Little Traverse Wheelway for a recent Walk America event.

Does it cost money to use the trails?

No, the trails are free and open to the public. User groups may on occasion charge a fee or accept a donation for participants in their event. TOMTC would be pleased to accept a donation to support its advocacy efforts.  We also are delighted to accept new members.

Once the trails are built, who is responsible for their maintenance?

 In general it is an assigned unit of government that is responsible, especially for any repairs that have to be made to the roadway or other major structures. As for trash control, TOMTC encourages people living and making their living along the trails to keep them clean. We also support efforts of civic- minded groups to assist in this endeavor. 

How does TOMTC seek to realize its goals?

We try to keep the public informed about trail news and developments through press releases, presentations to service clubs and groups, and encouragement of local trail committees. We respond to hundreds of requests for information. We sponsor trail rides and fund-raising activities. We write grants to obtain needed funds. We network with other like-minded organizations. 

Is TOMTC part of the government?

No, but we partner with all units of government to achieve our goals. We have assisted MDNR in acquiring new corridors for trails and MDNR and MDOT in constructing them.

Where does TOMTC get its money?

Operational and endowment funds come from memberships and donations. Much of our other money comes from grants from public or private sources and is designated for a specific use. An example is the nearly $2 million dollar grant from the Federal Enhancement Funds that was awarded us by the Michigan Department of Transportation in 2005 for improvement of the 49-mile Gaylord to Cheboygan Trail in 2006.

Where does the money go?

Designated funds go for their designated purposes. Other income supports our advocacy facilitator activities, salary, office rent and supplies, telephone and utilities, printing costs etc. We now have a part time executive director to coordinate our operations.