Michigan Trails Welcomes Andrea LaFontaine as Great Lake-to-Lake Trails Ambassador

LANSING, Mich. - Sept. 10, 2018 - PRLog -- The Michigan Trails and Greenways Alliance is pleased to welcome former State Representative and current Oakland County Parks Commissioner and Michigan Department of Natural Resources Trail Specialist, Andrea LaFontaine to their trails team as their new Great Lake-to-Lake Trails Ambassador. The Trail Ambassador is a position created out of a partnership between Michigan Trails and Greenways Alliance and the Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation to help develop and grow the state's first destination trail, the Great Lake-to-Lake Trails Route #1.

The Great Lake-to-Lake Trails Route #1 stretches from South Haven to Port Huron and is a compilation of existing multi-use trails that will coalesce communities, bring added economic vitality and forge a new multi-jurisdictional trail element into the state's trail network.

Bob Wilson, Executive Director of the Michigan Trails and Greenways Alliance welcomes the talent and passion for trail building that Andrea LaFontaine brings to their team. "We have made early progress with our first two gatherings of trail managers along the route to assess their needs and build a strong coalition, and what is evident to all of us is the need for a point person to help work with communities along the route," explained Wilson. "Andrea with her valuable experience in trail work and community outreach will fill that vital role."

The Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation recognizes the impact that trails can have on a community and has recently provided funding for this role as well as continuing to support trail-building projects throughout southeast Michigan.

LaFontaine looks forward to her new role and welcomes the opportunity to connect early with trail managers, community leaders and business and civic groups throughout the region. "Trails connect and define communities," Lafontaine emphasized. "By collaborating with community leaders and passionate individuals across the state, we can work together to build a trail that will leave a lasting impact for generations to come."

LaFontaine will be formally introduced at the Great Lake-to-Lake Trails Route #1 Summit 3 in Pontiac on October 18^th. She will officially assume her duties on October 1^st.

The Michigan Trails and Greenways Alliance is the statewide voice for non-motorized trail users, helping people build, connect and promote trails for a healthier and more prosperous Michigan. For more information, visit us at www.michigantrails.org or find us on Facebook.