We’re revitalizing the Poto while preserving its rugged, challenging, backcountry character for bikers, hikers and runners. Check out some before and after pictures of progress to date and read on to learn more.
Give the Poto some love… donate today and support our $300k fundraising goal.
What is the Poto Revitalization Project?
The Poto Revitalization Project or “Poto Project” is a multi-year project focused on enhancing the sustainability and user experience of the Potowatomi “Poto” Trail
The 19+ miles of Pinckney Recreation Area’s trails (Silver, Crooked, and Potawatomi) were built approximately 50 years ago before the emergence of current commonly accepted sustainable building practices. Its ascents and descents were built using geographical fall lines which has led to an extensive number of heavily eroded sections that continue to degrade.
The Poto Project is designed to keep the Poto a backcountry, multi-use trail with a rugged, challenging feel as opposed to a bike optimized flow trail. Much of the work will be to improve existing trail tread using sustainable building techniques. Examples of these techniques include rock armoring, recontouring existing trail, implementing grade reversals, dips, and nicks.
We have set a target to raise $300k to support this initiative and hire a professional trail builder. We’ve already started to address some key areas with big impact and there is more to come.
Thank you to our contributors
– Moosejaw and the Walmart Foundation
– Michigan DNR Partnership Match Grant
– Tree Fort Bikes – Triple Trail Challenge participant donations
– Poto MBA
– Poto user donations
