Adopt a Trail program launches to support ongoing maintenance

Cyclists of Gitchee Gumee Shores (COGGS) has partnered with local businesses to set up a trail adoption program.
COGGS launched a new trail adoption program to give businesses a chance to be recognized while supporting volunteer efforts of ongoing trail maintenance. Segments of trails sponsored have a sign with a code to the business that supports it.
COGGS has around 40 trail segments across its system of trails that are open for adoption. Each segment can be adopted for $1,000 per year. In return for sponsoring a trail, the business will have its name and logo displayed on signs at both ends of the adopted segment. This connects to the rich economy found in Duluth’s trail system. Duluth Traverse brings an estimated $50 million a year to the Duluth economy.
The maintenance done by COGGS is volunteer-based. As these adoptions will help with the costs that arise with the constant upkeep of these 100 trails in Duluth. “Trail maintenance is a big part of what we do,” said Dave Baillargeon, Fundraising Director at COGGS. “It’s primarily volunteer-organized. Last year, volunteers did over 4,000 hours of trail maintenance.”
Businesses and individuals who wish to adopt a trail, can find it on the upper task bar at COGGS.com
One of the businesses, Ski Hut, which has already adopted a trail segment, encourages others to support the trails of Duluth. David Neustel, the owner of Ski Hut, said, “I think sometimes it’s easy to take for granted that we have trails in our backyard and most neighborhoods in Duluth.”