The Kal-Haven Trail State Park
News

The Kal-Haven Trail is operated and maintained by the Van Buren County Road Commission
under a long term lease from the Michigan Department of Natural Resources.  Following is a
summary of the events leading to this change:

In the spring of 2003, in response to the state fiscal shortages, the Department of Natural
Resources began reduced operations on the KHT.  There was to be no trail grooming in
preparation for the 2003 season, no trail mowing, no trash barrels, and other reductions.  The
Friends of the KHT did provide some funds to help, but were limited in what could be done to
maintain full services on the trail.

In the summer, the DNR began discussions with the local units of government in  which are
located the five Rail-Trails operated by the Parks & Recreation Division.  The object was to have
the local units of government operate and maintain these trails under long term lease from the
DNR.  In December, Van Buren County agreed to lease the Van Buren Trail between Hartford
and South Haven.  Van Buren County has now also leased the entire Kal-Haven Trail State Park
and will administer both trails.

As part of operating and maintaining the KHT, Van Buren County needs to obtain funding for the
expenses involved.  Thus the decision to reinstate user fees.  A fee structure had been in place
since the KHT was opened, but was dropped by the DNR beginning with the 2001 season.  
Without these fees Van Buren County would not have been able to assume operation of the KHT
and the state would have maintained the trail as a “public corridor.”  This would have meant no
trail grooming, no trail mowing, no vault toilets, no water pumps, and no pruning of trees and
brush.

Check this website for periodic updates and news regarding the KHT.
Welcome

This website is sponsored and maintained by the Friends of the Kal-Haven Trail to provide
information about the Kal-Haven Trail State Park and activities of the Friends.  For official Trail
information from Van Buren County, click here.

The Friends of the Kal-Haven Trail, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) non-profit corporation that works in
cooperation with the Michigan Department of National Resources, Parks and Recreation
Division and Van Buren County.  The Board of Directors of the Friends of the Kal-Haven Trail
holds quarterly meetings in April, July, October and January.  

Incorporated in 1983, the Friends' goals are to provide amenities that are not budgeted by the
DNR and to provide oversight of the Trail.  The Friends, with the support of sponsors in the area,
also publish a brochure that includes a trail map and information about services available along
the trail.

The Friends' fundraiser is the annual Kal-Haven Trail Blazer “Ride into Spring” bike ride.

Donations are also gladly accepted.