On Behind the Mitten, we love to take you to special spots all around Michigan. We always hope that you'll find new favorite places to visit, or remember a favorite spot that you just have to get back to. We believe that travel is amazing, and want to make sure that our gorgeous Michigan destinations stay that way for all future visitors.

Our friends in Marquette completely agree, and as a community, they've come together as a formal group to "inspire locals and visitors alike to respect the local culture and natural resources of Marquette County." The initiative is known as Respect Marquette County and it is the focus of this episode of BTM.

We kick off the show with Susan Estler from Travel Marquette one of the main sponsors for this initiative, as well as Sven Gonstead, from the Marquette County Planning and Recreation/Big Bay Stewardship Council. The sharp increase in tourism throughout the Upper Peninsula during the pandemic brought many new visitors to the area, which also brought more natural resource destruction and misuse. Through education, the coalition hopes to make visitors more aware of using resources smartly and sustainably. 

Tyler Penrod, the Great Lakes Climate Core program manager for the Superior Watershed Partnership stops by to share some good news for electric vehicle drivers. His group has recently expanded the availability of charging stations throughout the U.P., in addition to their many other important projects. Tyler shares how important it is to maintain proper trail etiquette, including new-to-us knowledge that you've got to go through the puddles people, not around. Muddy boots are a sign of authenticity in MQT.

Lyn Durant who is the Marquette Township Supervisor shares a few more tips and tricks from the Leave No Trace initiative, which encompasses seven different principles. Planning ahead, visiting during quieter times, and letting friends know where you'll be can all make for a better adventure if something goes wrong. Following the trails, packing everything you bring in back out, and leaving nature the way you found it are more tips to track. Wildlife is awesome to see, but let them be, and from a safe distance, please. If you bring your own animal on the trail with you, please manage them accordingly, and pack out that pet waste too.

Finally, Hannah Boyd,  the communications manager for the Upper Peninsula Land Conservancy joins us. The Conservancy, which has over 6500 acres of land in the U.P.,  has several protected tracts of land in Marquette County, and Hannah shares a few of her favorite hikes to take in the area. She also talks about what makes this community special, and other fun things to do when you visit.

Big thanks to Kognisjon Bryggeri for hosting our recording session, we appreciate the hospitality.

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