Vilas county has picked up nearly $40,000 to promote non-motorized trails.
The money comes from the Department of Tourism through its Joint-Effort Marketing grants which are used to advertise tourist-friendly activities.
Cindy Burzinski from Vilas County Tourism and Publicity says this is the second year of the grant...
"....in 2013. Vilas county received their first year JEM grant of $39,550 so we could promote the rich trail systems in the county. We figure with the first year JEM grant, we figure we had an economic impact of just around $300,000...."
Vilas county is partnering with 12 area communities to promote trave multi-seasonal, silent sport trail opportunities. Burzinski says last year they created maps and apps to help travelers use the trails and will further expand the smartphone applications...
"....to build the second phase of the grant, which includes real-time geo-referenced maps for the trails. The user will be able to receive directional service that will connect them to the trail and tell them how far they have to go and how far they've gone...."
....among other applications. Burzinski says they are hoping to attract 750 overnight visitors in the coming year.
