Keweenaw Report Your Source for Local News and Sports
501(c)(3) organizations invited to apply by Nov. 15
The Michigan Department of Natural Resources today announced a new grant program for 501(c)(3) organizations and local governments to purchase permanent easements for snowmobile trails. An easement is an authorization to use land for a specific activity, such as snowmobiling.
According to Ron Yesney, a recreation specialist with the DNR, half of Michigan’s snowmobile trails exist on private land, and therefore use of these trails is at the sole discretion of the landowner. Yesney said easements are necessary to ensure that people can enjoy the recreational benefits of snowmobiling on these lands.
“Snowmobiling also provides economic benefits for businesses and communities,” Yesney said. “This easement grant program will help stabilize the snowmobile trail system to support those economies.”
Applications are due Nov. 15 for this year’s grant cycle. To apply, visit www.michigan.gov/snowmobiling, open the Trail Sponsors drop-down menu and select Grant Programs.
Snowmobile trail easement grants are funded through the $8 fee on all snowmobile registrations.
For more information, contact Yesney at 906-228-6561 oryesneyr@michigan.gov.
To subscribe to snowmobile trail updates, please visitwww.michigan.gov/snowmobiling and click the red envelope. Other snowmobiling information, including trail report links, trail maps, safety information, laws and more, also is available at this page,
Inside Michigan’s Great Outdoors subscribers are always the first to know about reservation opportunities, state park events and other outdoor happenings. Visit www.michigan.gov/dnr to subscribe now.
A Recreation Passport grants vehicle access to any Michigan state park, boat launch, state forest campground or nonmotorized state trailhead parking. Residents can purchase the Passport for just $11 ($5 for motorcycles) at the time of Michigan license plate renewal through Secretary of State. Forgot to check “YES” during renewal? Residents and nonresidents can purchase a Recreation Passport window sticker during regular business hours at state parks. Learn more about how the Recreation Passport supports state parks and local outdoor recreation opportunities atwww.michigan.gov/recreationpassport.
