Michigan Department of Natural Resources Parks and Recreation Division officials are talking with representatives of the Escanaba & Lake Superior Railroad (E&LS) to see if 60 miles of rail line that is currently not being used could be acquired by the DNR to further the region’s recreational trail network.
DNR and railroad officials met most recently on Sept. 25, with the focus of the meeting centered on all Escanaba & Lake Superior Railroad grades that are potentially up for sale or are in the process of having their rails pulled.
“The E&LS Railroad is pleased to be working with the Michigan DNR to discuss the acquisition of our Channing to Wells Line to further expand the Upper Peninsula’s recreational trail network,” said Tim Tennant, E&LS vice president and general manager.
The Channing-Wells line was the first purchased by the E&LS, and at various times it facilitated passenger service and hauling freight between Escanaba and Channing.
The Wells to Channing grade would help connect communities and trails across the region. The grade of the line is intended to be preserved in order to facilitate possible re-use by railroads in the future. Potential funding sources include the Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund, Land Exchange Facilitation Funding and the DNR’s Snowmobile Trail Easement Fund.
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