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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Aug. 27, 2015
Contact: Ron Yesney, 906-228-6561
DNR announces grant program to secure snowmobile trail easements
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 or yesneyr@michigan.gov.
To subscribe to snowmobile trail updates, please visit www.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 at www.michigan.gov/recreationpassport.
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/Editors’ note: An accompanying photo is available below for download. A suggested caption follows.
The Michigan Department of Natural Resources’ new snowmobile grant program will provide nonprofits and government agencies with funding to secure snowmobile easements on private land, stabilizing the snowmobile trail network and providing economic benefits and connections between communities./
The Michigan Department of Natural Resources is committed to the conservation, protection, management, use and enjoyment of the state’s natural and cultural resources for current and future generations. For more information, go to www.michigan.gov/dnr.
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