The Michigan Department of Natural Resources has approved two permanent trail easements, which will help ensure trail connectivity in the western Upper Peninsula. According to TV 6, in the first of the two transactions, the DNR purchased 56 miles of 30-foot trail access in portions of Dickinson, Gogebic, Houghton, Iron and Ontonagon counties. Easements were acquired from the Keweenaw Land Association of Ironwood, funded through the Michigan Permanent Snowmobile Easement Fund. The land will be managed by the Upper Peninsula Region of the Trails Section of the DNR Parks and Recreation Division, in conjunction with seven snowmobile clubs and three off-road vehicle clubs.