DELTA AND DICKINSON COUNTIES, MI— The Michigan Department of Natural Resources is in talks to purchase
60 miles of inactive rail line in the Upper Peninsula.
The Parks and Recreation Division is in acquisition discussions with Escanaba & Lake Superior Railroad for land the DNR could potentially use as a trail network.
Officials met in September. Talks focused on all grades that are potentially up for sale or are in the process of having their rails pulled on the Channing to Wells Line. The railroad transported passengers and hauled materials between Escanaba and Channing in Delta and Dickinson counties.
DNR officials say the Wells to Channing grade would help connect communities and trails across the region.
Potential funding sources include the Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund, Land Exchange Facilitation Funding, and the DNR’s Snowmobile Trail Easement Fund.
