Michigan's Upper Peninsula Secures Future of Epic 300-Mile Trail Network with Landmark Conservation Easement

Michigan's rugged and breathtaking Upper Peninsula is set to see its crown jewel — an expansive 300-mile non-motorized trail system — permanently protected thanks to a groundbreaking conservation easement. This monumental agreement, forged between The Nature Conservancy (TNC) and the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR), represents a significant victory for conservation and outdoor enthusiasts alike, ensuring the pristine beauty and recreational opportunities of this vast network will endure for generations.

The newly secured easement spans a massive area of the UP, weaving through diverse landscapes from dense forests to serene waterways.

It encompasses trails critical for a multitude of "silent sports," including hiking, mountain biking, cross-country skiing, and snowshoeing. For decades, these trails have offered an escape into nature, connecting communities and providing vital access to some of Michigan's most spectacular scenery.

Under the terms of this historic agreement, The Nature Conservancy will own and manage the land, upholding its commitment to sustainable forestry and ecological health.

Crucially, the easement guarantees perpetual public access to the entire 300-mile network for non-motorized recreational activities. This means adventurers can continue to explore the UP's untouched wilderness, knowing these trails are protected from future development and fragmentation.

Conservation easements are powerful tools that protect land by limiting certain types of development while allowing the land to remain in private hands.

In this case, TNC's ownership combined with the easement's restrictions ensures that the natural character of the land is preserved, safeguarding not just the trails but also the critical forest habitats, clean water sources, and diverse wildlife that call the UP home.

Officials from both TNC and the DNR have hailed this collaboration as a testament to the power of partnership in achieving ambitious conservation goals.

They emphasize that this initiative goes beyond just preserving trails; it's about securing the ecological integrity of a significant portion of the Upper Peninsula, contributing to Michigan's natural heritage and bolstering its reputation as a premier destination for outdoor recreation. This landmark easement sets a precedent for large-scale conservation efforts, promising a wild and accessible UP for countless futures to come.