DNR Cuts Trail Grooming

State budget cuts are taking their toll on outdoor recreation in the U.P., especially cross-country skiing.

Earlier this week, the DNR had to cut $100,000 from its general fund budget, hitting its forest recreation services.

The cuts will affect the DNR’s ability to manage the pathways of 9 of the U.P.’s 10 trails, and that’ll greatly affect cross-country skiers.

DNR recreation management specialist Ron Yesney says Blueberry Ridge in Sands Township was the only one spared because of an agreement with the Noquemanon Trail Network.

Other areas have had local governments and nonprofit groups take over trail management.

Yesney says if you want more information, you can call the Marquette DNR office at 228-6561.