LANSING, Mich. (AP) — State officials have announced a new grant program for nonprofits and local governments to purchase permanent easements for snowmobile trails.

Department of Natural Resources recreation specialist Ron Yesney says half of Michigan’s snowmobile trails are on privately-owned land.

Use of those trails is at the discretion of the landowner. An easement is an authorization to use land for a specific activity, such as snowmobiling.

Yesney says the easement grant program will help stabilize the snowmobile trail system to support local economies.

Snowmobile trail easement grants are funded through the $8 fee on all snowmobile registrations. Applications for the grants are due Nov. 15.