IRON MOUNTAIN — Snowmobile trails are open in some areas of the Upper Peninsula, but the wait continues in Dickinson and Iron counties.

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources reminds enthusiasts to purchase a trail permit. Permits are valid for one season. They can be bought online through eLicense or the Michigan Snowmobile ORV Association, or in person at DNR license agents and dealers.

Residents must also register snowmobiles with the Michigan Secretary of State — unless sleds are used solely on private property.

Registration is good for three years and the fees support the purchase of easements, law enforcement on trails and safety education.

Michigan is home to 6,000-plus miles of DNR-designated snowmobile trails. Nearly 1,900 private landowners allow use of their land to create that network.

Their generosity allows the DNR to offer trails that connect communities and bring snowmobilers to special places of interest that otherwise wouldn’t be available to them.

“We’re incredibly grateful to these property owners and their partnerships with their local snowmobile clubs,” said Jessica Roehrs, statewide motorized trails analyst for the DNR Parks and Recreation Division. “It’s important for all of us to give thanks to these landowners and to remember to be respectful of the land, wherever we ride.”

The snowmobile program is 100% funded by trail permit and registration dollars that are directly reinvested into the program to benefit snowmobilers, Roehrs said. The funds pay for grooming, signage, maintenance, bridge and culvert construction, purchase of new equipment, liability insurance, maintenance of trailhead amenities such as signage, bathrooms and plowing of parking lots and other snowmobile-related expenditures.

Owners of historic snowmobiles may elect to register their snowmobile as a historic snowmobile if eligibility requirements are met. The registration has a one-time cost of $50 and is non-expiring. Snowmobiles registered as historic snowmobiles are not required to have a Michigan snowmobile trail permit.

Like Michigan, Wisconsin requires snowmobile trail passes and registration.

Snowmobiles 35 years and older may be registered as antique in Wisconsin. Antique registration allows you to operate the snowmobile on any area open to public riding and on private property with the appropriate permission. Snowmobiles registered as antique are also exempt from displaying a snowmobile trail pass.

Help prevent oak wilt

Tree maintenance may not be top of mind during winter, but it should be when it comes to oaks.

Trees in Dickinson, Iron, Marquette and Menominee counties are dying from oak wilt. One of the best ways to help prevent infections is to avoid wounding trees during the high-risk period, April 15 to July 15.

In fact, the DNR says, the safest time to prune oak trees is the winter season. If oak trees need pruning, trimming or removal, plan these activities for winter months when possible.

Also, don’t move firewood, especially if it comes from oak wilt-killed trees, as it can harbor and spread the fungus.

For more information, go to https://www.michiganoakwilt.org/.