Seasonal road and trail closures in effect

[Realtree]

Seasonal road and trail closures in effect

With more warm weather on the way, the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is temporarily closing some state forest roads and trails. The DNR is asking riders to check on trail conditions and temporary closures before planning riding trips.

"Spring is hard on trails," said Keith Simar, State Forest Recreation Program coordinator. "The spring thaw leads to soft soils that are susceptible to rutting." Temporary closings will begin immediately in some areas, Simar said.

The latest information about temporary road/trail closures is available on the DNR Web site www.dnr.state.mn.us. Click on trails closures. Trail condition information also is available from the DNR Information Center at (651) 296-6157, or toll free 1-888-MINNDNR (646-6367).

The DNR will post signs at entry points and at parking lots in state forests to indicate which roads and trails are closed. OHV riders are reminded that Minnesota Rules state in part, "No person shall operate a motor vehicle or snowmobile on forest lands in a manner that causes erosion or rutting."

"The DNR will work to let users know when and where they can ride," Simar said. "We will lift road and trail closures as soon as possible. In turn, we ask users to check before riding to avoid areas that are temporarily closed, and to ride responsibly wherever they are."