Ask a Conservation Officer

[Lee Borgersen]

    Ask a Conservation Officer: ATV trail closures

By Matthew S. Miller, Minnesota DNR on Mar 26, 2017


Q: I showed up to my local state forest recreation area OHV trail to ride an ATV, and found a sign posted saying that the trail system was closed due to seasonal conditions. Why is that? Aren't these machines made for just those type of conditions?

A: State law allows for temporary closures of ATV and OHM trails and forest roads during certain periods to prevent severe damage to those trail systems, especially during the spring melting period when the ground is saturated and easily rutted. Closures of these trails are posted with signs on site as well as on the DNR website at dnr.state.mn.us/trailconditions/index.html.

Wet and warm conditions this spring have made some areas particularly vulnerable to damage where road and trail surfaces cannot support the weight of a vehicle. Being respectful of these closures will help to ensure that the trails remain open year after year for rec vehicle use.