DNR announces snowmobile trail closure

DNR announces snowmobile trail closure. 

#Winter.

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources has announced a part of Snowmobile Trail No. 614 in Mason and western Lake counties is closed for the 2016-17 snowmobile season. It has been determined that three bridges along the trail are structurally unsafe and the trail base has degraded due to higher-than-normal water levels.

The trail, known as “Bear Swamp” and located east of Free Soil, will be open to businesses near Big Bass Lake, but will be closed to the west. The area will be signed appropriately to ensure snowmobilers are aware of the closure.

The DNR and the U.S. Forest Service currently are in the process of determining a safe alternative route.

For more information, contact Todd Neiss at 231-775-9727, ext 6045.

Snowmobiling need-to-know information from the DNR:

• Purchase your snowmobile trail permit, which is required to operate snowmobiles in the state and valid for one year Oct. 1 to Sept. 30.
• To operate a snowmobile in Michigan, a valid registration must be obtained through the Secretary of State (or another state or province).
• To increase safety on the trail, the DNR has implemented universal snowmobile trail signage to help provide consistent guidance on the trails.
• There are rules and regulations for snowmobiling in Michigan.
• There are nearly 6,500 miles of designated snowmobile trails in Michigan.
• Snowmobile safety education training and online safety courses are recommended for all snowmobile operators and required for youth between the ages of 12 and 16.
• The Michigan Snowmobiling Association maintains a list of clubs found throughout the state at www.msasnow.org/snowmobile-clubs.
• Information regarding snowmobiling may be found on the DNR website at www.michigan.gov/snowmobiling.