DNR urges hunters, OHV riders to check trail conditions, avoid rain-soaked areas in northeastern Minnesota

Many deer hunters and off-highway vehicle (OHV) riders will be out this weekend in northeastern Minnesota preparing for the Nov. 3 opening of the firearms deer season.

However, because of the wet conditions due to record rainfall over the past week, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is urging people to check trail conditions and avoid wet roads and trail areas.

“Recent rainfall has caused unusually soggy conditions for this time of year,” said Forrest Boe, director of DNR Trails. “People need to be careful where they ride and drive for safety reasons and also to prevent rutting and damage to the roads and trails.”

Some road/trails are closed until further notice because of the heavy rains. They include:

• Finland State Forest: Moose Walk/Run ATV trail;

• Grand Portage State Forest: Thorson Road, Tomato Lake Road;

• Pine Island State Forest: Anderson Road, Pine Island Road, Remington (Old Balsinger), Toumey-Williams Road;

• Red Lake State Forest: Blanchard Road, Range Line Road; and

• Red Dot ATV Trail.

The DNR will keep as many roads and trails open as possible, Boe said. The DNR posts closure signs at trail entry points and at state forest parking lots.

The DNR updates the latest temporary road and trail closure information every Thursday afternoon. People should check the DNR Web site at www.mndnr.gov by clicking the “OHV Riding” button in the right column.

Information is also available from the DNR Information Center at (651) 296-6157 or toll-free at 1-888-MINNDNR (646-6367).

The latest rain came after two very wet months. Annual precipitation over northeastern Minnesota is at or above normal. The North Shore is at 110 percent of normal, and Lake, Cook and St. Louis counties are at 125 percent of normal. At the end of August, most of northeastern Minnesota was experiencing drought conditions.

Tags: northland, outdoors, hunting