A longtime Minneapolis attorney crashed into a tree while riding a snowmobile in central Minnesota and was recovering Tuesday in a Twin Cities hospital, authorities said.

Bruce Malkerson, 69, was injured while riding Saturday afternoon on private property on Evergreen Trail in Deerwood, according to the Crow Wing County Sheriff’s Office.

Malkerson, of Shakopee, was initially reported to be in critical condition, and he’s been upgraded to fair as he continues to be treated at North Memorial Medical Center in Robbinsdale, a hospital spokesman said.

The Sheriff’s Office said Malkerson was not wearing a helmet at the time.

Since 1973, Malkerson has represented developers in various land transactions. He has also done legal work for the cities of Orono, Minnetrista and St. Louis Park, and various watershed districts.

In 1984, he left private practice to serve as project manager and general counsel for Canterbury Park in Shakopee. He returned to private practice in 1987, advising developers and landowners in condemnation, real estate tax appeals and land use matters.