Snowmobile trails aren't ready yet

Even though the official start of the Minnesota snowmobile season was Dec. 1, several conditions must be met before trails are legally open for travel, according to Les Ollila, Minnesota Department of Natural Resources Northeast Regional Trails and Waterways manager.

Snowmobile clubs and trail crews are out working on the trails now, but it could be a few weeks before the trails will be ready. Those conditions include:

• Trails must be cleared of debris, signs need to be in place and gates need to be opened.

• Landowner permits allowing trails on their land must be in place.

• The ground must be frozen, allowing for crossings in wet areas. Even though there have been cold days and many northeastern Minnesota lakes have ice, the ice is not yet thick enough to support snowmobiles or even walking in many cases.

• Trails must have adequate snow cover for grooming. About 12 inches is considered adequate, since it packs down to an inch or two.

Many snowmobile trails cross private land. Landowners give permission for snowmobile use on those trails beginning Dec. 1.

"We also caution snowmobile riders about riding on lakes," Olsen said. "Please stay off of area lakes until there is at least 5 inches of new, clear ice. Without enough snow on the trails, many riders will be tempted to ride on area lakes. But they are not yet safe for snowmobiles or ATVs."

Snowmobilers can also check state trails conditions on the DNR website at www.mndnr.gov or by calling 888-MINNDNR (888-646-6367). Trail information and local contacts are on the DNR website under maps and contacts, and are also on the back of the Minnesota DNR Snowmobile Trails maps which show the snowmobile trails in each of four quadrants of the state (NW, NE, SW, SE). The maps are also on the DNR website.