DNR urges OHV users to check trail conditions; restrictions placed on ditch riding
March 25, 2008
Warm weather is on the way and many off-highway vehicle (OHV) riders are anxious to hit the trails. But since state forest roads and trails are typically wet during the spring, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) will temporarily close some areas.

“Motor vehicles can be hard on forest roads and trails in the spring,” said Keith Simar, DNR State Forest Recreation Program coordinator. “The spring thaw produces soft soils which are susceptible to rutting. And under state law, no one can operate a motor vehicle or snowmobile on forest lands in a way that causes erosion or rutting,” he said. The DNR will post signs at entry points and at parking lots in state forests.

Riders should check current trail/road conditions on the DNR Web site www.findthetrails.com or call the DNR Information Center at (651) 296-6157, or toll free at 1-888-MINNDNR (646-6367).

The DNR also reminds riders that state law prohibits ditch riding south of the agriculture line between April 1 and Aug. 1. The agriculture line runs roughly from Moorhead to Taylors Falls along Highway 10 and Highway 95. The purpose of this is to minimize disturbance of nesting birds and to protect the cover that ditches provide.
“We will lift road and trail closures as soon as possible,” Simar said. “In turn, we ask users to check before riding and to ride responsibly.”