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Trails Closed In Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest

CNNF staff

Rhinelander, WI — March 29, 2019 — The Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest’s snowmobile, all-terrain vehicle (ATV), utility-terrain vehicle (UTV), horse and bicycle trails are closed for spring break-up. Every spring, the use of wheeled motorized vehicles, mountain bikes, horses or other pack or saddle animals is prohibited on National Forest System trails until May 1.

“As the snow melts and we get spring rains the trails become very saturated,” said Tim Vetter, Lands, Recreation and Wilderness Program Manager for the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest. “We ask that the public refrain from using off-highway vehicles, bikes and horses on the trails until the trails are dry and open for the summer season.”

This seasonal closure reduces rutting and erosion of trails which often occurs when the soil is saturated. Protecting recreation trails during this time period reduces the likelihood of trail closures during the high use season to repair damaged segments. The re-opening of trails on May 1 will be dependent on trail conditions. As we get closer to that date, Forest Service staff will be evaluating trail conditions and opening them when safe to do so.

ATV/UTV routes and other trails designated by towns under state law are not affected by this closure. Trail users should check local regulations for trails they plan to use. Hiking trails remain open during spring break-up. If you plan to visit, ensure you are dressed properly for the weather including waterproof footwear.

For more information about the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest please visit our website at www.fs.usda.gov/CNNF or follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/CNNF002 or like us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/CNNF002.

The mission of the U.S. Forest Service, an agency of the U.S. Department of Agriculture, is to sustain the health, diversity and productivity of the nation’s forests and grasslands to meet the needs of present and future generations. The agency manages 193 million acres of public land, provides assistance to state and private landowners and maintains the largest forestry research organization in the world. Public lands the Forest Service manages contribute more than $13 billion to the economy each year through visitor spending alone. Those same lands provide 30 percent of the nation’s surface drinking water to cities and rural communities and approximately 66 million Americans rely on drinking water that originated from the National Forest System. The agency also has either a direct or indirect role in stewardship of about 900 million forested acres within the U.S., of which over 130 million acres are urban forests where most Americans live.

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