Trail Clearing and First Snow of the Season

Thank you!!! to everyone who came out to help trail clear last Saturday. We think we set a new record for volunteers! Your hard work is much appreciated.  Shout-outs also go to The Rocky Ledge and the Echo Trail Tavern for their great pizza!

Two days later the weather changed with 8" of wet, heavy snow that brought down more branches, brush and trees. Snow continued to lightly fall as temperatures dropped, and we now generally have about 11" on the ground. This cold snap has helped, but many areas are still more water than ice and trails are not in any condition to ride (yet!).

The DNR reports that their crew spent the past few days re-clearing their corridors, packing swamps, and that they will keep doing this through this coming weekend. Their trails are open, but not groomed and there are some trees still down in places. Lots of water and thin to no ice in swamps - they recommend staying off the trails. In Voyageurs National Park, snowmobile trails are all still closed and the lake ice is not yet sufficient.

Area teams will be headed out again to clear out brush, branches and logs. A couple we know of:

• Sat. 12/14 - a group will be leaving Boondocks Bar & Grill at 10am for trail clearing and snow packing the trails. All helpers welcome!
• Monday 12/16 - a group will be leaving The Rocky Ledge in Kabetogama at 10am.

Check with your local clubs as others are also working on trails in different areas and the more folks that come out, the faster it goes.  It looks to be a snowy start to a great upcoming season!

For info, visit:

• VTSI:  https://www.snowmobilevacation.com and https://www.facebook.com/VTSIGrooms
• Crane Lake Voyageurs Snowmobile Club:  www.facebook.com/groups/a723936869357904
• International Voyageurs: http://www.ridetheborders.com/trail-report.html and https://www.facebook.com/IVSClub
• VNP Trail Conditions: https://www.nps.gov/voya/planyourvisit/conditions.htm
• DNR Trail Conditions: https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/snow_depth/index.html
• Buyck Portageurs: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100057218389432
• Ash River/Kabetogama Snowdrifters: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100068157102512