Michigan Department of Natural Resources officials today announced the Gladwin off-road vehicle (ORV) trail north of M-61 will continue to remain closed for damage assessment and repair following the severe flooding that hit the area last May. The trail will remain open south of M-61, however.

Last May, the trail north of M-61 was closed due to severe flooding and trail degradation. Approximately 14 miles of trail just north of M-61 has been evaluated and scheduled for repair. Most repairs will begin in the spring as weather conditions allow, and are scheduled for completion by the end of September 2005. The repairs include installation of culverts and improvements to the trail surface in places where seasonally wet conditions exist. This portion of the trail will remain closed until all repairs are completed.

The portion of trail that lies farthest north of M-61, approximately 18 miles, is still under evaluation and is not scheduled to reopen at this time. A thorough assessment of soil types, trail conditions and possible repairs for this area are currently being conducted. A list of options and alternatives based on the results of the assessment will be developed for review and implementation.

The entire trail south of M-61 will remain open for use.

For information regarding the status of this trail, contact Gladwin Unit Manager Courtney Borgondy at 989-426-9205, Ext. 7640. For a map of the trail or information regarding the ORV program, contact ORV Program Manager Steve Kubisiak at 517-373-1665, or visit the DNR’s Web site.