DNR announces temporary road and trail closures in 31 of 58 Minnesota state forests

(March 31, 2010) - The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) reminds people that it has temporarily closed many of its state forest roads and trails since they are not yet firm enough to support vehicle traffic.

The state forests temporarily closed to vehicle traffic as of Monday, March 29, include Badoura, Big Fork, Blackduck , Bowstring, Chengwatana, Fond du Lac, Foot Hills, Golden Anniversary, Hill River, Huntersville, Land O’Lakes, Lyons, Nemadji, Paul Bunyan, Pine Island, Remer, Rum River, Smokey Bear, Smoky Hills, Snake River, St. Croix, Two Inlets, Waukenabo, Wealthwood, White Earth, and Whiteface River.

State forests with some, but not all, roads and trails closed as of Monday, March 29, include George Washington, Koochiching, Red Lake, Savanna, and Solana.

“The DNR will lift road and trail closures as soon as possible, some of them as soon as next week,” said Keith Simar, DNR forest recreation coordinator. “We will let users know when and where they can drive. In turn, we ask that they check before riding.”

People can check “Current Conditions” on the DNR Web site or by calling the DNR Information Center for updates. The Info Center can be reached at 651-296-6157 or toll-free at 888-MINNDNR (646 6367) between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. weekdays.