justnorth posted on September 19, 2007 00:13 :: 2062 Views
There has been a flurry of activity on the recreational rail-trail between Gaylord and Mackinaw City for the past 10 weeks while contractors complete their work, and users eagerly try out the smooth, new surface.
DNR recreation staff report the new surface has been so popular the contractors can barely complete a segment before the hikers, bikers, and occasional illegal ORV users are testing it out. DNR staff is very pleased to see the enthusiasm for the trail, but there's only one problem - the trail isn't officially open yet.
"It's so exciting to see the number of users on the trail, but it makes it that much harder to remind them the trail's not actually open yet. Folks need to be very careful because there is still heavy equipment working along the trail and not all safety trail signs are back in place yet," said DNR Recreation Specialist Robin Pearson.
This is a multi-recreational trail is closed to wheeled motorized vehicles, normally referred to as ORVs, ATVs, and four-wheeled drive trucks and automobiles. The public is encouraged to report any illegal wheeled motorized vehicle activity or vandalism of state property on this trail to the Gaylord Operation Service Center during regular business hours at 989-732-3541, or the Report All Poaching (RAP) line during off hours at 800-292-7800.
The contractors plan to complete the project by the end of September and at that time the entire trail will be open to the public. The Top of Michigan Trails Council, a major contributor to the resurfacing project, will sponsor a ribbon cutting ceremony to celebrate the reopening of the trail and to recognize all the important communities and interest groups who have helped make this project possible in the spring of 2008. Go to www.trailscouncil.org for more information on the event.
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