Trail Updates!

July 9, 2020
Media contact: John Pepin, 906-226-1352

DNR to begin work on Houghton to Chassell rail-trail

Trail restoration work along the Houghton to Chassell rail-trail in Houghton County is scheduled to begin Monday.

Segments of the trail were impacted severely during the 2018 Father’s Day flood, which also caused millions of dollars of damage to other DNR-managed trails in the region.

“This initial phase of our reconstruction efforts this summer will include brushing, ditching, culvert cleaning and sediment removal,” said Ron Yesney, Upper Peninsula trails coordinator with the DNR’s Parks and Recreation Division. “While a good deal of trail work remains to be completed, we are pleased to begin fixing this recreational trail important to Houghton County.”

For questions or concerns about the project, contact Ron Yesney at 906-228-6561 or by email at yesneyr@michigan.gov.

For more information on recreational trails in Michigan, visit the DNR’s webpage at: Michigan.gov/DNRtrails. To find out the latest on trail and other closures, visit Michigan.gov/DNRClosures.

As an FYI, the specifications put forward from the DNR for ORV trails are as follows…

• Motorcycle Trails are to be cleared to 24” width at ground level and 40” wide at handlebar level.
• ATV Trails are to be cleared to 50” width.
• ORV Routes are to be cleared to 72” width.

2. Grant sponsor is responsible for removing all obstructions located within the above clearing
dimensions. Clear trails/routes of all trees, brush, stumps, rocks, sod clumps, etc. No brush or debris
shall protrude into the trail dimensions, so they may not cause injury or distraction. Trees, logs,
foliage, branches, brush and other debris shall be pruned back flush with the main branch, trunk, or
cut flush with ground level. Fallen trees and logs shall be removed to maintain specified trail width.
Ground logs shall be cut ‘bucked’ at 30 degrees, or as otherwise directed by the jurisdictional
agency. All debris resulting from clearing activity shall be removed from the trail and disposed of in a
manner that will not cause harm. The trail sponsor shall brush all trail intersections to maintain clear
view of all traffic control devices and trail signage.
3. Clear all trails/routes to a minimum height of 8’ above highest tread surface.
ORV Program Signing Specifications
1. Signs for the ORV Trails/Routes will be provided to the Grant Sponsors by the Department. These
signs are to be used only on designated ORV Trails and Routes, following instructions provided in
IC3602 Michigan Motorized Trail Maintenance and Signing Handbook.
2. No private business advertising is allowed on state land.
3. No program posts shall be used for posting advertising of private business.
4. All materials needed to sign state designated ORV system will be made available to Grant Sponsors
at a number of pre-selected locations. Prior to maintenance, grant sponsors will work with their DNR
Contact to establish inventory and location of materials available.
GRADING/SPECIAL MAINTENANCE
1. Grading is not approved at this time.

Special maintenance (bridges, culverts, ditching, phases 1 engineering, construction, re-decking, etc.) is not approved.

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