Blocked State Forest Roads

[kobear]

As a reminder most state forests were reclassified. Roads you may have had access to before are likely now closed.

"Motor vehicles may operate on forest roads and trails posted or designated open."

At least 75% of state forests are now covered by this rule. If there aren't signs posting it open, it likely isn't. If there is slash piled on the trail it is definitely closed.

[KGPZ]

Where do we find this information on closed forest roads?

[Gofishleech]

Not sure where it is but things have really changed. There is no more off trail cross country allowed with 4 wheelers. Trails that are not marked are off limitts to any motorized vehicle. The exception is to retreve game. I think this pertains to all state forest south of hwy 2

I live near the Paul bunyan forest and most of the trails have been marked for walking traffic only and as mentioned no croos country travle with motorized vehicle. I think there are more trails marked in favor of motor cycles,,go figure!!

[pikerliker]

Hey KGPZ just go to the DNR online site and it lists the trails that are closed. I believe it's even on the main page right now.

~piker

[Red Miller]

Here is what I found. Im a little confused. Sounds like deer hunters can still use the trails. I also saw something about cross country travel was also allowed if you are a licensed deer hunter and you are hunting. Maybe Lou could clarify for us?

Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) forest trails and access routes will be closed to off-highway vehicles (OHV) at times during November to protect recreational riders from potentially unsafe riding conditions and to minimize conflicts between deer hunters and recreational riders during the 2009 firearms deer hunting season.

The trail closures apply to the use of all-terrain vehicles, off-highway motorcycles, and off-road vehicles, such as jeeps and four-wheel drive trucks, by recreational riders on state forest trails or non-designated forest access routes.

Licensed deer hunters may still use these routes in conjunction with their hunting activity:

Before legal shooting time.

From 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

After legal shooting hours.

Effective dates of the recreational riding restrictions will be:

Nov. 7 through Nov. 22 for the northeastern Minnesota 100 Series deer season.

Nov. 7 through Nov. 15 for the Minnesota 200 Series deer season.

[Red Miller]

Did some more digging...here is a great brochure:

http://files.dnr.state.mn.us/outdoor_activities/ohv/hunting_and_atvs_brochure.pdf

[picksbigwagon]

thanks Red