The Northern Michigan Outdoors have been affected by the severe weather that occurred on Labor Day and caused damage to some trails in Northern lower Michigan. The Department of Natural Resources warns trail and forest users that parts of some trails may be blocked, dangerous or closed while crews work to remove hazards and downed trees. Possibly affected trails include the Kalkaska ORV Trail and Route, the Frederic ORV Trail and Route, the North Branch ORV Route and the Crapo Creek ORV Trail.

The National Weather Service in Gaylord, Michigan, confirmed four tornadoes Monday afternoon – one in northern Kalkaska County, one in northeast Crawford County, one in southern Cheboygan County and one in southeastern Otsego County. DNR staff is assessing damage on the trails and will work with local trail grant sponsors and volunteers to remove the hazards.

“We appreciate the public’s patience at this time while we review and prioritize the damages on the trails,” said DNR forest recreation specialist Paige Perry. “We will have trails cleared and ready for recreation as soon as we can.”

There are numerous alternative ORV trail-riding opportunities in northern Michigan. Please visit www.michigan.gov/dnrtrails to explore other trail systems

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