GRTA receives trail approval

By IAN MINIELLY

iminielly@yourdailyglobe.com

Bessemer — After more than 1,000 hours of volunteer labor, placing signs and removing brush across the trail systems, the Gogebic Range Trail Authority obtained Department of Natural Resources signing and brushing approval for the first time since 2010.

The field contact from the DNR gave blanket approval after inspecting the snowmobile trails.

The GRTA is experiencing a revival through the efforts of its board of directors, with Deb Fergus, grant coordinator, spearheading efforts nearly seven days-per-week to achieve approval from the DNR.

Structured funding hinged on the approval for seasonal start-up money for the purchase of oil, filters and supplies to keep grooming operations running.

Snowmoible Trail 2, from the Montreal River in Ironwood to Ramsay crossing, is in good condition, with grooming occurring daily. From the Ramsay crossing to Marenisco is rolled and is considered in fair to poor condition.

Trail improvement work on the Indianhead ascent from Blackjack ski hill, as well as the descent from Indianhead Mountain into Wakefield, is straightened to improve safety and make grooming less challenging.

Trail 8 was scheduled for panning Wednesday in anticipation of the fresh snowfall forecast.

Trail 160 remains closed because of a bridge replacement across Mud Creek damaged by the storm in July. The GRTA is seeking to open the southern half of the trail for local trail access to Trail 2.

Trail 160 is expected to open in January.

Trail 11N and 11S remain closed for the season and won’t reopen without additional volunteer resources.

The GRTA is seeking new members to keep the trails open and in good shape and it will train new people to groom. The GRTA can be reached on its website gogebicrangeta.org.