Winter sports enthusiasts are reminded to check in with friends or area businesses before heading out snowmobiling, snowshoeing or skiing. The freezing rain and heavy snow that fell in December toppled brush and trees that are still being cleared in some places.
In addition, trail managers caution that in many places, water from creeks and small ponds is still flowing under the snow and not all lakes are completely frozen. Be extremely vigilant for wet areas and ice.
Local clubs would love to have help with the cleanup effort.
To help in the Grand Marais area, contact the Cook County Ridge Riders at (218) 370-0645 or email cookcountyridgeriders@hotmail.com.
In the Lutsen area, contact the Lutsen Trailblazers by calling Larry at 218-370-9268 or Scott at 218-663- 7305 or email LMcNeally1@gmail.com.
Ski trail organizations like the Banadad Ski Trail Association are also seeking assistance. Anyone who would like to help clear the Banadad is encouraged to contact Ted Young at 218-388-4487 or email bct@boundarycountry.com.
Also seeking volunteers is David Williams of the Bally Creek Ski System. To help on those trails, contact Williams at 218-387-1162.
Many other trail groups are reporting progress, and some areas are looking great, but caution is still advised. The best advice is to talk to others before trekking out onto the trails. For the most up-to-date information on Cook County trail conditions, visit www.visitcookcounty.com and click on the cross country trails or snowmobile trails links.
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