VNP ends winter season

Snowmobile trail maintenance in Voyageurs National Park has ended for the winter season and all trail markers are being removed.

Ice conditions are rapidly deteriorating and snowmobile travel is no longer recommended by the park.

The Rainy Lake Ice Road is also closed for the season.

Park staff send credit to the local snowmobile clubs which assisted Voyageurs National Park in maintaining snowmobile trails this year.

WSI is 105 in Borderland

The winter severity index for the International Falls area was 105 on Friday, according to Frank Swendsen, area wildlife manager with the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources International Falls office.

The WSI was 154 last year at this date, and 114 two years ago, according to Swendsen. The average WSI for this date is about 105.

The snow depth across Koochiching County is about 10-12 inches, reports Swendsen.

“The incredible March thaw has rapidly changed the snow depth and condition,” said Swendsen. “The forecast has it continuing well into next week. Fields are opening up and deer can move freely anywhere. It is great for deer, but has negatively impacted loggers, snowmobilers and cross-country skiers.

“There is still the possibility of some nasty weather in March, but this thaw has pretty well guaranteed that we will have a milder than average winter for deer,” he concluded.

Spring thaw closes roads, trails

When the spring thaw signals wet, soft trail conditions, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources temporarily closes some state forest roads and trails to vehicle traffic. Those closures are expected to begin soon.

 Road and trail condition information is and available online at www.mndnr.gov/news, or by calling toll free 888-MINN-DNR (646-6367).

The DNR also will post signs at entry points and at parking lots in state forests.

Also, the DNR reminds riders that Minnesota law prohibits Class 1 ATV ditch riding south of the agriculture line between April 1 and Aug. 1. The agricultural line runs roughly from Moorhead to Taylors Falls along Highway 10 and Highway 95.