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Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest Reopens Motorized Trails

Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest

Heavy rains last weekend not only washed out main roads, but the flooding hurt activities in the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest.

Motorized trails on the Park Falls and Great Divide units of the Forest have reopened. Recreation Program Manager for the Washburn Ranger District, Jennifer Maziasz says they've done extensive damage assessments on forest roads and trials.

She says their first priority was public safety... 

"...so after our reconaissance the last couple of days we've determined that all the trails can be opened on the Great Divide District and the Park Falls unit. The Washburn Ranger District we have some trails that are available that we are opening today, and some trails that are closed...."

Maziasz says much work still needs to be done. She says there are many washouts in that part of the Forest.... 

"...we have a lot of our roads, unfortunately, that were completely obliterated by the storm and were scoured. We're working with our engineering department and getting a list and try to figure out what needs to be done to do these fixes...."

She says numerous campgrounds were impacted, but only minimal damage was reported. The campgrounds are open. She says to make sure to comply with safety signs and don't drive through water. The Chequamegon-Nicolet Forest website has more information.

In 2016, a similar situation happened in the Forest. In that year's flood, as in this year, nearly a foot of rain fell, washing out roads and causing widespread damage.

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