Outdoor recreation in the wintertime sometimes takes a bit of motivation. It requires bundling up, prepping the necessary equipment, and - most importantly - ensuring safety.
Erik Ditzler, Park Ranger at Voyageurs National Park, encourages getting out onto the various snowshoe, cross-country ski, and snowmobile trails that the park and the surrounding areas have to offer, but only after checking on trail conditions. "Getting out on the ice in particular, the snowmobile trails will be open when we have at least eight inches of good, clear, strong ice... for the ice roads we need even more than that." At present, ice conditions are not appropriate for vehicles.
It's important to note that just because you see others on the ice doesn't mean it's ok to join them. "We don't want people to be confused and think just because they see somebody out there taking a risk that it's wise to do so," says Ditzler. Adhering to any and all postings is the best way to stay safe.
For current trail conditions, keep an eye on the Voyageurs National Park website.
You can hear Community Connection every Tuesday and Thursday at 8am on Northland Morning.
