A scenic overlook along Brockway Mountain Drive in Eagle Harbor. A trail at the popular recreation area has been closed to prevent erosion. Visit Keweenaw
What's happening: A popular trail area on the Keweenaw Peninsula will be closed this summer as new owners and caretakers of the land fight erosion. The Nature Conservancy in Michigan announced that Trail #3 up to Brockway Mountain will be closed to the public so it can be maintained for snowmobile season.
How did this start: The trail is a dedicated snowmobile-only trail but people have been using ORVs on the trail, which is causing the erosion. Some trail groups groom trails for both types of uses because of state funding and reimbursement programs. The erosion threat does not just impact the trail, but other aspects of the local ecosystem.
What they're saying: “Erosion is becoming a problem on Snowmobile Trail #3, which is why we made the decision to close it for the summer and avoid additional damage to the trail,” said Emily Clegg, director of land and water management for TNC in Michigan. “We ask residents and visitors to stay on the state-designated ORV trails and to respect closed gates throughout the Keweenaw Heartlands. Gates are there to protect the natural resources beyond it and keep the public safe.”
What's next: The Nature Conservancy will continue to monitor the trail to see how a season off will impact the erosion. Factors like rainfall and drainage will still impact the trail during the summer.
Enjoy this story?
Sign up for free solutions-based reporting in your inbox each week.