Department of Natural Resources officials today announced that the middle loop of the Gladwin Off-Road Vehicle (ORV) trail will re-open on Friday, May 26 in time for Memorial Day weekend.

In May 2004, the Gladwin ORV trail was closed due to severe flooding and trail degradation. Since then, the DNR has made numerous repairs to portions of the trail including trail hardening, culverts and erosion control improvements at stream crossings and drainages. These projects were completed in late 2005. Several more projects are scheduled for completion in 2006 to address additional environmental issues relating to illegal trails and scramble areas adjacent to the trail system.

"Repairing the sunken trail will complete needed repairs to the middle loop," said Gladwin Unit Manager Courtney Borgondy. "Other repairs and restoration projects off-trail will continue throughout the year."

The middle loop consists of approximately 14 miles of trail located just north of Highway M-61.

"It is very important for riders to stay only on the marked designated ORV trail," Borgondy added. "Leaving the marked designated trail is illegal, and can create environmental damage."

The remainder of the trail which lies farthest north of M-61, commonly referred to as the North Loop, is still under evaluation and is not scheduled to reopen at this time.

For more information regarding the status of this trail, contact Courtney Borgondy at 989-426-9205, extension 7640; or visit the DNR Web site at www.michigan.gov/dnr.