The Department of Natural Resources today announced the southern loop of the Baraga Plains Off-Road Vehicle Trail, located six miles north of Covington in Baraga County, is closed until snags and hazard trees left behind from the recent 1,127-acre wildfire in the area can be safely removed.

The closure affects only the five-mile loop that extends southward from the trailhead located on Sturgeon Gorge cutoff road, a half mile west of the intersection with the Baraga Plains road. Signs will be posted at the start of the south loop alerting trail users that the closed area is unsafe. The public's cooperation in staying off the closed part of the trail is greatly appreciated.

The remaining 23 miles of the ORV trail (north loop) remain open. For more information, contact Don Mankee, Baraga Management Unit supervisor, at (906) 353-6651.