The Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) will host a public meeting on Saturday, June 28, to allow the public to provide comment on the West Mullett Lake Snowmobile Trail. The public meeting is scheduled for 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the Inland Lakes High School, located at 4363 South Straits Highway in Indian River.

On December 1, 2006, the DNR opened an approximate 11-mile stretch of rail-trail, referred to as the West Mullet Lake Trail, to snowmobiles for the first time. In response to concerns, the DNR placed restricted hours of operation and speed limits for snowmobiles on this stretch of trail.

The purpose of the public meeting is to help the DNR evaluate whether to keep the trail open to snowmobiling; the hours of operation and speed restrictions. The public is invited to attend and provide comment on whether these restrictions should be continued, eliminated or changed.

The DNR purchased the former railroad grade between Gaylord and Mackinaw City with Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund grants for multi-recreational use. This trail, which officially has been named the North Central State Trail, is open to multi-recreational uses except wheeled motorized vehicles. The surface of this trail recently was improved with a Michigan Department of Transportation enhancement grant, as well as local and state matching dollars.

This rail-trail, along with the numerous other miles of trails the DNR has acquired and maintains for multi-recreational use, is an important part of Governor Jennifer M. Granholm's "Discover Michigan Trails" initiative to create a unified system of Michigan trails to connect natural, tourist and urban destinations.

Individuals attending the meeting are requested to refrain from using heavily scented personal care products in order to enhance accessibility for everyone. Persons with disabilities needing accommodations for the meeting should contact Robin Pearson, recreation specialist, at 989-732-3541 ext. 5045, a minimum of five business days before the meeting. Requests made less than five business days before events may not be accommodated.