10/13/2006

News in brief

Landowners warned to clear the trail

FROM STAFF REPORTS

CHEBOYGAN — State officials are warning owners of land adjacent to a trail section in Cheboygan County to move personal property from the right of way or face the consequences.

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources this week sent certified letters to the landowners, setting a deadline of next Wednesday to clear the pathway, spokeswoman Ann Wilson said.

"We told people that trespasses on the trail must be cleared by Oct. 18, or there is going to be action taken, either confiscation of property or tickets," Wilson said.

The section known as the West Mullett Lake trail is part of a 45-mile trail between Gaylord and Cheboygan. The 12-mile section previously was off-limits to snowmobilers and other motorized traffic.

But DNR Director Rebecca Humphries in August lifted the snowmobile ban, and officials are trying to clear the trail before snowmobiling season.

Snowmobilers will be allowed to use the trail after Dec. 1. Their speed limit will be 35 mph and the section will be open between 8 a.m. and midnight.

Wilson said residents along the West Mullet Lake trail, many of whom object to snowmobile traffic, have boat lifts, boats, campers, trailers and other items parked or placed across the former rail grade.

"We have gone through repeatedly since 2003 notifying people by knocking on their doors or putting stickers on items on the trail. We have had public meetings and posted the area," Wilson said. "There is still stuff that trespasses there."