Trails in the News - Press Clipping Files

02/10/2006

Snowmobile Rights of Way Discussed in Rogers City

Snowmobile route recommended to council

Presque Isle Advance

Jim Przybyla of the Snowmobile Committee met with the City Council members on Monday evening to recommend a snowmobile route through Rogers City. He, along with the other members of the ad hoc committee, was given the task of finding the best route through town. Przybyla said the route that was being recommended was found to have the qualities that would be most acceptable. “This route makes a complete circle with minimal involvement with homes,” said Przybyla. “Basically, there are only two blocks of housing involved.”

Mayor Beach Hall commended Przybyla and the Snowmobile Committee for completing their task. “You have done exactly what you were asked to do,” said Hall. “On behalf of the council, I thank you.” The city council has been working on the snowmobile route through Rogers City for quite some time and is eager to see a plan take shape. Council member Gary Nowak stated that he did not want to dismiss the commission members from any duties just yet. “I’d like to see this commission stay in tact,” said Nowak. “If we are going to do something – let’s do it now.”

The recommended route would open up Rogers City to snowmobile enthusiasts and bring in much needed business to the area. The route that was recommended last year by the city planning commission raised concerns with residents, and opinions on the matter were voiced last May. The recommended route presented by Przybyla uses the same initial primary trail, which starts at Highway 451 and extends down US-23. The route then travels down Cedar and State Streets. From State Street, the route would then cut through the alley between Morel and Northshore Park, eventually connecting with the northern end of First Street.

This newly recommended addition to the snowmobile route connects First Street with Lake and then cuts through the alley between First and Lake Streets. The route then takes a short turn down Woodward Avenue and follows down Calcite Road and up Park Drive. This trail would allow snowmobiles to have access to either a south side exit or entrance to the city. Another proposed route that would extend off of Lakeview Avenue and down Linden Street would allow for a northern exit or entrance. However, because the nearest snowmobile trail is five miles from the city limits, the recommended route would be useful for visiting riders who have hauled their machines in on trailers and anticipate riding the circular trail around town. The recommended route is in hope of an agreement between O-N Minerals and the Department of Natural Resources to continue existing trails through to the city limits. “Until the DNR can make roads as official routes into town, this recommended snowmobile trail is a circular path through town that has no exit and no entrance to another snowmobile route out of town,” said City Manager John Bruning. The recommended snowmobile route was put on the agenda for the next city council meeting, which will be Monday, February 20 at 10 a.m. at City Hall.

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