Local snowmobile groups are starting the Fall trail maintenance season. A key time to groom trails to better handle the winter snow load, the maintenance is an important part of the durability of multiuse motorized trail networks in the Upper Peninsula.

Two groups showcased their activity last weekend. Grand Marais Sno-Trails Association, which handles most of the trails in the Grand Marais area, had their brushing and signage day on Saturday, Sept. 23. With the help of Detroit-based snowmobile group the Motor City Sledheads, the association was able to take care of many aspects of trail maintenance.

Trenary Northern Trails (TNT) also celebrated the work with neighboring group Forsyth Snowmobile and ATV Club. Volunteers cleared trees, cut branches that may overhang the trails with the build up of snow and filled in holes that could create an uneven terrain later in the season.

“The snowmobile trails wouldn’t exist if it wasn’t for the unselfish work of such volunteers. Please thank them the next time you are around Gwinn on Trail 8 by taking your picture at their Trailside stop and help to promote their efforts,”Trenary Northern Trails wrote on their official Facebook page.