FOR STATEWIDE DISTRIBUTION

FFI: Scott Kelling, Supervisor

Iron Range OHV Recreation Area

MN DNR,Trails & Waterways, 218/741-9162

Release Date: August 1, 2000

 

"Groundbreaking Set For

Off-Highway Highway Vehicle Park"

The public is invited to join in groundbreaking ceremonies planned for the Iron Range Off-Highway Vehicle Recreation Area located near Gilbert, Minnesota in north-central St. Louis County. This event, sponsored by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources in cooperation with the City of Gilbert, is planned for 1:00 pm Tuesday August 8th -- rain or shine. This facility, the first of its’ kind in Minnesota, will be constructed and operated by DNR, Trails and Waterways.

State Representative Tom Rukavina and members of the 11-member Off-Highway Vehicle Citizen’s Advisory Committee will be on-hand to mark this occasion. Other invited guests will include Gilbert City Officials, members of (former) Mayor Schnieder’s OHV Advisory Council, and Trails & Waterways Director Dennis Asmussen. Access to the site will be provided via Enterprise Trail just off State Highway 135 one mile east of Gilbert. Directional signs, public parking and refreshments will also be provided.

Authorized in 1996 by the Minnesota Legislature, the Iron Range OHV Recreation Area is located on former minelands adjacent to the City of Gilbert in north-central St. Louis County. A 3,500 acre site just east of the City of Virginia was subsequently authorized in 1999. When completed, the two sites will be linked and feature recreational trails, rider training and competitive event areas specially-designed to accommodate off-road motorcycles, all-terrain vehicles and 4-wheel drive jeeps and trucks. The OHV Recreation Area at Gilbert is expected to open to the public by late 2001. Completion of the Virginia addition to the OHVRA is expected in 2002.

 

 

FFI: Contact Scott Kelling, Supervisor, Iron Range OHV Recreation Area, MN DNR,Trails & Waterways, 218/741-9162. Scott’s mailing address is 19 South Broadway, P.O. Box 837, Gilbert, MN 55741.

PRESS24.DOC

Rev. 08/01/00