By Jed Buelow
Tomahawk Leader Co-Editor, Sports and Nature Editor
For many snowmobilers the holiday break marks the start of the riding season. And while many local trails are open and in pretty decent early season riding condition, those planning to hit the trails over the coming days will want to keep in mind some safety precautions to ensure a safe ride.
The Knight Owls Snowmobile Club is reporting some sections are not groomed because swamps are still not completely frozen. The recent warm spell has caused some swamps that were being groomed to open up. None of the lakes in the area have yet been marked and riders are strongly urged to only ride on marked trails.
This past week a lot of snowmobile riders have been trailing sleds to SARA Park where they are using the Hiawatha/Bearskin Trail to cross the Wisconsin River and access additional open trails in Oneida County.
Lincoln County Zone 1 trails are open with the exception of corridor 17 south of the Hwy. 51 park and ride and corridor 19 south of Hwy. 86.
Oneida County is reporting the recent warm temperatures and rain have trail conditions in rough early season conditions. Some trail segments are closed due to unsafe conditions.
All lake trails remain closed and are considered unsafe until they have been clearly marked by a local snowmobile club.
The Oneida County Forestry, Land, & Recreation Department requests riders stay on clearly marked trails. Always exercise caution when riding a snowmobile.
For more detailed information on Oneida County Snowmobile trail riding opportunities, contact the local snowmobile club in the area that you would like to ride.
The Oneida County Snowmobile Map is available at http://www.co.oneida.wi.us/wp- content/uploads/Oneida-County-Snowmobile-Map.pdf.