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With most provincial fire restrictions lifted as of Friday morning, Manitoba ATV riders are once again heading into the backcountry—but trail users are being urged to ride with caution and courtesy.
Gary Hora, President of both the Woodridge ATV Sandhogs and the Manitoba ATV Association, says trails across the province are being assessed after a historic nine-week closure due to wildfire risks.
“This is the longest backcountry travel restriction I can ever remember,” said Hora. “We haven’t been on the trails for over two months, and we don’t know what kind of shape they’re in. We have to get out there and evaluate.”
Trail cleanup underway
Members of the Sandhogs began trail inspections on Friday, with more volunteers heading out over the weekend to begin clearing debris and checking trail safety. Fallen trees and overgrown brush are expected, and riders are reminded to slow down and be prepared for sudden obstacles or volunteer crews on the path.
“You may come around a corner and find a group cutting trees. Be mindful, slow down, and if you can, give them a hand for five or ten minutes.”
Hora noted that crews will be wearing identifiable shirts and high-visibility clothing for safety while working on trails, and they’ll continue sharing updates on social media to keep riders informed.
Know before you go
While provincial restrictions have been lifted, Hora says local municipalities may still have fire or travel bans in place, such as in the RM of Piney, where restrictions remained as of Friday morning.
“Municipalities control their own bans and lift them by resolution,” said Hora. “So make sure to find out whether your trail is on Crown land or municipal land. Just because you don’t see a sign doesn’t mean you’re in the clear.”
Some trailheads are unmarked, and vandalism can also result in missing signage, so checking with local authorities or ATV clubs before riding is strongly recommended.
Busy weekend expected
With warm weather and a long weekend for many, trails across the province are expected to be busy.
“Everyone’s chomping at the bit to get out,” Hora said. “From the Southeast to Belair to the Interlake, every club is trying to get a handle on trail conditions. Just slow down, take your time, and enjoy the ride.”
He added that ATV clubs rely heavily on volunteers and community support, and a little help can go a long way in making trails safe and enjoyable again.
“We appreciate all the help we can get. It’s about keeping everyone safe and making sure we’re all doing our part to protect and enjoy the outdoors.”
-With files from Adi Loewen.