CHEBOYGAN — A state decision will come this week on whether to allow a snowmobile trail along the western shore of Mullett Lake.

A final decision is expected Thursday by Rebecca Humphries, director of the Michigan Department of Natural Resources.

The area in question runs from north of Indian River, through Topinabee, to a spot just south of Cheboygan. The trail formerly was a designated quiet area, but state Natural Resources Trust Fund officials overturned that restriction.

The 12-mile stretch would have a 35-mph speed limit and hours of operation that would prevent snowmobile traffic between midnight and 8 a.m. The trail would also be reviewed in two years, according to Lynne Boyd, DNR chief of forests, minerals and fire management.

The trail fills a gap between Gaylord and Cheboygan, where supporters for years have tried to get a designated state route established.

The connection would provide an economic boost in winter tourism revenues for the area, local supporters said.

"Our hope is that the whole area will benefit," said Mike Grisdale, executive director of Cheboygan Area Chamber of Commerce.

The former railroad line runs near many homes along the lakeshore, and some property owners worry that heavy snowmobile traffic will create excessive noise and safety concerns. DNR officials once agreed with the noise and safety concerns, but reversed positions when another route could not be found.

"I guess they'll give us eight hours of sleep, but the main issue is the safety. There's not many children or pets outside from midnight to 8 o'clock," said Gray Fischer, a local property owner who opposes the trail.

Fischer said some residents are investigating a lawsuit against the state.

The proposed speed limit and limited hours of use were added to the proposal after a public hearing in Indian River, Boyd said.

Opinions at the hearing varied from wanting no snowmobiles at all, to opposing any restrictions on snowmobiles.

No other existing or proposed state snowmobile route has hours of use restrictions, said Jim Radabaugh, state trails coordinator.

http://www.record-eagle.com/2006/sep/06mullett.htm

35 mph speed limit???? Enforcement of that should be an interesting endeavor. :cn:

Closed from midnight to 8 am? That will be hard to inforce too. What kind of a lawsuit would result from the family of someone who was thrown off the trail at 12:10 am and got out on the lake to get home , and didnt make it?35 mph is ok, but closeing it at midnight ????

Any word on yesterday's decision?

Was looking and found this link. Might shed some more light on why the trail is so strongly opposed. One of these idiots should make the best of it and sell trailside hotdogs and cocoa!

http://www.record-eagle.com/2006/sep/06mullett2.htm

the bottom line is its not their land period. even if the trail doesnt go through. Its no different than squating on someones land. These homeowners know what the size of their lots are. They just took advantage of something and thought the state would never do anything.