Polaris Donates $108K to Restore Trails in Florida & Minnesota

Doing their part.

The National Forest Foundation (NFF) announced an expansion of its partnership with Polaris Industries to improve two off-highway vehicle (OHV) trails in Florida and Minnesota. Polaris donated $108,000 for the effort.

“Sustainable OHV trails provide millions of Americans the opportunity to enjoy their National Forests,” said Mary Mitsos, NFF president. “We are proud to continue our partnership with Polaris to sustain some of the diverse recreational opportunities contained within the 193-million-acre National Forest System.”

Polaris is supporting trail maintenance activities on the Soo Line North Trail in Minnesota’s Chippewa National Forest. “The popular Soo Line North Trail traverses 52 miles of the Minnesota North Woods and crosses portions of the Chippewa National Forest and Bowstring State Forest. Upgrades to the Soo Line North Trail will focus on brushing the trail right-of-way, regrading the trail surface, and removing debris from impaired culverts,” NFF stated.

“These activities will help ensure safe and accessible riding opportunities for OHV enthusiasts in north-central Minnesota, while also reducing trail-caused sedimentation from area streams. This marks the second year that Polaris has contributed to this project in its home state,” the organization added.

In Florida, Polaris and the NFF will improve the Silver Lake OHV trailhead in the Apalachicola National Forest. “Polaris’ support is part of a larger effort to better accommodate OHV users in the area,” NFF said. “This project will rebuild the trailhead and transition zone, improve signage throughout the recreation area, and perform maintenance on trails leading from the trailhead. The new trailhead area will serve as a hub for the 55 miles of riding opportunity within the popular Silver Lake OHV area.”

In partnership with the U.S. Forest Service and local community organizations, the NFF will begin implementing these projects this year and continue through the 2018 field season, the organization noted.

“A partnership with NFF is a great way for Polaris to improve the riding experience on shared public lands, while ensuring that ATV and OHV trails don’t impact forest health,” said Stacy Bogart, president of the Polaris Foundation.

This donation marks the fourth year the NFF and Polaris have partnered to improve OHV and multiuse trails on national forests.