Committee hears snowmobile and trails report; bridges, landowner agreements and costly equipment maintenance highlighted

The Ashland County Forestry Committee received a detailed update on snowmobile and trails operations, including maintenance hours, bridge repairs and landowner agreement issues.

A trails representative reported the county recorded 97 grooming hours and 1,216 maintenance hours for the 2025–26 season. The update identified several infrastructure items: a bridge replacement scheduled on Trail 16, removal and storage considerations for an older 55‑foot bridge, and ongoing inspections and regulatory changes affecting bridge ratings. Staff said blowdowns and late‑season snow damage have increased brushing workload.

Committee members noted lost landowner usage agreements on trail corridors that interrupted connectivity on Trail 9 and described ongoing negotiations to reestablish access. Trail 13 south of Poppy Road awaits four water‑crossing permits; staff expected permits by mid‑summer. Equipment concerns were raised: replacement wheel costs for Tucker groomers range from $350–$500 each and complete track/drive components can exceed $12,000, increasing maintenance pressure on clubs and county budgets.

Members discussed lease terms for trail use, describing the documents as self‑renewing unless a party terminates them. Staff said signage replacement and hunter‑walking trail brushing will continue through summer and that the committee will coordinate with townships and landowners on routing.