(Michigan Department of Natural Resources photo) Snowmobilers enjoy a ride along Trail No. 160 in Gogebic County. Michigan Department of Natural Resources photo The Michigan Department of Natural Resources’ Ride Right snowmobile safety campaign encourages snowmobile riders to operate at a safe speed, sober and on the right side of the trail.

IRON MOUNTAIN — Snowmobilers were advised to watch for bare spots and icy areas as trails in the region have opened with less than optimal snow cover.

On Friday, trails in Florence County were listed as fair, with the deepest snow to the west, according to the Travel Wisconsin snow report.

In Dickinson County, the Tri-County Snowmobile Club urged ORV riders to stay off the system’s trails, noting “tire tracks make a mess of them.” ORV traffic is prohibited from Dec. 1 through April 1.

About 2 to 4 inches of fresh snow was expected locally in a weekend storm that should be tapering off this afternoon. For snowmobilers taking advantage of the Presidents’ Day holiday, the Michigan Department of Natural Resources urges everyone to “ride right” and put safety first.

The DNR’s Ride Right snowmobile safety campaign implores riders to operate at a safe speed, sober and on the right side of the trail.

As of Feb. 4, there have been 10 snowmobile fatalities during the 2024-25 season in Michigan, including five in the Upper Peninsula.

The Wisconsin DNR advises that fresh snow can cover potentially dangerous obstacles on frozen waterbodies, such as cracks or heaves. Take a moment to see what the snow and ice conditions are like before heading out.

Fire management crews are conducting prescribed burns on DNR properties throughout Wisconsin this winter, particularly in cattail marshes and barrens. When conducting burns near roads or recreational trails, the DNR will post signs to notify the public.

People are asked to avoid these areas while burning is taking place. A prescribed burns dashboard can be viewed at https://dnrmaps.wi.gov/prescribedburndashboard/.

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This is free fishing weekend in Michigan. Fishing license fees will be waived both today and Sunday. Residents and out-of-state visitors may enjoy fishing on both inland and Great Lakes waters for all species of fish. All fishing regulations will still apply.

During free fishing, a Recreation Passport will not be required for entry into state parks and boating access sites. Ice safety tips can be found at https://www.michigan.gov/dnr/education/safety-info/ice.

The DNR also offers a Family Friendly Fishing Waters website at https://www.michigan.gov/dnr/things-to-do/fishing/where/fffw.

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Alex VanWagner, a DNR conservation officer from the Upper Peninsula, will be featured in “Opening Day Emergencies,” an episode of “Wardens” airing next week on Outdoor Channel.

The series is filmed and edited by Michigan-based production company Wolf Creek Productions. For airtimes, check outdoorchannel.com/wardens.