At 2,700 acres, the Expansion Site is over twice the size of the Iron Range Off-Highway Vehicle State Recreation Area, also known as just "Gilbert." Each zone offers different physical attributes, trail layout opportunities and potential visitor experiences. Some areas possess topographic relief and views of pastoral and rural landscapes, while other areas are low-lying forested and wetland zones typical of northern Minnesota. These trails are provided and maintained by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources.

Winter Use: The State Recreation Area has a Grant-in-Aid snowmobile trail going through it on one of the perimeter trails. Trails in winter are not groomed and may be shared with non-motorized uses such as dog-walking, and hiking. OHVs are asked to stay off the groomed snowmobile trail.

The State Recreation Area has reduced hours in the winter and the parking lot is plowed. IROHVSRA has a porta-potty that is kept stocked throughout the winter.

Help wanted!

The DNR is currently developing trails in the West Unit of the Iron Range OHV SRA for ATVs, OHMs and ORVs. The DNR seeks assistance from groups to help develop the trails through a no-cost contract. Specific duties will include:

Solicit, train and manage all participants who are assisting in doing the work. Provide documentation of such training and equipment maintenance records to the State's authorized representative. Utilize hand and power tools to develop trails. Clear new trail corridor within approved distance from flagged trail alignment centerline. Final maximum trail corridor width will not exceed four feet wide for OHMs, eight feet wide for ATVs and 12 feet wide for ORVs. Most trail widths will be much narrower than the maximum widths and will be mutually agreed upon by the organization and the IROHVSRA supervisor. Do not remove any trees larger than eight inches. Disperse tree debris throughout site alongside trail corridor, do not pile.

Desired qualifications include:

Experience with OHV recreation and knowledge of the desires of users; Experience utilizing a variety of hand and power tools to develop OHV trails; Experience working with state processes and DNR policies and procedures; Ability to transport equipment and material to worksite; and Ability to work under the guidance of IROHVSRA staff.

If interested, please fill out the online application. For more information, please contact IROHVSRA Site Supervisor Brad Dekkers at [email protected] or 218-735-3831.

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