Major upgrades and overhauls are coming to Redbird State Recreation Area, which became the DNR’s first property for off-road vehicle (ORV) nearly 15 years ago.

Construction is starting March 4. The property will close to the public on March 11 and remain closed until early summer. Originally, the project wasn’t going to start until spring. The earlier start will allow for earlier completion.

Among the improvements are new trails, major trail repair and reroutes, and paved access from County Road 350 N to Whitetail Shelter. The goal is to complete the project in one phase, which helps reduce total cost and keeps property closure to a minimum.

While Redbird is closed, property staff will add approximately 5 miles of new dirt bike trail, reroute trails 0 and 3 to avoid conflict with traffic on the new pavement, and rebuild multiple trails that sustained damage during the wet 2018 season. Staff will also add amenities such as trail-side rest areas at scenic vistas. Other plans include increasing signage and adding new trail designations to help visitors better navigate the property and avoid areas beyond their skill level.

The projects will not adversely affect features that are visitor favorites, but will improve parking and dust control at Power Line Hill and Whitetail Shelter.

During the shutdown, user groups are encouraged volunteer at the property. Volunteering offers a unique opportunity to help while there are no visitors on the trails. Anyone interested should call Redbird SRA at 812-847-0146.

While Redbird is being worked on, ORV enthusiasts may want to explore the DNR’s other ORV riding property, Interlake SRA, just over an hour south, near Lynnville. Interlake offers 3,500 acres and more than 100 miles of ORV trails.

For more information on Redbird, see, dnr.IN.gov/outdoor/4225.htm. More information on Interlake is at dnr.IN.gov/outdoor/4226.htm.

To view all DNR news releases, please see dnr.IN.gov.

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Media contact: Marty Benson, DNR Communications, 317-233-3853.