OutdoorMN News - DNR to hold open house on state forest trails in northern St. Louis and Lake counties

[Rick]

State forest trail use and management in northern St. Louis and Lake counties will be the topic of an open house, Wednesday, Oct. 19, 6-8 p.m., at Vermillion Community College, Room NS111, 1900 East Camp St., Ely.

During the open house, Minnesota Department of Natural Resources staff will provide maps of existing trails, answer questions and take comments and suggestions from the public.

Between 2003 and 2008, the DNR inventoried all routes and designated trails for various types of recreation within state forests.

This current project will reevaluate the designations made during the initial review of the Bear Island, Burntside, Insula Lake, Lake Isabella, Lake Jeanette and Sturgeon River state forests in St. Louis and Lake counties.

Changes could include redefining how trails can be used, determining options for motorized trail routes and trail connections, closing unsustainable trails, designating “areas with limitations” during hunting and trapping activities, and developing new hunter-walking trails. Changes to state forest trail designations must be made by commissioner’s order and published in the State Register.

Written comments may be submitted to [email protected] or by mail to Joe Unger, DNR Parks and Trails, 500 Lafayette Road, St. Paul, MN 55155-4039. The DNR will accept written comments through Nov. 2.

For more information, contact:

• Joe Unger, OHV planner, Parks and Trails Division, 651-259-5279.
• Joe Majerus, area supervisor, Parks and Trails Division, Tower Area Office, 218-300-7842.

Information is also available online at www.dnr.state.mn.us/input/mgmtplans/ohv/designation/revisions.html.

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