Superior National Forest Update: December 5

Hi.  I’m Steve Robertsen, interpretation and education person on the Superior National Forest.  Winter is upon us, but there are still lots of things to do out in the woods.  For the week of December 5th, here’s what’s going on around the Forest.
 
While it’s been cold, we haven’t had much snow.  If you are looking to burn brush piles, you will still need a permit until we have 3 inches of continuous snow cover.  There may be some places inland that meet that requirement, but along the shore, we just don’t have that much.  Another snow depth rule to keep in mind is that overland use of snowmobiles is not allowed until we have at least 4 inches of continuous snow cover.  With little snow, people might be tempted to use their ATVs more, but remember that they are only allowed on designated routes - maps are available at Forest District offices. 
 
Cross country skiing hasn’t been too good either.  Trails are not groomed due to, well, nothing to groom.  Many people are taking to the lakes for skiing, and they are actually pretty good, particularly for working on skate skiing.  However, be very aware of varying ice thickness.  Some lakes are up to a foot thick now, but there are still weak spots in many lakes.  Bring self-rescue equipment like ice picks and a rope for helping others, and know what to do if you break through.  Probably the best thing to bring with is a friend to help, and knowledge of how to help without endangering yourself.  There are excellent videos out there in cyberspace on saving yourself or others if someone goes through, but of course the best method is to avoid breaking through altogether.
 
One reason for venturing into the woods this time of year is to harvest holiday greenery:  balsam boughs for wreaths and a nice Christmas tree.  This can be a wonderful family tradition - we went out last weekend ourselves armed with a saw and a thermos of hot chocolate and got a nice balsam fir.  You do need a permit - a tree permit is only $5.  Make sure that you are on National Forest land when you choose your tree, and that you follow the other guidelines as explained when you pick up the permit.  And don’t forget the hot chocolate.
 
When you’re out there, keep an eye out for Canada lynx - either the animal itself or tracks.  Our wildlife people are in the midst of a long term study of lynx in Minnesota which involves DNA analysis of hair and scat to identify specific animals and related families.  Don’t pick up samples yourself, just report where the tracks or animal was, and they will go out to investigate.  Sort of a CSI - Superior National Forest.
 
While driving, you could encounter some logging trucks on the Tofte District on Cook County 3 near Vyre Lake;  Lake County 705 and Forest Road 369 near Sawbill Landing; and Forest Road 350 off of the Sawbill Trail.  On the Gunflint end, Bally Creek, Mississippi Creek, Mark Lake and the Caribou Trail may have truck traffic, along with the Pine Mountain Road near the Gunflint Snowmobile Trail.   You might not know it, but the Forest Service does not plow our roads.  If a Forest Road is plowed, it is most likely being used by loggers, so take care.  Lastly, if you are headed up to Ely on Hwy 1 to do Christmas shopping, there is heavy truck traffic between Isabella and Ely.  Trucks are turning onto Hwy 1 at a blind corner just north of the Kawishiwi River bridge, so show extra caution in that area.
 
So, go out and find the perfect tree for your family, make a wreath, and wish for snow.  Until next time, this has been Steve Robertsen with the Superior National Forest Update.