Superior National Forest Update: May 22

I’m Amber Humphrey, Information Specialist, with this week’s edition of the National Forest Update - information on conditions affecting travel and recreation in the Tofte and Gunflint Districts of the Forest.  For the week of May 22nd, here’s what’s going on in the Forest.

If you are interested in the Barker Project near the Bally Creek Ski Area, join us at the Gunflint Ranger Station for a public discussion from 5-6 pm on Wednesday, May 27th.  We heard from many people regarding this project, and we’d like to provide an opportunity for further discussion.  Please phone the Gunflint Ranger District for more information.

We have been having some wonderful spring weather which should hold right through the holiday weekend.  Recent weather fronts have pushed migrating birds northwards, and the early arriving white-throated and white-crowned sparrows have been joined with many kinds of warblers, orioles, rose-breasted grosbeaks, flycatchers, and most of the rest of our summer birds. It can be a little difficult for these birds at first. Warblers are insect eaters (part of the reason why they have to winter somewhere else) and cold rainy weather is not good for insects. They usually are birds that forage in trees, but on these cooler days you may see them on the ground where it is a little warmer and a little buggier. Now is a good time to put out food for the migrant birds such as seed, or hummingbird feeders for the humming birds and oranges for the orioles.  These birds have traveled a long way, and they all could use a good meal.

Within the forest most road restrictions have been lifted.  Expect logging trucks along the Gunflint Trail and the Grade.

This Memorial Day could be a great weekend to go fishing.  Docks are in on the lakes, and our campgrounds are open.  The water is a little on the low side, so keep an eye peeled for rocks that might be a problem. When traveling from lake to lake, remember to do your part in keeping invasive species under control.  Invasive plants like Eurasian water milfoil and invasive animals like the zebra mussel can really ruin a lake’s ecosystem.  Empty live wells of water and clean weeds off your boat and trailer before leaving the ramp.  Dispose of live bait properly – do not release minnows or crayfish into the lake, or dump worms on the ground.  Take the time to do a good job; not only is it a good idea, but it’s the law.

Moving from water to fire - weather permitting the fire folks are going to burn a couple units in the Tofte District.  The Cross River burn will be 20 acres located 10 miles northwest of Tofte and the Dumbell burn will be 20 acres northeast of Dumbell Lake.  If you’re camping this holiday weekend, make sure your fire is 100% out before you leave your campsite.

As you enjoy this holiday weekend, take a moment to remember what the holiday is about.  There are many that have served this country that cannot be here to enjoy this weekend.  Be sure to take some time to honor their memories.

Until next week, this has been Amber Humphrey for the Superior National Forest Update.