Superior National Forest Update: November 7

Hello, this is Steve Robertsen, Forest interpreter, with the deer opener edition of the Superior National Forest Update.  Here is what’s going on that may affect travel and recreation on the Tofte and Gunflint Districts of the Forest over the next week
 
As most of us know, this is opening weekend for the firearms deer season in the state.  National Forest lands are open to hunting, except for within 150 yards of developed sites.  ATV use is limited to those roads and trails specified on the motor vehicle use maps available at district offices, there is no off road use of these vehicles for hauling game or traveling to deer stands.  Deer stands are allowed, but have to be taken down at the end of the season, or they will be impounded.  Remember, even if you are not hunting, orange is definitely the new black this time of year.  Be safe and be seen.  Good luck to everyone.
 
While you’re driving out there, you might run into a bit more logging traffic than last week.  On the Gunflint side, you can expect log trucks on Bally Creek, Devil Track, Ball Club, Shoe Lake, Greenwood, Pine Mountain, The Grade, Gunflint Trail, Swamp Lake Road, Cascade River Road and Cook County 7 and 45. 
There will also be hauling on the Mark Lake Road and the Caribou Trail.
 
On the Tofte side, they are still hauling up on Cook County 3 and the Sawbill Trail; but there will also be trucks on the Sawbill Landing Road and Lake County 705. 
 
The bridge over the Poplar River on the Barker Lake Road is now finished and open for traffic.  It is the opposite story for those looking to cross the Temperance River on the 600 road near the Sawbill Trail.  The longtime landmark steel truss bridge, known for obvious reasons as the “Pink Bridge”, is nearing the end of its life.  It will be blocked and closed to car and truck traffic starting this week, though it will be open for snowmobile use this winter.  Drivers will have to detour either via the Grade or Highway 61. 
 
Our fire crew is keeping busy by burning brush piles in gravel pits at several locations through the Forest.  This will continue as weather permits, so it is hard to say exactly which will be burnt on which day, but you may expect some smoke plumes from these fires. 
 
That wraps up what is going on in the Superior.  This can be a busy season in the woods, so be aware of other people, and respectful of their use of the Forest.  Stay safe, and good luck to all!  This has been Steve Robertsen with the National Forest Update.