Superior National Forest Update

Hi.  I’m Steve Robertsen, education specialist, with the National Forest Update -  information on conditions affecting travel and recreation on the Tofte and Gunflint Districts of the Forest. For the beginning of the 2016, here’s what is going down in the Forest.
What’s going down would be trees.  The wet heavy snow, along with saturated soils, has caused a lot of trees to uproot or snap off.  Inland, the snow has not fallen off the branches either.  This has resulted in a truly beautiful winter woods, but one where trees are continuing to break long after the original snowfall.  Forest Service crews, county and state DOT workers, snowmobile clubs, and trail partners are working as fast as safely possible to clear trails and roads of deadfalls, but there are many trees still out there and many that will be falling in the weeks ahead.  Driving, snowmobiling, or skiing even, you should take it slow because there may be a deadfall across your path just around the next corner.  However, there has been a lot of progress made, and it is well worth getting out in the forest because it is the proverbial winter wonderland out there right now.
We are expecting some of the coldest air of the season during this next week.  We’re Minnesotans, and this is winter, so we aren’t scared of a little subzero weather, but …. now’s the time to make sure you have all those emergency supplies in the car and that you have along the right clothing for your activity level.  Sweating in too much clothing can be just as bad as too little clothing - when you stop skiing and your shirt is wet with sweat, you will cool off way too fast.  Follow the advice we have all heard a thousand times: dress in layers, and don’t hesitate to peel off a layer if you are getting warm, or add a layer if you are getting cold.
There will be logging trucks out in the woods.  They are in the same areas as last week for the most part. 
On the Gunflint District, log hauling is taking place on FR144 (Old Greenwood), Shoe Lake Road, Greenwood Road, Firebox Road, Bally Creek Road, Caribou Trail, Ball Club Road, and the Grade.  
On Tofte, you can still expect to see logging traffic on FR 369 (Trappers Lake Road), FR 170 (Fourmile Grade & The Grade), Lake County 7, FR 348 (Whitefish Lake Road), and Cook County 2 (Sawbill Trail).  Please drive slowly if you are on a road being used by log trucks, the road may be plowed, but plowed roads can be slippery too. 
A plowed side road is a good indicator that it is being used for hauling.  It is generally a good idea to avoid these as they are often plowed to only a single lane and passing trucks becomes almost impossible.  Plowed Forest Service roads are also usually not open to snowmobiles.  With few exceptions where they are a part of a designated snowmobile trail, it is illegal to drive a snowmobile on a plowed Forest Service road and doing so is punishable with up to a 150 dollar fine.  In those areas where the road is part of a trail, you should take extra caution as there may be logging traffic along those routes on Monday through Friday at noon.  Those spots include portions of Old Greenwood Road, the Greenwood Road, and Firebox Road.
Enjoy the snow, get out there and play a little.  Until next time, this has been Steve Robertsen with the National Forest Update.   
 
 

Hi.  I’m Steve Robertsen, education specialist, with the National Forest Update -  information on conditions affecting travel and recreation on the Tofte and Gunflint Districts of the Forest. For mid-December, here’s what’s going on in the Forest.
We have finally gotten what most of us have been wishing for:  a good helping of snow!  But, it was wet and heavy, and brought down a lot of trees across trails and roadways, which wasn’t something any of us were wishing for.  Since the last edition of this update, there has been a lot of work done clearing Forest Service roads and by our trail partners clearing ski and snowmobile trails.  For the most part, plowed Forest Service roads are now cleared, but there are still a few spots being worked on.  Unplowed roads are not cleared yet, and it may be a while before all of them are.  Great headway has been made on trails, with an estimate of 75% of our ski trails now open.  Pincushion is mostly groomed, George Washington Pines is groomed, and trails at upper and central Gunflint are mostly there as well.  The trails at Flathorn/Gegoka near Isabella are partly groomed, but most of the trails are cleared and packed and good to ski on.
Winter conditions change more often than our radio updates, so for up to the minute information, go to our website, www.fs.usda.gov/superior and check the links from our recreation section to the people who are doing the grooming. 
On the roads going to your trail, you might encounter some logging traffic.  Log hauling is taking place on FR144 (Old Greenwood), Shoe Lake Road, Greenwood Road, Firebox Road, Bally Creek Road, Caribou Trail, Ball Club Road, and the Grade.   Portions of Old Greenwood Road, Greenwood Road, and Firebox Road are also snowmobile trails, so be aware that there will be log trucks on segments of these trails when snowmobiling in this area.   There will also be log hauling on the Trapper’s Lake Road and Forest Road 170. 
The other traffic you might encounter on January 2 is from the annual Audubon Christmas Bird Count.  This is an international volunteer effort to count winter birds and track their numbers.  It is one of the largest and longest running citizen science projects, and the results are used in many scientific papers.  One ‘count circle’ is centered on Isabella, and there will be people with binoculars walking, skiing, snowshoeing, and driving in that area on the second, counting all the birds they can find.  It is a great project to be a part of, though it seems as though it always falls on the absolute coldest day of the year.
If you are already planning for the Boundary Waters next summer, be aware that the BWCAW limited entry points lottery opened December 16 and closes on January 12.  Reservations for BWCAW entry opens January 27.  If you can’t wait until summer, you can do some winter wilderness exploration with a self-issued permit available at most entry points, or at our offices, but make sure you do have a permit with you.  Our offices will be closed on January 1st, and then again on January 18, so plan accordingly
Take advantage of our snow while we have it, and get out on the trails.  Happy New Year to all, and until next time, this has been Steve Robertsen with the National Forest Update.   
 
 

Hi.  I’m Steve Robertsen, education specialist, with the National Forest Update - information on conditions affecting travel and recreation on the Tofte and Gunflint Districts of the Forest. For mid-December, here’s what’s going on in the Forest.
You can’t help but have noticed our unusual weather for December.  This is shaping up to be our warmest on record, following the warmest fall on record.  The rain and temperatures seem more like Seattle than northern Minnesota.  There is no doubt that climate change is happening, and the Forest Service has nationally acknowledged it as one of the main challenges facing forests in the future.  While it is a challenge, forests are also one of our best weapons in the fight against greenhouse gases.  A lot of carbon dioxide is taken out of the air every year as trees photosynthesize, and that carbon is made into plant tissue and leaves.  Forests act as huge carbon sinks, so the Superior is doing its part to help reduce carbon dioxide.
On a more local scale, that warm weather, rain, and slushy snow has created some truly terrible driving conditions.  In the warm periods, gravel roads have been soft and slippery.  In the cold periods, they have been ice covered and slippery.  Either way, driving this year on Forest roads requires slowing down, and paying attention.  If you’ve got a four wheel drive vehicle, remember that four wheel drive does not equal eight wheel brakes, and while you might be able to get moving fast, you won’t slow down any better than other cars.
As unplowed back roads become snow covered, their use shifts to snowmobiles.  This time of year can see both snowmobiles and cars trying to use the same roadway, so both users need to watch out for each other.  Also in the mix are logging trucks.  Portions of Old Greenwood Road, Greenwood Road, and Firebox Road on the Gunflint District are snowmobile trails, but log hauling will be taking place on segments of these trails as well.  A good rule of thumb in the winter is that if a back road is plowed, chances are good it is being used for timber hauling.
Elsewhere on the Gunflint, log hauling is taking place on FR144 (Old Greenwood), Shoe Lake Road, Greenwood Road, Firebox Road, Bally Creek Road, Caribou Trail, Ball Club Road, and the Grade.  On the Tofte District, people can expect logging traffic on FR 369 and FR 380 from Sawbill Landing to Isabella; on FR 348 and FR 170 from the Whitefish Lake area to Lake County 7; and on FR 1238 and FR 170 from the Plouff Creek area to the Ball Club Road. 
To find out conditions on snowmobile trails, and ski trails as well, visit the Superior’s webpage.  There are links there to our cooperators who groom ski trails, and to the DNR site which has state park ski trail and grant in aid snowmobile trail conditions.  The DNR site also has a map of statewide snow depth.  Our site serves as a one-stop-shop to access all these different reporters of trail conditions.
Speaking of shopping, check out our District offices for nature-related books and other items which make great last minute gifts.  Doesn’t every house in the north woods need a stuffed Smokey the Bear?  You can also still pick up permits for Christmas trees and other holiday greenery if you’ve really been procrastinating. 
Have a great weekend, and until next time, this has been Steve Robertsen with the Superior National Forest Update. 
 

Hi.  I’m Steve Robertsen, education specialist, with the National Forest Update  -  information on conditions affecting travel and recreation on the Tofte and Gunflint Districts of the Forest. For early December, here’s what’s going on in the Forest.
While we haven’t yet gotten a lot of snow on the shore, you don’t need to go too far inland before things get a lot more December-ish.  We aren’t really up to conditions that will have our ski and snowmobile trails open, but hopefully nature will cooperate in the coming weeks and send us some more of the white stuff.  We really need a base of about six inches before grooming can start on most trails, and so far we don’t have that up here.
The lack of snow does make harvesting a Christmas tree and other holiday greenery easier this year, if a bit less scenic.  Christmas tree permits are for sale at both the Gunflint and Tofte offices.  Make sure to pick up the flyer with descriptions of where and how to cut trees.  The most important thing is to be sure you are on National Forest property before you cut anything.
This year, there is a national program called ‘Every Kid In A Park’.  Part of the program is a website, everykidinapark.gov, where fourth grade students can register to get a free pass that will give them free admittance to all the national parks and forests across the country.  After registering online, and doing some activities to earn the pass, they will be able to print off a voucher that can be exchanged for an official card at our district offices, or at Grand Portage National Monument.  Our local national parks and monuments don’t actually charge entrance fees, but if your family is planning to travel out west, your fourth graders pass will get the whole family in free to Yellowstone, or the Grand Canyon.  On the Superior, the pass will get you a free Christmas tree permit.  It might be a great year to start, or continue, a family tradition of heading out into the woods for a tree.
While driving into the woods, you’ll encounter some logging trucks that are harvesting a bit more than Christmas trees.  On the Tofte District, log trucks are hauling on FR 369 (Sawbill Landing or Trappers Lake Road) and FR 380, from Sawbill Landing to Isabella; on FR 348 (Whitefish Lake Road) and FR 170 (Fourmile Grade) from the Whitefish Lake area to Lake County 7; and on FR 1238 to Cook County 2 (Sawbill Trail) near Plouff Creek.   On the Gunflint District, log hauling is taking place on FR144 (Old Greenwood), Shoe Lake Road, Greenwood Road, Firebox Road, South Brule River Road, and Lima Grade.  Our timber people on both districts included a warning about the road conditions, which due to rain and freezing temperatures are slick and icy.  Reduce your speeds, allow for increased stopping distance, and remember that a loaded truck will have even a harder time stopping than you on ice.  Give them plenty of space.
Nationally, the Forest Service is conducting visitor use surveys to help understand how the public is using our forests.  Locally, that means that you may encounter signs along the road reading “Survey Ahead”, and then be asked if you want to help us by filling out a quick survey.  We hope you can take the time to help us out by taking the survey so we can better serve the public. 
We hope you can make a visit to the forest part of your holiday plans this season.  Nothing says holidays like the smell of balsam fir and a drive through snow covered evergreens with a CD of holiday tunes in the radio.
 
Have a great weekend, and until next time, this has been Steve Robertsen with the Superior National Forest Update. 
 

Hi.  I’m Steve Robertsen, interpretation and education specialist, with the November 6th edition of the National Forest Update  -  information on conditions affecting travel and recreation here on the east side of the Superior National Forest. For the week of November 6th, here’s what’s going on in the Forest.
Despite the recent warm weather, fall is in fact fading into winter.  With that comes a change of this program.  We will be changing to an every other week broadcast instead of every week, unless weather or other circumstances call for a special edition of the Update.  Keep listening though for updates on when ski and snowmobile trails open or other winter events on the Forest.  You can always check our website for trail status too.
Right now though, what is going on in the Forest is the opening of the firearms deer season.  Here are a few reminders for everyone headed out into the woods this weekend.  You are allowed to use temporary tree stands on National Forest land, but you have to remove them after the hunt is over.  Everyone has a right to hunt on Forest land, you can’t attempt to call dibs on an area by putting up a stand and leaving it up.  ATVs are allowed only on the routes given on the Motor Vehicle Use Map, available at the district offices.  Signs on the ground are not the final word, and may be wrong (vandals have been known to move them)…only the current map gives the correct ATV routes.  Cross country ATV use is prohibited.  Everyone out in the woods this time of year should be wearing orange.  Being on a trail or in an area where you think there is no hunting going on are not good reasons to not wear your orange.  By “Everyone” I mean dogs as well - orange dog vests work great.  White is a color to avoid, you may look like a whitetail’s white tail.  Finally, best of luck to all the hunters…especially those that supply our family with venison!
While driving to your secret hunting location, you may be seeing some log hauling.  On the Tofte District, trucks will be hauling on the Sawbill Trail, Trappers Lake Road, the Wanless Road, and on the Timber Frear Loop (Forest Road 348) and the Four Mile Grade.  On Gunflint, expect trucks on Greenwood Road, Firebox Road, Shoe Lake Road, the Old Greenwood Road, the South Brule River Road, the Lima Grade, and the Gunflint Trail.
Fire crews are still burning piles as weather permits.  You may see smoke from these fires, particularly since much of the wood is now pretty wet after the last few days.  Our fire shop thinks that we are about done with the fall wildfire season though, and have come through this year with no major fires.
Our Halloween bat house building events, one in Ely and one in Silver Bay, were both very successful.  Ely built 66 houses, but our side of the Forest edged them out with 73 houses.  Together, northern Minnesota beat the Twin Cities whose event produced an even 100 houses, but we always knew we were Superior!  A special thank you to Hedstrom’s Lumber Mill for the wood, Kenny Dehnhoff and Barry Johnson, our volunteer kit makers, Tettegouche State Park, AmericInn Silver Bay, and all the witches, princesses, Darth Vaders, and zombies that built the houses.  We don’t know yet if we made the Guiness Book of World Records, national numbers are still being tallied.  If you built a house, please let us know if it is occupied next summer.
Our next update is in two weeks, so until then, have a great time in the woods!  This has been Steve Robertsen with the National Forest Update.

Hi.  I’m Chris Beal, wildlife biologist for the Gunflint and Tofte Ranger Districts, with a Halloween edition of the National Forest Update  -  information on conditions affecting travel and recreation here on the east side of the Superior National Forest. For the week of October 30, here’s what’s going on in the Forest.
It’s Halloween this weekend!  We don’t expect many ghouls and goblins in the forest, but you never know.  Watch out for those trick or treaters around town though, they may be haunting the place all night.
In the woods, keep an eye open for hunters.  Rifle deer season will be opening on November 7^th, and if you haven’t started already, now is the time to wear orange when out for a hike.  On the other end of the rifle, hunters should always practice gun safety and wait for a clear shot of an identifiable target before pulling the trigger.
Other people who you might see in the woods are those gathering balsam boughs for wreaths.  It may be scary to think about Christmas at Halloween, but wreath makers are buying or collecting boughs right now.  If you are harvesting boughs, you may collect a limited amount for personal use, but you will need a permit for larger amounts and commercial use.  Check our website for details on permit requirements and for information on how to collect balsam boughs in a sustainable way.  Remember too that collection of ground pine and Princess Pine is not allowed anywhere on the Forest.
Speaking of Christmas, winter weather is approaching.  It’s been a while since any of us have driven on snow and ice, so take it easy when that first snowstorm hits.  This last bit of warm weather is a good time to outfit your car with winter emergency equipment and get yourself and your vehicle ready for six months of hard water.
The fire crews will still be burning piles as weather permits, so you may see some smoke from those fires.  It is still worthwhile to report smoke, our offices will know where pile burning is taking place and be able to tell if it is a wildfire or one of our burn piles.
There are some active timber harvests going on this week.  On the Tofte side, expect to see logging traffic on FR 369 and FR 380 near Sawbill Landing.  There is also activity north of Whitefish Lake; so trucks will be hauling timber on FR 348, FR 170, and Lake County 7.  Finally, there are operations north of Plouff Creek, with hauling on FR 1238, Cook County 2, and The Grade.
On the Gunflint district, hauling is taking place on Greenwood Road, Firebox Road, Shoe Lake Road, the Old Greenwood Road, the South Brule River Road, the Lima Grade, and the Gunflint Trail.
In the spirit of Halloween, we are helping with a national effort to set a Guiness World Record for number of bat houses built in day.  Join us from 3 to 6 pm at the AmericInn in Silver Bay to make a bat house that you can take home.  This program was made possible by a donation of lumber from Hedstrom’s Lumber Mill, and with the cooperation of Tettegouche State Park, Wolf Ridge Environmental Learning Center, the AmericInn Silver Bay, and Bat Conservation International.  Supplies are limited.
Have a good and scary Halloween!  Until next week, this has been Chris Beal with the National Forest Update.
 

Hi.  I’m Bre Schueller, Fire Management Specialist for the Gunflint and Tofte Ranger Districts, with this week’s edition of the National Forest Update  -  information on conditions affecting travel and recreation here on the east side of the Superior National Forest. For the week of October 23rd, here’s what’s going on in the Forest.
Most of what has been happening is the annual shutting down.  The water has now been turned off at all the fee campgrounds.  This means that you will have to pack in your own water, as well as pack out your garbage.  You can’t make camping reservations any more, but you also don’t have to pay a camping fee.  Campgrounds and outhouses remain open for use year round, but they are not plowed out or maintained through the winter.
Another part of the preparation for winter was the removal of docks from water accesses.  Boat ramps remain usable, but you’ll have to manage without a dock if you are headed out for some late season fishing.
The fall color tour signs are coming down too, as the fall color season is mostly over.  The weekly color reports and photos will still be on the web through Halloween, but there should be fewer people in the woods as we shift from fall to winter.
One of the few things opening instead of ending is the new bridge over the Temperance River on the 600 Road near the Sawbill Trail.  The bridge is now open for traffic, and will allow the North Shore Snowmobile trail to return to its usual route this winter.
Speaking of Halloween, we are participating in an attempt to set a world record for the most bat houses built in a day.  At sites across the nation, people will be building bat houses on October 31st to help support our bat population.  Right now, bats are dealing with a disease called white nose syndrome, which kills them in large numbers.  One way to help is to provide roosting sites for healthy bats in the form of bat houses.  You can help bats and set a world record by joining us at the AmericInn in Silver Bay during their annual Trick or Treat event.  From 3 to 6 pm on Halloween, you can build a bat house from a free kit, and then take the house home with you to put up where you want more bats and fewer mosquitoes.  This program is made possible with a generous donation of lumber from Hedstrom’s Lumber Mill, and the cooperation of Tettegouche State Park and AmericInn Silver Bay.  Supplies are limited.
In keeping with the season, snowy owls have been sighted in the area.  These beautiful owls are active during the day and like open areas, so they are more easily seen than most owls.  It also helps that they are bright white!  Watch for them along roadsides and other openings, but also watch out for them flying low over roadways in pursuit of mice.   
Brush piles are being burned by our fire crews at several locations throughout the Forest as weather permits.  You may see smoke from these fires, but if you are unsure where smoke is coming from, it is always worthwhile to report possible wildfires to the Forest Service.  There was one small wildfire on an island in Sawbill Lake this past week which started from a campfire.  Make sure any fires you light during the fall are kept under control, and left only when they are completely out.

Timber hauling is taking place in the same areas as last week.  Hauling on the Gunflint District is taking place on the Murmur Creek Road, the Caribou Trail, The Grade, the Bally Creek Road, the Greenwood road, the Firebox Road, the Shoe Lake Road, the Old Greenwood road, the South Brule River Road, the Lima Grade, and the Gunflint Trail.
In Tofte, watch for trucks on the Sawbill Trail, in the vicinity of Jack Lake with hauling on FR 369 (Sawbill Landing Road or Trappers Lake Road) down to Hwy. 1 at Isabella, and on The Grade. 
Enjoy the end of our fall, and get out in the woods before winter sets in!  Until next week, this has been Bre Schueller with the Superior National Forest Update. 
 

Hi.  I’m Cathy Peterson, administrative assistant for the Tofte Ranger District, with this week’s edition of the National Forest Update -  information on conditions affecting travel and recreation on the Tofte and Gunflint Districts of the Superior National Forest. For the week of October 16th, here’s what’s going on in the Forest.
Fall colors are falling down, and our peak season is definitely over.  It still is pretty nice weather for hiking or hunting, and there are enough leaves to make it colorful.  When you are out, watch out for the remaining fall color enthusiasts parked on the roads, and if you are parking yourself for hunting or photography, make sure to do it in a safe location.  In addition to the leaves, the Fall Color Tour signs will be coming down this week, a sure indication of the end of fall and the beginning of winter.
Also happening this week is the annual removal of docks from area lake accesses, and the shutting down of the water systems at campgrounds.  Once the water is off at a campground, there will be no further garbage pick up, and no fees or reservations.  Campers are still welcome to camp, but you will have to bring your own water in, and take your garbage back out with you.  Remember that it is not legal, or a good idea for that matter, to burn your garbage in the fire rings or anywhere on the Forest.
There is some intentional burning going on in the Forest though.  Fire crews will be burning some piles in various areas where they have cut undergrowth to reduce the danger of wildfire.  You may have seen these piles in the woods, often topped with pieces of cardboard.  The cardboard can look somewhat silly, but it keeps a small area dry enough for good ignition, and after that the fire will dry itself.
The new bridge over the Temperance River is very very close to being open, but as of October 15, it isn’t officially open yet.  There is still work being done on the approaches to the bridge.  Please obey the barricades that are in place, it will simply slow the process if people drive on the incomplete approaches.
Also in road news, there is a fair amount of timber activity right now.  Hauling on the Gunflint District is similar to last week and taking place on the Murmur Creek Road, the Caribou Trail, The Grade, the Bally Creek Road, the Greenwood road, the Firebox Road, the Shoe Lake Road, the Old Greenwood road, the South Brule River Road, the Lima Grade, and the Gunflint Trail.
In Tofte, there will be trucks will be hauling on the Sawbill Trail for the next couple weeks, as well as an active logging operation next to the road which might include machinery on the road.  Otherwise there is logging activity in the vicinity of Jack Lake with hauling on FR 369 (Sawbill Landing Road or Trappers Lake Road) down to Hwy. 1 at Isabella.  Visitors may also see a few log trucks on The Grade.  The state also has some active logging operations which will have haul trucks as well.
Logging trucks are large, but we are also sharing our roads this time of year with some very small forest visitors.  There are flocks of juncos foraging on roadways all over the Forest.  These small birds are a slaty gray color with white outer tail feathers.  They are working their down from the north, wintering usually around the Twin Cities and further south.  They can be in large numbers on the road, and are very easily hit by cars.  Slowing down where it is safe and you see a large flock at a distance is a good idea, but emergency braking and swerving to avoid birds can be dangerous. 
Enjoy the end of our fall, and get out in the woods before winter sets in!  Until next week, this has been Cathy Peterson with the Superior National Forest Update. 
 

Hi.  I’m Becky Bartol, environmental coordinator for the Tofte and Gunflint Districts, with this week’s edition of the National Forest Update  -  information on conditions affecting travel and recreation on the Tofte and Gunflint Districts of the Superior National Forest. For the week of October 9th, here’s what’s going on in the Forest.
Fall colors might be at their peak for the year along the shore, but inland they are starting to fall.  The rain on Wednesday night and Thursday brought some of the leaves down, but there are still plenty left to make this a good weekend to go for a drive and enjoy the scenery.  Some of the gravel roads have some heavy washboarding right now, so keep your speed down and your tires on the road.
The new bridge over the Temperance River on the 600 Road near the Sawbill Trail is almost done.  The iron pony truss bridge, known as the Pink Bridge, which is being replaced was originally built in 1913 as the bridge that spanned the Cross River at Schroeder and then moved to its current location.  It saw a lot of history over its 102 year life, but was no longer safe.  We hope the new bridge will be open in the next week or so.
While bridges may be opening soon, campgrounds are soon to be returning to their winter condition.  As temperatures lower, the water systems in campgrounds will be shut off to prevent freeze damage.  When the water is shut off, garbage pick up will also be discontinued, and you will no longer have to pay a camping fee.  The status of the campgrounds will be tracked on our website, so check it out before you head off on your next camping trip.
Along with this sign of impending winter will be the removal of docks from boat accesses.  This will be started in the next week or two, so if you are planning a fishing trip, you might be safest to assume that there won’t be a dock available.  The ramp, of course, will still be usable, as will the dock until removal.
There is a fair amount of timber activity right now.  Hauling on the Gunflint District is similar to last week and taking place on the Murmur Creek Road, the Caribou Trail, The Grade, the Bally Creek Road, the Greenwood road, the Firebox Road, the Shoe Lake Road, the Old Greenwood road, the South Brule River Road, the Lima Grade, and the Gunflint Trail.
In Tofte, anyone driving up the Sawbill Trail has probably seen the logging operation a mile or two beyond the Honeymoon Trail.  That will be active, and trucks will be hauling on the Sawbill, for the next couple weeks.  Otherwise there is logging activity in the vicinity of Jack Lake with hauling on FR 369 (Sawbill Landing Road or Trappers Lake Road) down to Hwy. 1 at Isabella.  Visitors may also see a few log trucks on The Grade.  The state also has some active logging operations which will have haul trucks as well.
When you’re out hiking, be sure to wear your orange since hunting is going on.  Keep an eye out for moose as well.  It is near the peak of rutting season for moose, and they are out and about.  They are also kind of ornery this time of year, and you should stay well away from any moose that you see.
Enjoy the beautiful fall, and get out in the woods!  Until next week, this has been Becky Bartol with the Superior National Forest Update. 
 

Hi.  I’m Mary Ann Atwood, administrative support assistant on the Gunflint Ranger District, with this week’s edition of the National Forest Update - information on conditions affecting travel and recreation on the Gunflint and Tofte Districts of the Forest.  For the week of October 2nd, here’s what’s going on in the Forest.

Fall Colors
Looks like this will be a fabulous fall color weekend on the forest. Those who predict such things believe we are at or near peak color…perfect timing to get outdoors and drive, hike or paddle your way through the forest.
While leaf-peeping, be aware of slow moving or stopped vehicles and choose safe spots to pull over with plenty of room for other vehicles to pass.
Autumn brings fall color, shorter days and various hunting seasons.  If you are spending time in the forest, wear an orange vest or hat.  This time of year, orange is definitely the new black. 

Logging Operations
Timber operations have somewhat slowed on the Tofte District.  There will be log trucks on The Grade and Sawbill Landing, (otherwise known as Trappers Lake Road), but there are no other operations. 
On the Gunflint district, there is much more activity.  You may encounter trucks on the following roads: Murmur Creek, Caribou Trail, Bally Creek, Greenwood, Old Greenwood, Firebox, Shoebox Lake, South Brule River, Lima Grade, and the Gunflint Trail. 

Fire News
Fire danger in the woods is currently low to moderate.  Taking advantage of this fact, our fire crews are burning slash piles.  Don’t be surprised to see some smoke as piles are burned.  You can call district offices for details. 
If you are planning to burn a brush pile, be sure to get a burn permit.  Permits can be acquired at the district offices or on the DNRs web site.

Additional Autumnal Alterations
As of October 1st, district office hours have changed.  We are open Monday through Friday from 8:00am to 4:30 pm, closed on weekends.
Also as of October 1st  free self-issue permits are all that is needed for day or overnight visits to the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness.  Self-issue permits are available at all entrée points and district offices.
The water systems on Superior’s campgrounds get shut down sometime this month – the timing is weather dependent. Garbage service also comes to an end.  Our campgrounds are open year round, visitors just need to plan a little differently…bring water and pack out your trash.   Campground updates will be posted on Recreation.gov until November, that’s www.recreation.gov.  With this comes good news and bad news.  The bad news is: once the water is shut off, you can no longer reserve a campsite.   The good news is you don’t have to pay a camping fee. 
Keep in mind; while the Chicago Bears can’t win a game, the Superior’s bears are still awake.   Follow the “Leave No Trace” guidelines paying close attention to food and garbage storage.

To quote Lauren DeStefano author of Wither, "Fall has always been my favorite season. The time when everything bursts with its last beauty, as if nature had been saving up all year for the grand finale."   Savor the Superior this season.
Until next week, this has been Mary Ann Atwood with the Superior National Forest Update.