Superior National Forest Update

National Forest Update – February 7, 2019.
 
Hi, this is Steve Robertsen, education and interpretation specialist with the Superior National Forest, bringing you the first National Forest Update of 2019! 

It may seem strange that this is the first Update of the year, but this has been a somewhat strange year so far for us government agencies.  We’d like to start this Update with a big thank you to all of our partners who kept trails groomed and open during the recent government shutdown.  We’d also like to thank the public.  There have been stories of vandalism and other problems at other Forests and Parks, but not here.  People did a great job of leaving no trace, and they made our jobs a whole lot easier when we returned to work.  Also, thank you for your patience in realizing that being furloughed for a month can’t help but result in delays on some actions.  We’re making up for lost time as fast as we can.

February is really the heart of winter.  This is the best time to get out and play in the snow.  Snowshoeing, skiing, fat-tire biking, sledding, mushing, snowmobiling, skijoring, ice fishing, or just driving around looking at snow on trees – this is the time to do it.  We’ve been getting lots of snow, so trails for snow sports are in great shape.  In fact, the only problem may be that you’ll have to wait for the trail to be groomed because of more snow.  Links to sites with condition reports can be found from the recreation pages of our website so you can get up to the minute news on conditions.  New to our website this year will be georeferenced pdf trail maps.  These are digital maps that can be downloaded to your phone or mobile device and are designed to be used with wayfinding apps such as Avenza.  Once downloaded, you don’t need a cell or internet connection, and your phone will put a dot on the map showing exactly where you are on the trail.  Right now, only the Flathorn Gegoka Ski Trails have a georeferenced pdf available, but we are working on adding them for the rest of our ski trail systems.  You can also get georeferenced pdf versions of our Motor Vehicle Use Maps on our website, and a georeferenced version of the Visitor Map showing roads in the entire Forest is available for purchase through the Avenza map store.  Of course, printable simplified maps of Gunflint and Tofte ski and snowmobile trails are available on our website, with links to locations with more detailed maps.

All the snow may make driving difficult though.  After a snow event, roads in the Forest are cleared by several different groups.  County and state roads are cleared by the county and state, but plowing on some interior small county roads may lag considerably behind plowing on major county roads outside of the Forest.  Many Forest roads are not plowed in winter.  Those that are plowed are plowed by contractors, and often by businesses involved in timber sales taking place along those roads.  Response time is widely variable, depending on the level of activity on those timber sales.  If you are out driving, be sure to be prepared with winter survival gear for you, and a shovel and traction material for your vehicle.  When you are out on the roads, be watchful for log trucks hauling on the Wanless Road, Lake County 7, and the Greenwood Road.  Be especially careful on Firebox Road, which is a dual-use road with snowmobiles. 

Do get out though.  We live in a place with a great winter, and everyone should take the time to enjoy it. 

Until next time, this has been Steve Robertsen with the National Forest Update. 
 

Superior National Forest Update - December 14, 2018

Hi, this is Renee Frahm, Visitor Information Specialist, with this week’s National Forest Update.

At the moment, we’ve had a week of temperatures around the freezing mark and some lovely freezing drizzle and clouds.  That kind of weather has really cut into our snow cover and changed our thinking from checking that we have gas for the snowblower to crossing our fingers that there will be a white Christmas.  This is northern Minnesota, where we brag to our friends that we survive and enjoy being outdoors when it is twenty below – we shouldn’t have to be worrying about whether there should be snow for Christmas.  We should be worrying about whether we can shovel the driveway out in order to get to work – so we should all be thinking snow!

With snow cover dwindling, we need to remind snowmobilers that there need to be at least 4 inches of snow on the ground for cross country travel.  It also can be difficult to tell which roads are plowed and which are not.  As a general rule, snowmobiles are not allowed on plowed roads but are welcome to use roads which are not plowed in the winter.  Be careful because the low snow cover may result in cars and trucks using what is normally an unplowed road.  If you are driving a car or truck, beware.  What appears to be a clear road at the beginning may be full of snow at the other end – you may be better off sticking to the plowed roads.  Low snow cover is tempting people to extend the ATV season.  If you are going out on an ATV, be sure to have one of our motor vehicle use maps, available online and free at our offices.  The map will tell you where it is legal to operate your ATV, including seasonal designations for some routes.  The map is also available as a georeferenced PDF file you can use with the Avenza app on your phone.  You don’t need to be online once you’ve downloaded the map, and the app will give you your exact location on the map as you travel.  Or when you’ve stopped – don’t stare at your phone while driving!

Our ATV trail partners have helped make some routes clearer by putting up small reddish brown signs on designated ATV routes.  Unfortunately, some of these signs were removed by vandals, a senseless act which only adds to the confusion over vehicle use.  Remember when you are planning your trip that these and other signs on the ground are only guidance – the motor vehicle use map is the final word on what use is allowed where.

Watch for logging trucks on the Dumbbell River Road, the Wanless Road, Perent Lake Road, The Grade, Ball Club Road, North Devil Track Road, Carlton Pit Road, and the Schroeder-Tote Road.  On the Gunflint District, log trucks will be hauling on the Greenwood Road, Firebox Road, South Brule Road, Lima Grade, Otter Trail, and the Caribou Trail.  The Schroeder-Tote, Firebox, South Brule, and Lima Grade roads are all shared with snowmobile trails, so be cautious in those areas.  Watch for posted signs showing when the dual designation stops and snowmobiles aren’t allowed further. 

As we hopefully get more snow, winter recreation will become more fun.  If you are looking for conditions of ski trails or snowmobile trails, our website provides links to our trail partners who groom the trails or, in the case of snowmobiles, the Minnesota DNR website which keeps a table of trail conditions. 

We’re getting to the last minute for holiday greenery!  If you still don’t have a tree, you can purchase a permit at one of our offices to harvest your own.  Make sure you follow the rules on where and what you can harvest.  If you have a fourth grader in the family, they can join the Every Kid In A Park program and qualify for a free tree permit.  That program will also give you free admittance to national parks and forests across the country.  One of our neighbors with a fourth grader completed a family tour of all the famous western national parks this summer.  The fourth grader was proud that she was able to get her family into all those parks for free or reduced admission.

The Superior National Forest wants to wish all of you a happy holiday season, and here’s hoping for more of that white stuff! 

Until next time, this has been Renee Frahm with this week’s National Forest Update.
 
 

National Forest Update – November 29, 2018.

Hi, this is Jon Benson, Assistant Ranger for Recreation and Wilderness, with this week’s National Forest Update.
To start with, I would like to wish everyone a very happy holiday season.  As the weather turns cold the types of recreation opportunities on the Superior National Forest transition from warm weather activities to cold weather activities.  Whether you are waxing up your skis, checking the bindings on your snowshoes, or just digging your mukluks and choppers out of storage; winter is here and it is our hope that everyone has a safe and enjoyable time recreating on your National Forest.

One type of recreation that is common this time of year is the collection of boughs and Christmas trees from National Forest System land.  Please remember that you must have a permit prior to participating in any activities that involve removal of boughs or trees.  These permits are available at any Forest Service office between the hours of 8:00 am and 4:30 pm, Monday through Friday.

In terms of conditions on the Superior National Forest, snow and ice continue to make roads slippery.  Give yourself and your fellow travelers a little extra space to avoid any undesirable experiences.  If you are someone who lives along a Forest Service Road and hopes to plow that road, please make sure you have checked with the local Ranger District Office to ensure that you have a road use agreement in place.  Unauthorized plowing can create unsafe situations and it is not legal.

Some of the area ski trails are starting to have some snow and a few folks have been out with their skis.  Keep an eye on the Superior National Forest website or the Visit Cook County website for links to ski conditions.  If you are a fat tire biker, please make sure you are aware of trails that are open to fat-tire riding.  If the snow conditions aren’t right then you shouldn’t be on the trail.  Always “Think, before you sink”.

Lake ice isn’t ready yet.  Many of the lakes are starting to freeze over, but the ice is not thick enough to trust.  The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources recommends to stay off all ice under 4 inches thick, and that no ice is 100% safe.  It may be time to clean the tackle box or put new line on the reel, but it isn’t time to get out on the ice just yet.

Muzzleloader deer season is still going through December 9 and there also could still be grouse hunters out there, so make yourself visible.

If you’re headed out the road, you'll run into truck traffic on the Tofte District on the Trappers Lake Road, Dumbell River Road, Wanless Road, Lake County 7, the 4 Mile Grade, the Perent Lake Road, Ball Club Road, North Devil Track Road, and The Grade. The Gunflint District will have hauling on the Caribou Trail, the Murmur Creek Road, Greenwood Road, Firebox Road, South Brule Road, Lima Grade, and the Otter Trail. A good rule of thumb is if a back road is plowed in the winter, there is probably going to be log hauling on it.

This has been Jon Benson with the Superior National Forest Update wishing all of you a happy and safe holiday season.
 

Superior National Forest Update with Forest Interpretation Specialist, Steve Robertsen.
November 16, 2018

Superior National Forest Update with Jake Todd, information assistant with the Superior National Forest, Tofte Ranger District.
November 9, 2018

National Forest Update – October 25, 2018.
Hi.  This is Steve Robertsen, forest interpretation and education specialist with our weekly National Forest Update, information for everyone visiting the Forest this week. 

We’ve definitely shifted gears from “fall” to “late fall”, or maybe “fell”.  The leaves have pretty much fallen, and are on the ground just waiting to be raked up.  Well, actually, they aren’t waiting at all, they are blowing around making raking a pretty futile effort right now.  Nobody rakes the forest of course, and in a maple woodland, those leaves are a very important part of the ecology.  During the summer fishing season, we make a big deal over invasive earthworms, and that layer of leaves is the reason we do.  Worms are not native to our area, and they eat the leaf litter.  Researchers have found that the leaf litter the worms are eating is important for our spring wildflowers and for forest regeneration.  In maple woods heavily infested with earthworms, there are fewer wildflowers in spring, and fewer young maples to replace the old. 

In our yards though, you may not want all those leaves.  You can bring your leaves for compost in the Grand Marais area to the recycling center, or create a compost pile of your own.  It is amazing how quickly a giant pile of leaves in the fall is reduced to a layer of soil. 

The governor of Minnesota, along with governors of other states in a national effort, has declared October 24th through October 31st to be BatWeek.  This year, the theme of BatWeek is to “Be a Bat Hero”!  Our bats are in trouble from white-nose syndrome, but also from simply being misunderstood creatures.  Help spread the message during BatWeek that bats are our friends…because anything that eats as many mosquitoes as a bat is a friend for sure!  Right now, most bats in northern Minnesota are either going into hibernation in caves and mines, or migrating south for the winter.  Those going into hibernation are the ones at risk for white nose syndrome, a fungal disease that strikes sleeping bats during hibernation.  While people are working on cures and methods to control the disease, right now it is still capable of wiping out over 90% of bats in a cave, and has even put a common species like the little brown bat in danger of total extinction.  White nose has been found in two large hibernacula in Minnesota:  Soudan Mine, and Mystery Cave.  At Soudan Mine, it killed 70% of the bats, which is a huge blow to an animal which reproduces slowly and can live over 30 years.  We’ll cross our fingers for our bats this winter season and wish them a safe and happy rest, and hope to see them all again next spring when the mosquitoes appear.

If you’re visiting the Forest, chances are good that you won’t be flying around like a bat, you will be on the ground.  If you’re driving, you’ll want to watch for logging traffic on the same roads as last week.  Those are the Frank Lake Road, Trappers Lake Road, Dumbell River Road, the Wanless Road, Lake County 7, the 4 Mile Grade, the Grade, Caribou Trail, Murmur Creek Road and the Hall Road.  You also should watch for road work being done along the 600 Road west of the Temperance River Road.  That road work also includes heavy truck traffic on the Two Island River Road.  Overall though, the road system is in good shape, but the rainy fall has caused potholes and soft shoulders in some places, so keep an eye out for those.

Keep an eye peeled for deer as well.  Fall and spring are prime times for deer/car collisions.  Deer are moving around as food sources dry up and mating season begins, and they are very well camouflaged when standing at the side of the road right before they jump into traffic.

Speaking of jumping, I saw a snowshoe hare the other day jumping down the road.  His body was still summer-brown, but his big feet and legs were white in his winter fur.  Like the hare, we are in transition to winter.  This late fall season, between the fall colors and the snow, can be a great time to enjoy a quiet Forest with few visitors, so pack a lunch, head out the road, and see if you can spot a hare, a flock of snow buntings, or other signs of the winter to come in the woods. 

Until next time, this has been Steve Robertsen with the National Forest Update.
 

National Forest Update – October 18, 2018.
 
Hi.  I’m Renee Frahm, Visitor Information Specialist with the Superior National Forest.  This is our weekly National Forest Update, useful information for anyone planning a trip out into the woods.  From trucks to birds to leaves, we’ve got it all.
 
If the snow wasn’t a dead giveaway, let me tell you that it is getting colder outside.  To protect our water systems, we’ve shut the water off in all of our campgrounds now.  That means that campgrounds in the Gunflint and Tofte Districts are not collecting fees, with the exception of East Bearskin Campground where water is still available from the nearby lodge building.  It’s been cold enough that there was actually a fairly good amount of ice on some of the lakes recently, so we’ve also pulled our docks from boat landings.  The ramp is of course still there, but you’d better bring some tall waterproof boots and a towel if you are planning a fishing trip. 
 
The fall color season is past peak, but there is still some color in the woods.  Crisp sunny fall days when the leaves have fallen are perfect for getting outside and sitting on a rock in the sun.  As you sit there, you’ll notice that there are a lot of hawks migrating along the shore.  On October 17th, observers at Hawk Ridge in Duluth counted 1377 red-tailed hawks go past.  Several Forest Service employees noticed a huge flock of crows that same day, 200 or so birds all working their way south.  While some birds will travel far south, past the Gulf of Mexico, crows and hawks are short distance migrants, stopping when the food supply increases.  Little dark-eyed juncos are passing through in large numbers too right now, and snow buntings are beginning to show up as well.
 
If your idea of birding involves firearms and a roast goose or a grouse dinner at the end, the fallen leaves make the game easier to spot.  For grouse and other upland species, remember that firing from a vehicle or across a road is not legal, and for waterfowl, be sure to use non-lead shot.  That’s actually a good idea for any hunting.  Lead is poisonous, and shot that gets into the environment and is eaten can kill.  For example, lead poisoning has been shown to be one of the leading causes of death in adult loons.  Finally, regardless of what you are hunting, or even if you are hunting, make sure you and your dog have your orange on.  It’s good to be seen.
 
We had said the leaves have fallen, but what do you do with the ones that have fallen in your yard?  Composting is the best answer, either in your own pile or at the yard waste composting area at the recycling centers in Grand Marais or Silver Bay.  If you feel you need to burn leaves, check the regulations.  You will need a burning permit when there is less than three inches of snow on the ground, and other restrictions may apply depending on where you are.  Also, check your common sense.  If there are gale force winds, it is never a good idea to light that match.  Brush may be disposed of at several gravel pit locations which you can find through the Firewise Brush Disposal website.  These brush piles are burned by Forest Service and Fire Department crews under controlled circumstances.
 
Falling leaves certainly pose no barriers to log trucks.  They can be found using the Frank Lake Road, Trappers Lake Road, Dumbell River Road, the Wanless Road, Lake County 7, the 4 Mile Grade, the Grade, Caribou Trail, Murmur Creek Road, and the Hall Road.  Watch for trucks on those roads, and be prepared to pull to the side to let them go by.
 
Don’t let your MEA weekend go by without some kind of outdoor time.  This looks like it could be a beautiful late fall weekend to get out and enjoy the last bit of color. 
 
Until next week, this has been Renee Frahm with the National Forest Update.
 

National Forest Update – October 11, 2018.

Hi.  I’m Jake Todd, information assistant with the Superior National Forest and this is the National Forest Update.  Every week, we feature the information people headed out into the woods need to know, so if you are planning a visit or just want to know what’s up out there, this is for you.

Chances are good that if you are in the woods, you will be using a trail.  It may be a portage, or a hiking trail, or a biking trail, or later in winter a ski or snowmobile trail.  Trails are what give us access to the forest, and without them, we’d be, well, literally lost.  Some of our trails were established long before the National Forest existed by Native Americans and later fur traders.  Others were created only in the past few years.  Whatever the trail, they don’t maintain themselves, much as we wish they would, and many of our trails are maintained by volunteer trail organizations.  If you are interested in any of our trails and are considering volunteering to help keep them in good shape, the Northwoods Volunteer Connection will be hosting a ‘Trails Roundtable’ at the Voyageur Brewing Company in Grand Marais from 5 to 7 o’clock on October 24.  Anyone who is interested in volunteering on trails is welcome to attend.

High wind and ground softened by rain have made work for our trail crews recently as they clear deadfalls and downed branches.  They report that while there haven’t been large amounts of damage, there are some trees and branches down and hikers should wear good footwear in anticipation of needing to possibly detour over and around deadfalls.  With all the water, there are some very muddy trails out there too.  Rather than walk around muddy spots and widen the trail by use, we encourage people to walk through the mud and keep the trail narrow.  The trail crews would also like to remind people, through bitter experience, that even it if isn’t currently raining or snowing, snow and rain on branches will sometimes dump right on your head – so dress accordingly.

This a prime weather for hypothermia.  In winter, people usually dress for cold, but in wet fall weather, people often underdress with the hope that maybe it isn’t quite time to break out the stocking hat and mittens.  I’m sorry to say that it’s time to admit winter is coming and find the cold weather gear so you don’t end up hypothermic in the woods.  Wear layers so you don’t overheat, choose fabrics that stay warm when wet, and top off your outfit with something waterproof.  Finally, don’t forget your hunter orange – it’s the color of the season.

Our road system is in fairly good shape.  While we’ve had a lot of rain, we haven’t had the sort of torrential rain which overwhelms drainage systems.  There are some wet spots and soft shoulders, so drive carefully.  Fall color season is winding down, but still, expect slow moving vehicles on our main fall color routes and back roads.  Logging haul trucks are using the Frank Lake Road, Trappers Lake Road, the Dumbell River Road, the Wanless Road, Lake County 7, the 4 Mile Grade, The Grade, the Caribou Trail, and the Murmur Creek Road so be careful in those areas.

We are continuing to shut down water systems at the campground and put them into non-fee status.  Iron Lake, East Bearskin, Flour Lake, Kimball Lake, and Devil Track have all had their water systems put to bed for the winter.  Two Island Lake Campground has a portable water tank, but if the weather is cold enough, the faucet may freeze.  Though the campground water system is shut down at East Bearskin, water is still available from Bearskin Lodge so they will still be collecting nightly camping fees and providing garbage service until the cross country ski trails are groomed.  Campgrounds in a non-fee status are still open for use, but you will have to supply water and pack out your garbage.  Later, when there is snow, these campgrounds will not be plowed out and outhouses may not be accessible.

But, this week, before there is too much snow, be sure to take advantage of those breaks in the rain to get outside and enjoy some of the final days of fall. 

Until next time, this is Jake Todd with the National Forest Update.
 

National Forest Update – September 20, 2018.
 
Hi.  I’m Jake Todd, information assistant with the Superior National Forest, and I’m here with this week’s National Forest Update, a round-up of everything that may affect your visit to the Superior.  Fall continues to progress, and after some rain, we should have a few days of perfect fall weather.
 
A lot happens in the fall, including the end of our fee season at our fee campgrounds.  With the end of fees comes the end of water and garbage service at campgrounds.  Divide, McDougal, and Little Isabella River Campgrounds will end the fee season at the end of the month, with the rest ending the following week.  You are still welcome to camp at the campgrounds after fee season, but you’ll need to pack out your garbage and be sure to bring water with you.  Certain campgrounds may have water available from concessionaire offices after campground water systems are put to bed for the winter, but for most, the arrival of possible frost means we have to shut the water off.
 
There’s also some final work being done on roadways before things freeze up.  On the 600 Road, a favorite for leaf peepers in the fall, work is being done to clear out ditches so they can handle meltwater in the spring.  Some heavy equipment, such as a backhoe and dump trucks, will be periodically blocking the roadway, mostly between the Temperance River Road and the Cramer Road.  If you encounter them, just wait until they pull to the side to let you through.  The 600 Road is also having potholes filled, and you’ll notice that the Honeymoon Trail and Temperance River Road are also freshly graded for the fall season.
 
Fall burning has also begun.  Our fire crew will be burning piles as weather allows during the next month or so.  This may create smoke in areas where burning is going on.  If you see a smoke plume, it is always a good idea to report it and we will be able to tell if it is just from some of our activity.  If you are in an area where burning is happening, watch for trucks and personnel on the roadways, and respect any temporary road closures.
 
There’s some log hauling happening out there.  In the Gunflint area, expect trucks on Pike Lake Road, Cook County 7, the Caribou Trail, and    Hall Road in Lutsen.  On the Tofte end, Dumbell River Road, Wanless Road, Trappers Lake Road, Lake County 7, the 4 Mile Grade, and the Grade are included.  While log trucks are big, don’t forget that during this time of year, you may encounter slow-moving leaf watchers almost anywhere on the Forest.  It’s best to just assume there will be oncoming traffic around corners and over hills.
 
There are hunters out there too, and everyone, not just hunters, should start to wear orange when they’re out in the woods.  We have several hunter walking areas designed for grouse and small game which are used as hiking trails as well.  This time of year though, it is best to leave these trail systems to the people who are hunting.
 
Rain over the next few days might batter the trees, but most of the leaves are still pretty solidly attached, so we expect the peak of fall color to happen sometime in the next couple of weeks.  Sunny days help develop leaf color, along with cool nights, and that’s what should be moving in after the rain clouds leave.  Overall, this seems to be shaping up to be a great fall color season, but it doesn’t last long.
 
That means that whether you are out there for fall color, or hunting, or both – it’s a good time to get out into the Forest.
 
 Have a great time out there, and until next time, this is Jake Todd with the National Forest Update. 
 

National Forest Update – September 13, 2018.
 
Hi, I’m Steve Robertsen, forest interpreter, with this week’s edition of the National Forest Update.  Every week, we bring you information on what’s going on in the Forest and how it might affect your visit.
 
This week saw a huge increase in the amount of fall color in the woods.  Connected with that, we have put out signs for fall color touring routes along the Caribou Trail, Honeymoon Trail, Sawbill Trail, the 600 Road, and Two Island River Road.  People using these roads should be aware that there will be people driving slowly and parked along those routes.  If you are a fall color enthusiast, be aware of other vehicles using the roads.  Pull over if you are driving slowly to let others pass.  Park only in spots where visibility is good and you can get off the roadway.  Some of the best fall color areas are good exactly because the road is narrow and winding, but that also means that you should park somewhere else and walk off the road back to the best spot. 
 
Drivers should also be aware of road work being done on the 600 Road between the Temperance River Road and County 7.  Construction equipment may be blocking the road for short amounts of time, but the work crews will move equipment to let vehicles pass.  Please follow all directions given by the workers at the site to ensure the safety of everyone.
 
Fall color route maps are available at the Tofte and Gunflint Ranger Stations, and, coming soon, digital versions will be available online for use with the Avenza mapping app on your phone.  If you are using a phone for navigation, make sure to keep your eyes on the road, not the phone, when you are driving. 
 
This past week saw the anniversary of the Pagami Creek Fire.  This large fire burned in September of 2011, eventually moving through 92,000 acres.  It started with a lightning strike that smoldered for several days in the duff layer.  While its cause was natural, the smoldering start is common to many human-caused fires.  People often build campfires on peat or heavy duff under trees and think they have put the fire out when it is actually still smoldering.  Remember, if there is an established fire ring or grate, use it.  If there is none, think twice about having a fire.  If you choose to go ahead, the best method is to use a fire pan you bring with you as a base.  Aluminum turkey roasting pans, old snow saucers – there are lots of things that can be used as a fire pan.  Otherwise, clear away all flammable material from your campfire area and NEVER build a fire on peat.  Peat fires can become very hard to put out.  After you are done, make sure the fire is completely out, and practice leave-no-trace by dismantling any rock rings and scuffing out any fire scars.
 
There is a little logging traffic this week.  On Gunflint, expect trucks on Cook County 7, the Caribou Trail, and Pike Lake Road.  On Tofte, trucks are using the Dumbbell River Road, the Wanless Road, the Trappers Lake Road, Lake County 7, the 4 Mile Grade, The Grade, and the Caribou Trail.  You may also run into graders and gravel trucks as they work to surface roads before fall is over. 
 
Safe travels on the Forest, and enjoy the fall.  It is a short season, so make the most of it! 
 
Until next time, this has been Steve Robertsen with the National Forest Update.