Logging brings new look to Gunflint Trail ski area as winter nears

Wildfires in and around the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness and the proposed expansion of Lutsen Mountains kept a bulk of WTIP’s coverage of Superior National Forest focused on the Tofte Ranger District in recent months.

That being the case, there is still plenty happening on the Gunflint District for Superior National Forest.  

Logging and other forest-management practices at George Washington Pines near the Gunflint Trail have mostly concluded on Superior National Forest for 2021. The larger project includes tree harvest, prescribed burning, reforestation, fuel reduction and wildlife habitat improvement actions.

George Washington Pines is a popular area for cross country skiing during the winter months. Gunflint District Ranger Michael Crotteau said the recreation will look different this winter after the logging and other types of forest management took place this summer and fall.

Meanwhile, the U.S. Forest Service on the Gunflint District has started to concentrate on a new project, this one known as Twin Green. This project just completed a scoping phase and a public comment period will likely open in 2022.

Crotteau spoke with WTIP’s Joe Friedrichs for an update on what’s happening on this side of Superior National Forest. The full audio to the discussion is posted below.