Superior National Forest Update - November 30, 2018

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.