Superior National Forest Update October 27

Superior National Forest Update – October 26, 2017.

Hi.  I’m Haley Henderson, crewleader with the Civilian Conservation Corps of Minnesota and Iowa, with this week’s National Forest Update - information on conditions affecting travel and recreation on the east end of the Superior. The Conservation Corps is a group which partners with the Forest Service to bring young adults to work on projects such as clearing trails throughout the summer.  We’ve been very busy this summer and have enjoyed our time on the Superior.  To help you enjoy your time in the woods, here’s what’s happening for the week of October 27th.

Sometimes fall ends slowly and almost invisibly.  This year, it fell with a thud.  Last week’s high winds, equivalent to a tropical storm, blew most of the remaining leaves off in a single day, and now there is snow.  This is actually a fairly late snowfall, we usually have snow show up sometime during October before now. 

It is good time of year to realize that weather does in fact change very quickly at times.  What seems like the proper clothing at the beginning of a hunting or hiking trip can suddenly become far too thin and cold later in the day.  Always check the weather forecast before you go out, and be prepared for the worst case scenario.  With overpacking, the worst that can happen is that you get extra exercise carrying along your stocking hat and mittens, but with underpacking the worst that can happen is hypothermia and even death.

A lot of people are out using ATVs right now.  Road use rules are available in the form of paper maps at our offices.  These maps are the final word on what is allowed on what roads.  If map designations appear to contradict signs on the ground, the map is correct.  We are happy to say that these maps are now available as georeferenced PDF files on our website.  They can be downloaded for use on a smart phone, even outside of cell service areas, and your location can be seen using available apps such as Avenza.  Remember though that all electronic navigation systems are subject to failure, and you should also pack along a paper map and bring a compass.
The high winds brought some branches down onto the roads.  Be aware that around any corner, you may discover a tree or log across the roadway.  If you decide to clear any debris from the road, make sure you have good visibility of any oncoming vehicles and you park your vehicle in a safe manner.  Don’t risk yourself just to move some branches.  Large blockages should be reported to the Forest Service if they are on Forest Service roads, or to the county on county roads.

Our cold weather and snow means that ice is showing up in some areas.  Just as you can be surprised by a deadfall just around the corner, you can be surprised by ice just over the hill.  Roads that are clear and warm in the sun can be icy in the shade of hills or trees.  Later in the season, we’ll all be used to icy roads, but this time of year ice can be completely unexpected. 

In addition to trees and ice, there may be trucks out on the roads.  Truck traffic is using the same roadways as last week.  Hauling on Gunflint is taking place on the following roads: Firebox Road, Blueberry Road, Greenwood Road, Shoe Lake Road, Forest Road 1385, the Gunflint Trail, South Brule Road, Lima Grade, Trestle Pine Road, Ball Club Road, and Devil Track Road.   Tofte logging traffic will be on the Pancore Road, Sawbill Trail, Dumbbell River Road, Wanless Road, Lake County 7 and 705, the 4 Mile Grade, The Grade, Perent Lake Road, Trappers Lake Road, Temperance River Road, and the Six Hundred Road.  There will also be gravel hauling between Sawbill and Toohey Lake  where they will be taking gravel from the Dog Tired Pit off the Sawbill Trail to an area about 2 miles south of The Grade.

So, whether you are in a truck, car, or on your ATV, drive defensively and carefully this time of year.  Pack for the weather, fill your window washer tank in your car, and find your shovel and ice scraper.  Until next week, this has been Haley Henderson with the National Forest Update.