

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE



Contact: Greg Fangel

Minnesota Nordic Ski Association

(651) 770-9381

[email protected]

August 5, 2001 


 



OHV Issues for NE Minnesota


Preliminary plans for a system of OHV (off highway vehicle) trails in
Northeastern Minnesota are available for public review and comment. The
Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) will also bring the OHV
plans to the public during five informational open house sessions on August
6, 7, and 8, 2001. OHVs include all terrain vehicles (ATVs), off highway
motorcycles (OHMs), and off road vehicles (four wheel drive trucks).

The DNR is seeking comments on three trail issues. They are:


OHV System Plan for Northeast Minnesota. This plan identifies possible
OHV trails and priorities for motorized trail development in Northeastern
Minnesota. The Legislature directed the DNR to prepare this plan. In
addition to identifying possible trails, the plan sets a proposed process
for implementing the plan.

Amendments to the state trail plans for the Taconite State Trail and
Arrowhead State Trail. Because snowmobiles are currently the only motorized
recreational use allowed on these state trails, amendments are necessary to
allow for ATV and OHM use. A third state snowmobile trail, the North Shore
Trail, is not being proposed for OHV use except for a 1.5-mile segment that
intersects with the Moose Walk ATV Trail, a 2001 proposed project. ATV use
on the North Shore trail and other trails in the North Shore area (with the
exception of the Moose Walk) created enough concern by the public and other
agencies that present consideration is not appropriate.

Project plans for 2001 trails. The plans would designate the Moose Walk
Trail near Silver Bay for ATV use and the Thistledew/Circle T Trail near
Effie for ATV use. These trails are part of the DNR�s work plan for trail
designation and construction during 2001. The plan describes these trails in
detail.



According to Pete Friedlieb of the Northern Lights Ski Club from Grand
Rapids, MN, the �Taconite Trail is an asphalt trail 6 miles from Grand
Rapids and will eventually go to Ely.  The trail�s original intent was for
snowmobile use in winter and non-motorized use in Spring-Fall.  The Biathlon
team is currently training there consistently and many others use it on
bikes, rollerskis, rollerblades etc. I think Minnesota has many skiers who
would object to losing this trail for "off season" use.  Similar comment is
also being requested for the Arrowhead Trail�

DNR invites people to stop by the open house locations any time between 4
p.m. to 7:30 p.m. on the following days:

Mon., Aug. 6:
Schroeder Town Hall
Rainy River Community College, 115 Student Commons, Int'l Falls

Tues., Aug. 7:
IRRRB Office, Hwy 53 S., Eveleth
MIFC Office, 402 SE 11 St., Grand Rapids

Wed., Aug. 8:
Lake Superior Room, MnDOT Office, 1123 Mesaba Ave., Duluth


Please visit the DNR website to present your comments:

http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/ohv/public_review.html


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