Sent on behalf of Randy Frederickson: ACTION ALERT Comments Needed on the Beltrami Island State Forest OHV Plan by Feb. 28th!
Overview: The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has released for public comment its draft plan for Off-Highway Vehicle (OHV) management on 288,000 acres of DNR Forestry-administered land in the Beltrami Island State Forest in Roseau, Lake of the Woods, and Beltrami Counties. The plan, which proposes to close about 592 miles of existing ATV trails (mostly located in wet areas unsuitable for motorized vehicles), is under great attack by local ATV enthusiasts and the two ATV manufacturers in the area, Polaris and Artco. =20 It is important that you make comments on this plan in order to off-set the huge numbers of comments that have been sent in by local ATV enthusiasts as well as Polaris and Artco employees at their employers' behest. The Beltrami Island Forest is primarily wetland (hence its name). It's composed of upland ridges and islands surrounded by forested wetlands, brushlands, and peatlands. One ridge in particular is at risk - the Bemis Hill area. This area has long been abused by ATVs and the unique and fragile peatland at its base is at risk from erosion and watershed changes caused by severe rutting on the hillside. Please comment on the positive aspects of the plan 1. The general rule for vehicle use will change from open unless posted closed to closed unless posted open. This is a very positive step. 2. About 592 miles of existing routes identified by the team will not be considered forest roads nor designated recreational trails. This is a positive needed step in the plan to keep motorized vehicles off of wet areas. 3. The existing trails just to the northeast of Bemis Hill have been designated as closed to motorized vehicles in the plan. This should be noted as a positive step (especially to offset the large number of people expected to oppose this part of the plan as it's a popular ATV play area). 4. No trails specific to 4-wheel trucks are currently planned. This is positive. 5. The plan is due to go into effect by 2006. The implementation should not wait. Please comment on the negative aspects of the plan.=20 1. Large portions of the Bemis Hill area are still proposed to be motorized as part of the plan. The entire area north of the Thompson Forest Road and south of the Wobbles Grade should be closed to all motorized vehicles to protect the sensitive black spruce/cedar plant community at the base of the hill. Specifically, trail numbers 1238, 1270, 1319, 1329, 1361, 1363, 1369, 1373, 1402, 1474, and 1501 should be closed to motorized vehicles to protect the Bemis sand ridge and Bemis Swamp. 2. The plan should better address the commercial use of the forest by industry. A permit should be required for any company that uses public land for testing their machines. Send Comments to: Written comments can be submitted to the following address until 4:30 PM on February 28, 2005. Helen Cozzetto Minnesota Department of Natural Resources 6603 Bemidji Ave. N Bemidji, MN 56601 E-mail: [email protected] Please also forward a copy your comments to your state representative, state senator, and U.S. representative and senators (due to the fact that 82,000 acres of federal land are also being considered with this plan). Reference: "Forest Road and Trail Designation Plan for the Beltrami Island State Forest", Public Review Draft, November 8, 2004. Complete information on the plan is on the DNR website at www.dnr.state.mn.us/input/mgmtplans/ohv/designation/status.html ; scroll down to the Beltrami Island State Forest.=20
