DNR’s PROPOSED OHV TRAILS THREATEN BWCAW

Friends of the Boundary Waters Wilderness, August 8, 2001

A Minnesota DNR plan to expand off-highway vehicle (OHV) trails in northern Minnesota threatens the quiet sought by hunters, anglers, hikers, bird watchers, and paddlers in the BWCAW and the surrounding Quetico-Superior Ecosystem.  Your input is needed by August 15 to improve the agency’s plan and protect the peace and quiet you expect in the BWCAW and surrounding areas.

The Minnesota legislature mandated the DNR to find more OHV routes for all-terrain vehicles, dirt-bike motorcycles, and four-wheel drive trucks.  The plan applies to state forests and parks and includes areas adjoining the BWCAW.  While the DNR is aware of damage caused by OHVs, the agency did not assess potential environmental damage before locating new trails.  Furthermore, the plan does not include designated routes, which separate OHV users from people seeking non-motorized recreation, and minimize damage to plants and soil.

Urge the DNR to promote responsible use of OHVs on our state lands.  Specifically, the DNR should create designated routes for OHVs and include a complete environmental review of all proposed OHV trails before implementing its plan.  For maps of these trails, visit the DNR website:  http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/ohv/public_review.html.

For trails in northwest Minnesota counties, please submit comments by August 15 to:

Jeff Asfoor

Regional Planner

Minnesota DNR

6603 Bemidji Avenue North

Bemidji , MN 56601

Jeff.asfoor@dnr.state.mn.us

Counties include Kittson, Rosseau, Lake of the Woods , Marshall , Beltrami, Polk, Pennington, Red Lake , Norman , Mahnomen, Clearwater , Clay, Becker, Hubbard, Cass, Wilkin, Otter Tail, Grant, Douglas , Traverse, Stevens, and Pope.

For trails in northeast Minnesota counties, please submit comments by August 20 to:

OHV Plan Comments

DNR Region 2 Office

1201 E. Highway 2

Grand Rapids , MN 55744

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

 Counties include Koochiching, St. Louis , Lake , Cook, Itasca , and Carlton .

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