There is a hearing on the controversial issue of allowing ATVs to travel on Cook County roads scheduled for 7 PM tonight at the Cook County court house.
Also, to follow True North's coverage of the ATV issue click here.
True
Tuesday, March 20, 2007
Monday, March 19, 2007
DNR Cook County Forest Lands Being Reclassified
From True:
This is part of the MN DNR's push to open the state's forests to more unrestricted ATV and OHV travel.
_________________________________________________________________
From MN DNR:
Minnesota Department of Natural Resources
Notice of Proposed Classification of State Forest LandsIn Cook County, Minnesota with Respect to Motor Vehicle Use
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Commissioner of the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) proposes to classify all State Forest Lands within Cook County, except for a 1,861-acre portion of the Finland State Forest in SW Cook County, with respect to motor vehicle operation.
The proposal is to assign all state lands lands under the authority of the Commissioner, to one of the following classes: (pursuant to MN Rules Chapter 6100.1950).1.
"Managed", in which forest roads and forest trails are open for motor vehicle use unless posted closed;2.
"Limited", in which forest roads are open to motor vehicle use unless posted closed and forest trails are closed to motor vehicle use unless posted open, or3.
"Closed", in which forest roads are open only to motor vehicles licensed for highway use. No OHVs are permitted, except for operation on frozen public waters. Snowmobiles may operate on designated trails only in closed forests.
This proposal covers the Pat Bayle and Grand Portage State Forests, and scattered forest lands under the authority of the Commissioner located outside of State Forest boundaries in Cook County.
In total, just over 100,000 acres of state forest land, and 175 miles of roads, trails and non-designated routes were evaluated with respect to motor vehicle use. In conjunction with the proposed classification, the DNR has developed a road and trail designation proposal that identifies roads and trails on state forest lands which will remain open to motorized vehicle use.
The DNR will hold a public meetings on the proposed forest classification and road and trail use designations at the Arrowhead Center for the Arts, 51 West 5th Street, Grand Marais, MN on Tuesday, May 22, 2007 from 6:00 to 8:30 PM. The department will present information and receive comments on the proposal at this public meeting.
Superior National Forest and Cook County officials will also be present to respond to questions and to offer their views on access planning for public lands in Cook County.
The DNR's Forest Classification & Route Designation Proposal, supporting maps and other materials, are available at www.dnr.state.mn.us. Copies of the documents may also be viewed at the DNR's Grand Marais Area Forestry Office located at 1356 East Highway 61, Grand Marais, MN, or are available upon request from:
Brian McCann, PlannerMinnesota Department of Natural Resources
Box 52, 500 Lafayette Road
St. Paul, MN 55155-4052
Phone: (651) 259-5627
E-mail: brian.mccann@dnr.state.mn.us
Written comments on the proposal may be submitted to the above address until 4:30 p.m. on Thursday May 31, 2007.
Laurie H. Martinson, Deputy CommissionerMinnesota Department of Natural Resources
Published March 19, 2007
This is part of the MN DNR's push to open the state's forests to more unrestricted ATV and OHV travel.
_________________________________________________________________
From MN DNR:
Minnesota Department of Natural Resources
Notice of Proposed Classification of State Forest LandsIn Cook County, Minnesota with Respect to Motor Vehicle Use
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Commissioner of the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) proposes to classify all State Forest Lands within Cook County, except for a 1,861-acre portion of the Finland State Forest in SW Cook County, with respect to motor vehicle operation.
The proposal is to assign all state lands lands under the authority of the Commissioner, to one of the following classes: (pursuant to MN Rules Chapter 6100.1950).1.
"Managed", in which forest roads and forest trails are open for motor vehicle use unless posted closed;2.
"Limited", in which forest roads are open to motor vehicle use unless posted closed and forest trails are closed to motor vehicle use unless posted open, or3.
"Closed", in which forest roads are open only to motor vehicles licensed for highway use. No OHVs are permitted, except for operation on frozen public waters. Snowmobiles may operate on designated trails only in closed forests.
This proposal covers the Pat Bayle and Grand Portage State Forests, and scattered forest lands under the authority of the Commissioner located outside of State Forest boundaries in Cook County.
In total, just over 100,000 acres of state forest land, and 175 miles of roads, trails and non-designated routes were evaluated with respect to motor vehicle use. In conjunction with the proposed classification, the DNR has developed a road and trail designation proposal that identifies roads and trails on state forest lands which will remain open to motorized vehicle use.
The DNR will hold a public meetings on the proposed forest classification and road and trail use designations at the Arrowhead Center for the Arts, 51 West 5th Street, Grand Marais, MN on Tuesday, May 22, 2007 from 6:00 to 8:30 PM. The department will present information and receive comments on the proposal at this public meeting.
Superior National Forest and Cook County officials will also be present to respond to questions and to offer their views on access planning for public lands in Cook County.
The DNR's Forest Classification & Route Designation Proposal, supporting maps and other materials, are available at www.dnr.state.mn.us. Copies of the documents may also be viewed at the DNR's Grand Marais Area Forestry Office located at 1356 East Highway 61, Grand Marais, MN, or are available upon request from:
Brian McCann, PlannerMinnesota Department of Natural Resources
Box 52, 500 Lafayette Road
St. Paul, MN 55155-4052
Phone: (651) 259-5627
E-mail: brian.mccann@dnr.state.mn.us
Written comments on the proposal may be submitted to the above address until 4:30 p.m. on Thursday May 31, 2007.
Laurie H. Martinson, Deputy CommissionerMinnesota Department of Natural Resources
Published March 19, 2007
Saturday, March 17, 2007
Highway 61 MN Dot Boos and Blues!
MN Dot exhibited a new low in governmental agency common sense with its clear cutting of innumerable trees along Highway 61 in Hovland and at Cascade. Scenic highway! Not with MN Dot in charge!
MN Dot's protestations that it was done to improve the efficacy of highway salt makes little sense when you look at what they cut and where they cut, particularly the cut in front of Cascade Lodge. That cut seems to be more to improve the lake views from the lodge than anything else, but the fact is that none of it seems to have any logical basis.
And, the daily drive past the cut area in Hovland has changed forever - not for the better.
More than an explanation is due, especially one that begs credulity, which is all we have been given so far. What needs to be done is to have this action thoroughly investigated and we need to have put in place an oversight system that does not allow such an egregious assault on the North Shore's Highway 61 to occur again.
True
MN Dot's protestations that it was done to improve the efficacy of highway salt makes little sense when you look at what they cut and where they cut, particularly the cut in front of Cascade Lodge. That cut seems to be more to improve the lake views from the lodge than anything else, but the fact is that none of it seems to have any logical basis.
And, the daily drive past the cut area in Hovland has changed forever - not for the better.
More than an explanation is due, especially one that begs credulity, which is all we have been given so far. What needs to be done is to have this action thoroughly investigated and we need to have put in place an oversight system that does not allow such an egregious assault on the North Shore's Highway 61 to occur again.
True
Quiet
The following is from an ad recently run by the Sustainable Recreation Coalition:
The Cook County commissioners are considering opening county roads to ATV use. Imagine trying to take a Sunday afternoon nap in you hammock when the neighbor's teenager is driving back and forth in front of your house, cutting "donuts" in the gravel. Feel yourself bouncing over those holes on every trip to town. Imagine your sadness at seeing where an ATV has turned off the road into your property or favorite wildflower patch, leaving ruts and crushed blooms.
Gas taxes from ATVs are dedicated to trail building and maintenance, so paying for repairing their damages to county roads will fall on property tax payers.
DNR research shows that 70% of ATVs are used exclusively on private property, so there is little need for road riding. Most ATVers are keeping their noise away from others, so why should the community give up its precious quiet?
Tell the county board to keep ATVs off county roads. Call your commissioner. Help keep Cook County safe, quiet and natural.
Sustainable Recreation Coalition
Join Your Neighbors in Promoting Sensible solutions to Protect the North Shore
Box 181, Grand Marais, MN 55604
blackdogcottage@hughes.net
_______________________________________________________
Click here for contact information for Cook County Commissioners.
_______________________________________________________
And from True North:
An aspect of this that has not seen much discussion is the cost of more or less unbridled ATV travel to Cook County taxpayers. Consider the taxpayer expense in terms additional impact on law enforcement budgets, road repair, signage, etc.
There are also many safety concerns among which is how does the proposed ordinance apply in terms of traversing bridges and other areas where there is little room to maneuver?
Another main concern has to be to the rights of all of us to the quiet enjoyment we have come to appreciate so much as an essential part of the quality of life in our part of the world. Why should we have to give that up so a privileged minority can tear up the countryside?
And, finally, just why are tax dollars going to support motorized outdoor toys of destruction - ATVs, OHVs and snowmobiles? These are "sports" that get dedicated funds and contribute nothing to the health and welfare of participants or the community. They damage field, forest and waterways; they pollute the air and the water; they deplete scarce energy resources; they disturb the peace and quiet of the North Woods; they divide communities; and, their ridership, the state's governor included, consistently violate existing rules and regulations supposedly controlling them and seem to do so with impunity. So why should bad behaviour be rewarded? Instead of adding to the problem by giving them more opportunities for destruction, the Cook County Commissioners should be seeking ways to restrict their use.
True
The Cook County commissioners are considering opening county roads to ATV use. Imagine trying to take a Sunday afternoon nap in you hammock when the neighbor's teenager is driving back and forth in front of your house, cutting "donuts" in the gravel. Feel yourself bouncing over those holes on every trip to town. Imagine your sadness at seeing where an ATV has turned off the road into your property or favorite wildflower patch, leaving ruts and crushed blooms.
Gas taxes from ATVs are dedicated to trail building and maintenance, so paying for repairing their damages to county roads will fall on property tax payers.
DNR research shows that 70% of ATVs are used exclusively on private property, so there is little need for road riding. Most ATVers are keeping their noise away from others, so why should the community give up its precious quiet?
Tell the county board to keep ATVs off county roads. Call your commissioner. Help keep Cook County safe, quiet and natural.
Sustainable Recreation Coalition
Join Your Neighbors in Promoting Sensible solutions to Protect the North Shore
Box 181, Grand Marais, MN 55604
blackdogcottage@hughes.net
_______________________________________________________
Click here for contact information for Cook County Commissioners.
_______________________________________________________
And from True North:
An aspect of this that has not seen much discussion is the cost of more or less unbridled ATV travel to Cook County taxpayers. Consider the taxpayer expense in terms additional impact on law enforcement budgets, road repair, signage, etc.
There are also many safety concerns among which is how does the proposed ordinance apply in terms of traversing bridges and other areas where there is little room to maneuver?
Another main concern has to be to the rights of all of us to the quiet enjoyment we have come to appreciate so much as an essential part of the quality of life in our part of the world. Why should we have to give that up so a privileged minority can tear up the countryside?
And, finally, just why are tax dollars going to support motorized outdoor toys of destruction - ATVs, OHVs and snowmobiles? These are "sports" that get dedicated funds and contribute nothing to the health and welfare of participants or the community. They damage field, forest and waterways; they pollute the air and the water; they deplete scarce energy resources; they disturb the peace and quiet of the North Woods; they divide communities; and, their ridership, the state's governor included, consistently violate existing rules and regulations supposedly controlling them and seem to do so with impunity. So why should bad behaviour be rewarded? Instead of adding to the problem by giving them more opportunities for destruction, the Cook County Commissioners should be seeking ways to restrict their use.
True
Friday, March 16, 2007
Trout Travels
George Wilkes of Angry Trout fame was recently in Lanesboro, MN rightfully extolling the virtues of cuisine based on local, green and organic sources. Click the above link to read the entire story.
True
True
Thursday, March 15, 2007
ATV Ordinance Hearing
On Tuesday, March 20, 2007 at 7:30 PM there is a public hearing scheduled concerning the proposed county ordinance covering ATV travel on Cook County roads. The proposed ordinance can be viewed here:
http://www.co.cook.mn.us/attorney/DRAFT-ATV-ORDINANCE.pdf.
With very few exceptions - the Gunflint Trail and Devils Track Lake Road - ATV travel will be allowed everywhere on the extreme right side of all county roads.
ATVers see this as a fundamental right - to ride everywhere without restriction. Those in oppositon see it as an assualt on common sense and on the quiet enjoyment of the region. We see this as a bad ordinance that will only lead to further destruction of the Northland as we know it and hope that it does not pass. However, it appears that the local ATV club, with industry and DNR support, has the county board in its pocket and is willing to drive right over the wishes of the rest of the community.
All interested parties are urged to attend.
True
http://www.co.cook.mn.us/attorney/DRAFT-ATV-ORDINANCE.pdf.
With very few exceptions - the Gunflint Trail and Devils Track Lake Road - ATV travel will be allowed everywhere on the extreme right side of all county roads.
ATVers see this as a fundamental right - to ride everywhere without restriction. Those in oppositon see it as an assualt on common sense and on the quiet enjoyment of the region. We see this as a bad ordinance that will only lead to further destruction of the Northland as we know it and hope that it does not pass. However, it appears that the local ATV club, with industry and DNR support, has the county board in its pocket and is willing to drive right over the wishes of the rest of the community.
All interested parties are urged to attend.
True
Dance Down Pat this Sat in Hovland!
This Saturday, March 17th, St. Patrick's Day Dance and Dinner:
At the Hovland Town Hall with its great wood dance floor.
Music by a 7-member band will include original Swamp River members:
Jim Miller (guitar/vocals)
Andy Schmidt (guitar/mandolin)
Kim Carlsted-Gillis (vocals/rhythm)
PLUS the addition of :
Amy Baldwin (vocals/squeeze box)
Gavin Danfelt-Martin (bass/harmonica)
Russ Viton (lead guitar)
Joe Peterson (Hovland's own drummer).
$5.00 cover but young children free.
Food for purchase begins at 5:30 pm with music following about 6:30 or
so.
At the Hovland Town Hall with its great wood dance floor.
Music by a 7-member band will include original Swamp River members:
Jim Miller (guitar/vocals)
Andy Schmidt (guitar/mandolin)
Kim Carlsted-Gillis (vocals/rhythm)
PLUS the addition of :
Amy Baldwin (vocals/squeeze box)
Gavin Danfelt-Martin (bass/harmonica)
Russ Viton (lead guitar)
Joe Peterson (Hovland's own drummer).
$5.00 cover but young children free.
Food for purchase begins at 5:30 pm with music following about 6:30 or
so.
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