DNR simplifies maps of Beltrami Island State Forest proposal; Public meeting scheduled for Feb. 17 in Warroad (2005-01-25)

In an effort to better explain its proposal to designate routes for specific motorized uses in the Beltrami Island State Forest, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has simplified maps of the proposed routes. The maps are available for the public on the Department's Web site and are being distributed to public libraries and area DNR offices in the northwest region on Tuesday, Jan. 25. A list of these public locations is provided below.

The 2003 legislation directed the DNR to designate forest roads and trails that would be open to motorized uses and to change the Beltrami Island State Forest classification from "Managed" to either "Closed" or "Limited." Leaving the forest classified as "Managed" was not a legal option.

The new designation would mean that forest trails would be closed to motor vehicle use unless posted open. Forest roads (both maintained system roads and minimum maintenance roads) would be open to both highway-licensed vehicles and all three types of off-highway vehicles (OHVs) unless they are specifically posted closed. OHVs include all-terrain vehicles (ATVs), off-highway motorcycles (OHMs) and off-road vehicles (ORVs), such as four-wheel-drive Jeeps and trucks.

As a result of the proposed "Limited" forest reclassification, OHV riders would have access to the forest on managed and maintained routes, according to Mary Broten, Thief River Falls area Trails and Waterways supervisor. "By reclassifying the forest in this way, we will be able to provide more than 530 miles of riding opportunities for OHVs on state lands in the forest," said Broten.

"The designation process is going to make it easier for all OHV riders to determine which trails are legal for riding. So, I encourage people to take a look at the new maps and write in with their suggestions for additional trails that should or should not be open to motorized use by Feb. 28, 2005."

Much of the public concern so far has been about whether or not the proposed designation plans will limit access to some parts of the forest, according to Larry Long, Warroad area Forestry supervisor. He said the DNR has been listening to public input with interest. "I think if people look at the improved maps of the proposed routes, they'll see that much of the non-wetland areas of the forest have motorized access. We want the public's comments as we develop, revise and finalize the plan."

"For the most part, the routes the planning team has proposed closing to OHV use either dead-ended on non-state lands or wildlife management areas, went through wetlands or posed environmental concerns," said Long. "We also recommended closing some of the short spurs that accessed forest lands that had other motorized routes available to them."

The DNR will hold a public meeting on Thursday, Feb. 17, at the Warroad High School from 6 to 9 p.m. The school is located at 510 Cedar Avenue NW.

"What we have here is a working draft of the plan—a place to start managing the many forest uses better," said DNR Northwest Regional Director Paul Swenson. "I've asked that our DNR staff come to the public meeting ready to listen to public recommendations with an open mind and an eye toward making the plan the best possible one for Beltrami Island forest users and the resources."

Copies of the proposals, road and trail designation plans and all of the related maps are available on the DNR Web site at: www.dnr.state.mn.us/input/mgmtplans/ohv/designation/status.html.

The DNR is encouraging public comments on the proposals until 4:30 p.m. on Feb. 28. Written public comments should be directed to Helen Cozzetto, DNR Natural Resources Planner, 6603 Bemidji Avenue N, Bemidji, MN 56601; helen.cozzetto@dnr.state.mn.us; fax: (218) 755-4063.

 

Routes located within Federal U.S. Fish and Wildlife lands: 165 miles
Routes located in wetland areas, incapable of sustaining motor vehicle traffic when the ground is not frozen: 141 miles
Trails 1/2 mile or less in length, or "spurs:" 104 miles
Trails 1/2 mile or longer: Many of these routes are incapable of sustaining motor vehicle traffic when the ground is not frozen, or cross private or tribal land and are therefore closed to public use in those segments of trail that continue past those ownerships: 183 miles