DNR changes location of Beltrami Island public meeting to Warroad hockey arena (2005-02-14)

Anticipating a large public turnout, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is changing the location of the public meeting to discuss proposals for Beltrami Island State Forest. The meeting will now be held at The Gardens Arena, 707 Elk Street NW, Warroad, on Thursday, Feb. 17 from 6 to 9 p.m.

DNR Deputy Commissioner Mark Holsten and Assistant Commissioner Brad Moore will be among the DNR representatives in attendance to listen to the public input.

Following 2003 legislation, the proposal recommends changing Beltrami Island's forest classification from "Managed" to "Limited" and designating some 530 miles of forest roads and trails open to various types of motorized uses. Leaving the forest classified as "Managed" was not a legal option.

The new designation would mean that forest trails in Beltrami Island 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.

DNR staff are urging the public to take a look at maps of its proposed changes before the public meeting, as comments that are specific will be most helpful to plan development.

Maps of the proposed motorized route designations are available for public viewing on the DNR's Web site at www.dnr.state.mn.us, at public libraries and area DNR offices in Baudette, Bemidji, Crookston, East Grand Forks, Grygla, Roseau, Thief River Falls, Wannaska and Warroad. DNR offices in Wannaska and Thief River Falls will also provide electronic copies of the maps on CDs for interested citizens.

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