Minnesota Department of Natural Resources Notice of Proposed Classification of State Forest Lands in Koochiching and Eastern Itasca Counties with Respect to Motor Vehicle Use

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Commissioner of the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) proposes to classify State Forest lands located in Itasca and Koochiching counties with respect to operation of motor vehicles. The proposal is to assign all State Forest lands and other forest lands under the authority of the Commissioner to one of the following classes:
1. “Managed” (in which existing routes on forest lands are open for motor vehicle use unless posted closed),
2. “Limited” (in which existing routes on forest lands are closed to motor vehicle use unless posted open), or
3. “Closed” (Forest roads are open to motor vehicles licensed for highway use. No Off-Highway Vehicles (OHVs) are permitted, except that OHVs may operate on frozen public waters (e.g., across lakes for ice fishing.)
Minnesota Rules Chapter 6100.1950 governs the classification of State Forests with respect to motor vehicle use.
The proposal covers the George Washington, Golden Anniversary, Koochiching, Pine Island, and Smokey Bear state forests and forest lands under the authority of the Commissioner located outside of state forest boundaries in Koochiching and eastern Itasca counties. In total, about 1.1 million acres of land will be classified with respect to motor vehicle use.
In conjunction with the proposed classification the Department of Natural Resources has developed a plan that identifies which roads and trails on DNR-administered forest lands in the planning area will be open to use by various types of motor vehicles. There are over 3,400 miles of roads, trails, and other routes on state and county forest lands in the area.
The DNR will hold public meetings on the proposed classification and road and trail use designations at:
1. Itasca Community College Theater, 1851 E. Hwy 169, Grand Rapids, MN on Tuesday, October 28, 2008 from 6:00 to 8:30 PM.
2. Rainy River Community College Auditorium, 1501 Hwy 71, International Falls, MN on Wednesday, October 29, 2008 from 6:00 to 8:30 PM.
3. Bigfork City Hall, 200 Main Avenue (Corner of Main and Ash Street), Bigfork, MN on Thursday, October 30, 2008 from 6:00 to 8:30 PM.
The department will present information and receive public comments on the proposal at each of the meetings.
The classification proposal, road and trail designation plan, and related maps are on the DNR website at www.dnr.state.mn.us/input/mgmtplans/ohv/designation/status.html. Copies of the documents can also be obtained from:
Jack Olson, Natural Resources Planner
Minnesota Department of Natural Resources
1601 Minnesota Drive
Brainerd, MN 56401
Phone: (218) 833-8716
E-mail: jack.olson@dnr.state.mn.us
Written comments on the proposal can also be submitted to the above address until 4:30 PM on November 7, 2008.

Forrest Boe, Director of Trails & Waterways
Minnesota Department of Natural Resources

The Daily Journal
August 25, 2008