[mou] Comments Needed on the Beltrami Island State Forest OHV Plan by Feb. 28th

[Paul Budde]

Sent on behalf of Randy Frederickson:

ACTION ALERT
Comments Needed on the Beltrami Island State Forest OHV Plan by Feb.
28th!

Overview:  The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has
released for public comment its draft plan for Off-Highway Vehicle (OHV)
management on 288,000 acres of DNR Forestry-administered land in the
Beltrami Island State Forest in Roseau, Lake of the Woods, and Beltrami
Counties.  The plan, which proposes to close about 592 miles of existing
ATV trails (mostly located in wet areas unsuitable for motorized
vehicles), is under great attack by local ATV enthusiasts and the two
ATV manufacturers in the area, Polaris and Artco. =20

It is important that you make comments on this plan in order to off-set
the huge numbers of comments that have been sent in by local ATV
enthusiasts as well as Polaris and Artco employees at their employers'
behest.  The Beltrami Island Forest is primarily wetland (hence its
name).  It's composed of upland ridges and islands surrounded by
forested wetlands, brushlands, and peatlands.  One ridge in particular
is at risk - the Bemis Hill area.  This area has long been abused by
ATVs and the unique and fragile peatland at its base is at risk from
erosion and watershed changes caused by severe rutting on the hillside.


Please comment on the positive aspects of the plan
1.  The general rule for vehicle use will change from open unless posted
closed to closed unless posted open.  This is a very positive step.

2.  About 592 miles of existing routes identified by the team will not
be considered forest roads nor designated recreational trails.  This is
a positive needed step in the plan to keep motorized vehicles off of wet
areas.

3.  The existing trails just to the northeast of Bemis Hill have been
designated as closed to motorized vehicles in the plan.  This should be
noted as a positive step (especially to offset the large number of
people expected to oppose this part of the plan as it's a popular ATV
play area).

4.	No trails specific to 4-wheel trucks are currently planned.
This is positive.

5.	The plan is due to go into effect by 2006.  The implementation
should not wait.

Please comment on the negative aspects of the plan.=20
1.  Large portions of the Bemis Hill area are still proposed to be
motorized as part of the plan.  The entire area north of the Thompson
Forest Road and south of the Wobbles Grade should be closed to all
motorized vehicles to protect the sensitive black spruce/cedar plant
community at the base of the hill.  Specifically, trail numbers 1238,
1270, 1319, 1329, 1361, 1363, 1369, 1373, 1402, 1474, and 1501 should be
closed to motorized vehicles to protect the Bemis sand ridge and Bemis
Swamp.

2.	The plan should better address the commercial use of the forest
by industry.  A permit should be required for any company that uses
public land for testing their machines.


Send Comments to:  Written comments can be submitted to the following
address until 4:30 PM on February 28, 2005.

Helen Cozzetto
Minnesota Department of Natural Resources
6603 Bemidji Ave. N
Bemidji, MN 56601
E-mail: Helen.cozzetto@dnr.state.mn.us

Please also forward a copy your comments to your state representative,
state senator, and U.S. representative and senators (due to the fact
that 82,000 acres of federal land are also being considered with this
plan).

Reference:  "Forest Road and Trail Designation Plan for the Beltrami
Island State Forest", Public Review Draft, November 8, 2004.  Complete
information on the plan is on the DNR website at
www.dnr.state.mn.us/input/mgmtplans/ohv/designation/status.html ; scroll
down to the Beltrami Island State Forest.=20