Conservationists with Common Sense

CWCSPreserving access to and multiple-use of public lands & waters FALL 2007 NEWSLETTER CWCS • P.O. Box 1046 • Virginia, MN 55792-1046 • www.cwcs.org

CWCS mission statement: To educate the public in order to preserve reasonable access to and sensible, multiple-use recreation of public lands and waters (including motorized uses) in Northeastern Minnesota, especially the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW), with care for the environment. Why CWCS continues to fight: “(We will) embark on a 10 year campaign to get every single motor out of the Boundary Waters” – Brian O’Neill, quoted in May 20, 1998 Minneapolis Star-Tribune Another decision on South Fowl by Rhonda Silence helicopter use near a wilderness in Wyo- Dennis Neitzke said the Forest Service was United States District Judge John R. ming, which resulted in a court decision that exploring options on just how this EIS could Tunheim issued a second opinion on Sep- “abides no diminishment” of opportunities be done. “Obviously we just received the de- tember 28 regarding a proposed 2.2 mile for solitude. However, Judge Tunheim wrote cision,” he said in a phone interview. “So we snowmobile trail intended to connect Mc- that another court decision, in Arkansas haven’t gone too far down the road. We’re Farland and South Fowl lakes in Hovland. states ‘that Congress does not intend that looking at some options, at what has been Judge Tunheim denied and granted claims designation of protective perimeters or done in other areas. The Forest Service did and counter-claims brought by both the buffer zones around each wilderness area.” a sound analysis on the Echo Trail project plaintiffs and defendants and sent the US Tunheim finally stated “the court holds that between Ely and Cook. We’ve contacted Forest Service back for further study of how an agency’s duty to preserve the wilderness some folks at universities to see how it can the sound of snowmobiles on the trail would character under Section 4 of the Wilderness be done.” affect the adjacent Boundary Waters Canoe Act may apply to agency activity that occurs Regardless of how it is done, the judge’s Area Wilderness (BWCAW). outside of the boundaries of the wilderness request delays construction of the trail for at Counts I and II brought forward by area.” least another season. Neitzke said the For- the plaintiffs, the Isaac Walton League of Tunheim went on to explain that in est Service must publish a notice of intent America, Wilderness Watch, Sierra Club his opinion not all agency activity has an to conduct the environmental impact state- Northstar Chapter and Northeastern Minne- impact on a designated area’s ‘wilderness ment in the Federal Register. There will then sotans for Wilderness alleged that the North character.’ He wrote, “Thus, the key ques- be a scoping period in which public input and South Fowl Lakes are wilderness lakes tion in determining whether agency action will be gathered before the environmental and for that reason, snowmobiles and motor violates Section 4(b) is whether the action study is done. After the analysis a draft EIS boats should be banned from use. Tunheim degrades the wilderness character of a des- document will be prepared and public com- reiterated his earlier decision, issued Au- ignated wilderness area. He said to answer ments accepted again. “The Federal Register gust 31, 2007 which upheld the US Forest this question, the court must look at various requirements add six months alone,” said Service’s assertion that the Fowl Lakes are factors, such as the nature of the activity, the Neitzke. not included within the BWCAW boundar- existing character of the wilderness area, and Count IV alleges that the construction ies. Tunheim denied counts I and II. if recreational use is already evident. of the South Fowl trail violates the National Neither the plaintiffs or the defendant, “In other words,” wrote Tunheim, Forest Management Act because it adds 2.2 the US Forest Service, joined by interveners “where the agency activity does not increase miles of new trail and thus harms the Canada Cook County, Conservationists with Com- or exacerbate the existing sound impact on lynx. The lynx has a competitive advantage mon Sense, and Arrowhead Coalition for the wilderness area such activity would over other wildlife in heavy snow-except Multiple Use, received satisfaction on Count not degrade the wilderness character of the when there is an overage of compacted III, which was denied “without prejudice.” area. On the other hand, agency activity that trails. The Judge denied the count because he The plaintiffs argued that the South Fowl results in noise that is louder, more constant, agreed that the Forest Service had conducted Trail will project the sights and sounds of more frequent, or of a different quality, is enough environmental assessment and be- snowmobiles into the BWCAW, a violation more likely to degrade the wilderness char- cause there is “no net gain.” He said with of Section 4 of the Wilderness Act, which acter from its present condition.” the loss of the former 2.2 mile, the amount requires the USFS to preserve the wilderness Tunheim said the court needed more of trail ends up being the same. character of the area. The defendants con- data on this and asked that the Forest Count V introduced three arguments by tend that there is no violation of the Wilder- Service conduct an environmental impact the plaintiffs that the USFS had violated the ness Act because the proposed snowmobile statement assessing the impact of sound on requirement for an Environmental Impact trail is outside of the BWCAW. the wilderness. Tunheim referred to a case regarding US Forest Service Gunflint Ranger (Continued on Page Two) CWCS FALL 2007 NEWSLETTER PAGE TWO South Fowl hearing in District Court (Continued from Page One) study on the impact of noise from the trail duced by interveners, CWCS and ACMU, on the BWCAW. Tunheim ordered the For- to remove the motorboat limitations on the Statement. Judge Tunheim found that the est Service to “promptly prepare an EIS to Fowl Lakes, was denied. CWCS and ACMU USFS had conducted a thorough enough evaluate more thoroughly the sound impact argued that since the Fowl Lakes were out- study on the impact on sensitive species and in the BWCAW, and to suspend further side the BWCA boundaries, Congress did cumulative effects of the trail. However, activity on the South Fowl trail pending not have the authority to enact a motorboat Judge Tunheim agreed with the plaintiffs completion of the study. size restriction. Tunheim disagreed. that the USFS needed to conduct further Finally, the ‘Property Clause’ intro- DNR hires biologist to coordinate state’s wolf management plan The Minnesota Department of gist in Arizona. Prior to that working on wolf recovery projects.” Natural Resources (DNR) has hired he served as a general wolf Stark, a Minnesota native, earned his wild- a veteran wildlife biologist from biologist for the U.S. Fish life management degree from St. Cloud State Arizona to coordinate the state’s and Wildlife Service in New University and is completing his master’s wolf management plan. Mexico. in wildlife conservation management at the Daniel Stark, who worked on the “Dan will bring additional University of Arizona. Mexican gray wolf recovery project depth to our agency as we Minnesota has been prepared to assume in Arizona, will oversee the ongoing implement our state’s wolf wolf management responsibility since 2001, transition of wolf management from management plan,” said Mi- when it completed its wolf recovery plan. The the federal government to the Min- chael DonCarlos, DNR wild- federal government returned wolf manage- nesota DNR. life research manager. “He ment to the state in March. He spent the past five years as a has extensive field, policy and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service wolf biolo- research experience following seven years of BWCAW permit fees will jump 60 percent Beginning in 2008, permit fees for the This is a change from previous years The Recreation Enhancement Act was Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness when the lottery began in November. signed into law in December, 2005. will see a major increase. The lottery allows people who know The law allows federal agencies to The new rates are listed with the old their desired entry date and location well in charge modest fees at federal campgrounds, rates in parenthesis: advance, to apply for permits. rental cabins and other federal recreation Adult per trip fee: $16 ($10) The national campsite reservation areas (such as the BWCAW). Youth per trip fee: $8 ($5) website (www.reserveamerica.org) will Fees collected are retained at the forest Adult Seasonal Fee Card: $64 ($40) be closed from Sept. 29 until 9 a.m. on and are used help manage the program or Youth Seasonal Fee Card: $32 ($20) Oct.17. facility that generated the funds (in this case, The fee increase was approved by the During this time, the system is being the BWCAW). Regional Forester, acting upon the recom- re-designed and expanded and will be re- The new program replaces the 1996 mendation of the Eastern Region Recreation launched as www.rec.gov Recreation Fee Demonstration Act and Resource Advisory Committee. The BWCAW reservation system will Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) This is the first increase in the BWCAW be incorporated into and accessed through authority. user fees in the 10 years since fees were put this new system which also offers reser- into effect. vations for developed campgrounds on The basis for the increase is an adjust- national forests. ment for inflation (using the Consumer Price Earlier this year, the Superior National index) over the past 10 years with forward Forest submitted a proposal to the Eastern projections over the next five to 10 years. Region Recreation Resource Advisory Com- With BWCAW permits getting harder User fees generated through this pro- mittee (RRAC) to increase overnight user gram come directly back to the Forest and fees for the BWCAW. to come by, be more accommodating help to fund the wilderness management The role of the RRAC is to provide program, including staffing with wilderness recommendations on user fees to Forest to others. Take advantage of 9-per- rangers, funding campsite and portage main- Service (and BLM) officials. tenance, permit issuance, and wilderness Each RRAC is comprised of 11 vol- son/4 boat limits. Ask your friends to education programs. unteer members of the public, representing The Forest Service also announced that recreation users, special interest groups, and join you on your permit. Share your dates for the lottery for 2008 BWCAW per- government officials (Indian tribes, state mits will begin on December 1, 2007. tourism, and local). Boundary Waters experience! CWCS FALL 2007 NEWSLETTER PAGE THREE Message from the President Northern Minnesota has had a sum- the Franconia Minerals drilling opera- tional event in mer that could pretty much be described as tions on Birch Lake. Ernest Lehmann took Chisholm. This good and bad. several people by boat to the drilling barge project was The good was the unseasonable warm near Bob Bay for a very informative tour. the outcome of weather that made fishing and camping What a difference thirty years can make the community very enjoyable for most of the summer. in the plans for mining copper and nickel. involvement Also good, was the news that a partial In the 1970s, INCO had plans to mine for meetings with ruling in the South Fowl lawsuit deter- copper and nickel in relatively the same the Minnesota mined that North and South Fowl Lakes area. It is good to know there is far cleaner Pollution Con- are not within the Boundary Waters. The and safer technology to conduct this type trol Agency Izaak Walton League, Sierra Club and of mining now. (MPCA) held other preservation groups had hoped to As several mining projects for north- across the Iron have more restrictions placed on these two eastern Minnesota move forward, CWCS Range. Bio lakes near Hovland, Minnesota; such as a did send a letter in support of the Kawishi- Mass Energy Barb Klun takes notice of snowmobile ban and motor boat quotas. wi Mineral Exploration. CWCS stands by seems very the precautions Franconia This isn’t going to happen, which is very its mission statement to carefully balance much a part uses to protect the waters good news. the need for economic development with of our energy of Birch Lake The bad was the extreme drought all great care for our environment. It’s a future. across northern Minnesota that lead to the tough balancing act, but it’s important to As we go into the fall and winter, Ham Lake fire which burned over 75,000 the overall health of our communities. CWCS is still waiting to have the Chain acres along the Gunflint Trail. With such The jobs that could be created by of Lake permit quotas resolved. We have dry conditions throughout the Superior these proposed projects are crucial to had some recent news of some progress National Forest, a complete fire ban imple- helping our area economy, at a time when towards a solution by the US Forest Ser- mented. the local communities need this type of vice. Even so, we are disappointed that a Heavy rains finally came in mid Au- boost. These would be good paying jobs court ruling that directed that the system gust and prevented more fires during the with starting wages at $15/hour, with the be corrected would take this long to be most heavily visited time for the Bound- potential to make as much as $40,000 to acted upon. ary Waters. This was very good, but these $80,000 per year with overtime. On top of As always, CWCS appreciates your heavy rains were also part of the bad, with that you add full benefits and paid vaca- support and welcomes your input on vari- widespread flooding and fast rising rivers tions. If the proper environmental protec- ous land and water issues. and lakes. These heavy rains have contin- tions can be assured, it appears that these ued into October. industries will be moving forward. Nancy McReady On one of the rare rainy days in July, Another project that CWCS took CWCS President I took advantage of an invitation to visit part in was the Bio Mass Energy educa-

Franconia Minerals drilling barge on Birch Lake near Babbitt. The company is looking for copper, nickel, platinum and palladium. CWCS FALL 2007 NEWSLETTER PAGE FOUR Another lawsuit filed against USFS The Sierra Club, Friends of the Bound- designated wilderness areas. Section 4(b) forest in mind, and it will not impact the ary Waters, Northeastern Minnesotans of the 1964 Wilderness Act charges the Boundary Waters’ wilderness character for Wilderness, and the Wilderness Forest Service with preserving wilder- as these preservation groups claim. Society filed a lawsuit to block the For- ness character of the wilderness area. CWCS also mentioned that Ely and est Service’s Echo Trail Management Nowhere does the language mention Crane Lake snowmobile clubs have Plan. anything about timber management been attempting to continue the plan These preservations groups will ‘outside’ a wilderness boundary. of an Echo Trail Corridor Snowmobile then complain that the Forest Service CWCS agrees with much of the Plan, Trail that the late Senator Paul Wellstone doesn’t have enough money allocated for but some of our concerns include: taking proposed during the 1996 Field Hearings Boundary Waters management and law into consideration soil conditions and the in International Falls. enforcement, when they are the reason request to have more flexibility in allow- Although trails are not a part of this the Forest Service’s budgeted resources ing summer access to higher ground cut- management plan, CWCS feels that some are eaten up in court costs. tings; consideration of harvesting some of the proposed decommissioned roads The concern of the timber sale to white and red pine that may be susceptible should be taken into consideration to meet these preservation groups is the impact to blowdown; providing timber to satisfy the public’s need for ATV and forest ac- on the Boundary Waters and ‘preserving the needs of our economy; conducting cess trails. These roads are a source of wilderness character’. clearcuts with younger reserves that recreation for many forest visitors and There are four qualities of wilderness are more apt to stand beyond the first provide access for many things, from character that the Forest Service has winter after the cutting; and prevention hunting to berry picking. management responsibility for: “untram- of wildfires. CWCS hopes that recreational groups meled,” “natural,” “undeveloped,” and In our comments to the USFS, CWCS will be able to work with the Forest “outstanding opportunities for solitude stated that management that deals with Service to make the proposed Wellstone/ or a primitive and unconfined type of sustaining a healthy forest was the Tamarack Snowmobile Trail from Ely recreation.” foundation of the creation of the Forest to Buyck a reality, as well as providing These qualities are the guidelines Service. The Echo Trail Management other access trails. used in the NEPA process concerning Plan has kept the overall health of the

Forest Service notices for public input An interesting editorial ran in the Ely “CARING FOR THE LAND AND SERV- national forest. Asking for public input on Echo recently regarding the Forest Service’s ING PEOPLE,” captures the Forest Service the various mining projects is also of great notice asking for public comment to clean Mission. As set forth in law, the mission is to benefit to the Forest Service in making its up 65 acres of blowdown after a September achieve quality land management under the decisions. But, why request public comment 6 wind storm that started near Tower and sustainable multiple-use management con- to clean up after a wind storm or wildfire? headed east and south, with straight line cept to meet the diverse needs of people. Is this really necessary? winds that leveled trees along the way from The first item listed to achieve this is: More than likely, preservation groups will Bear Island Lake to Highway 1. Advocating a conservation ethic in promot- send in their comments, and as to the wind CWCS received this same notice from the ing the health, productivity, diversity, and storm clean up and the salvage timber harvest Forest Service as well as several others. They beauty of forests and associated lands. The of the Ham Lake Fire, they will probably say were for the East and West Zones Motorized second item listed is: Listening to people that both actions will result in below cost Travel Management, the Kawishiwi Mineral and responding to their diverse needs in timber sales. Never mind that the Forest Exploration and salvage timber harvest of the making decisions. Service is just trying to do their job – provid- Ham Lake Fire, to name just a few. Do they When it comes to providing a healthy, safe ing us with a healthy forest and protecting all really deem such scrutiny from the public, forest, especially after a catastrophic event adjoining public and private lands. in order for the Forest Service to do the job such as a wildfire or straight line winds, is they are educated and trained in doing? it really necessary to garner The editorial upheld the laws that require public comments to clean Increased fuel loads on the forest floors throughout the Forest Service to ask the public for input up the area and protect other and then using the public opinions gathered adjoining lands from pos- the Boundary Waters, along with dry conditions have to determine how the Forest Service will sible future wildfire or insect created unusually high fire dangers in the Boundary do their jobs. CWCS agrees with this, but infestation? CWCS also agrees that at times the National Getting public input on the Waters. PLEASE be careful with your campfires! Make Environmental Policy Act crosses the com- motorized travel management sure they are completely out when breaking camp. mon sense line. aids the Forest Service in From the Forest Service’s website: providing multiple use of our CWCS FALL 2007 NEWSLETTER PAGE FIVE Ham Lake Fire recovery begins by Rhonda Silence ute to the renewal After weeks of being away from their of the forest after homes and neighborhoods because of the the Ham Lake Property owners need Ham Lake wildfire, Gunflint Trail residents Fire. “We can were able to go home on Tuesday, May 22, only hope that the to create defensible space 2007. Some homeowners had visited their USFS and DNR property to see how their homes had fared will follow with The Forest Service has a concern about potential fires in various from the devastating fire that burned 75,851 some action to areas of Lake County, with the Sunset Road a top priority because acres in the United States and Canada. The reforest the thou- this area has only one entrance/exit. Much forest land is not acces- stress was lightened somewhat by the gath- sands of acres sible other than by lake and a fire would burn right to the road. ering of friends and neighbors at a of their land that The national Firewise Communities program is a multi-agency ceremonial ribbon cutting to “reopen” was burnt,” he effort designed to reach beyond the fire service by involving hom- the end of the Gunflint Trail, which had added. eowners, community leaders, planners, developers, and others in been under an evacuation order since the The devasta- the effort to protect people, property and natural resources from the fire started on May 5. Approximately 75 tion from a care- risk of wildland fire - before a fire starts. people gathered to watch Leanne Adams of less camper has The Firewise Program suggests a thirty foot defensible space the Seagull-Sag Home Owners Association affected so many around homes and buildings in rural areas. This includes adequate and Shari Baker of the Gunflint Trail Asso- people and their mowing of grass, thinning and trimming of trees, having at least a ciation cut a bright orange ribbon. Gunflint way of life on the 12-foot driveway and turn around for a fire truck, and having non- Trail residents and supporters planted the Gunflint Trail. flammable roofing. first of what will be many new trees. Some friends of All of Cook County, and far beyond was CWCS lost their Waters. They refuse to acknowledge that glad to learn that the cabin and our hearts go the Forest Service’s mission is to provide Ham Lake Fire was of- out to them and all the a healthy forest. Logging some of the areas ficially declared “con- many others who lost their does that. The use of prescribed fire is an- tained” on the United homes and cabins. other tool. We need both. States side of the in- As property owners ternational border on address the need to elimi- Sunday, May 20. nate fuel loads on their Even after con- property by thinning and tainment on the U.S. cutting on their property CWCS Board side, fire crews contin- as recommended by the of Directors ued to monitor by air. US Forest Service, we Removal of suppres- believe it is time that the sion materials-pumps US Forest Service fol- Nancy McReady, President - Ely, MN and hoses no longer lows their own advice. Bob LaTourell, Vice President - Ely, MN needed for structure Although logging all areas Mike Madden, Treasurer - Britt, MN protection-also contin- is not reasonable, it should ued for several days, as be a much more used Sheila Doering, Secretary - Chisholm, MN did patrol of contain- management tool. We Dean Doering - Chisholm, MN ment lines. Mop-up of would hope that extreme Dave DuFresne - Ely, MN areas within half mile groups that try to stop Gary Gotchnik - Ely, MN of all structures also Leanne Adams of the Seagull-Sag all attempts at allowing continued. Homeowners Association plants the this tool would come to Jeep LaTourell - Ely, MN The fire has been first tree in the replanting effort after the realization that they Cliff Noble - Ely, MN contained but recovery the 2007 Ham Lake Fire are perhaps hurting the Ken Schlueter – Babbitt, MN is just beginning. The forest in the long run as Dave Serena – Babbitt, MN ceremonial tree planting was a good start, well as severely depleting the budget of the followed by a broader community effort US Forest Service. The US Forest Service Don Stocks – Ely, MN sponsored by the Gunflint Trail Scenic should be allowed to act on responsible for- Byways Committee during Memorial Day est management practices. weekend. The Friends and Sierra Club keep say- Ted Young said the Gunflint Trail has ing the buffer zone shouldn’t be logged. CWCS been overwhelmed with requests to contrib- There is no buffer zone to the Boundary

CWCS phone & fax: 218-749-0739 Recycle…share this CWCS newsletter with a friend! Check us out on the web! www.cwcs.org CWCS FALL 2007 NEWSLETTER PAGE SIX Decision delayed on National Scenic Hiking trail by Rhonda Silence nation would affect the Forest Service’s said Coyer. She said the existing trails are Gayle Coyer, Executive Director of the proposed South Fowl Snowmobile Trail already eligible for funding, reminding com- Superior Hiking Trail Association, appeared Access which is currently being challenged missioners that Cook County has served as before the Cook County board seeking a in court. “Will someone come up with a need the fiscal agent for trail grants. She added, resolution endorsing Congressional designa- for a buffer for this trail?” he asked, noting “I think it would be great to have another tion of the Superior Hiking Trail (SHT), the South Fowl Lake’s proximity to the Border national trail as part of our wonderful north- Border Route Trail, and the Kekekabic Trail Route Trail. ern region.” as the ‘Arrowhead Reroute’ of the North Coyer said there are no buffer zones as- Martinson noted that the SHT is already a Country National Scenic Trail (NCNST) sociated with the trail. Commissioner Bob national trail. “What’s the difference?” (NCNST). Commissioners expressed sup- Fenwick said he would prefer to have more Coyer said the SHT is a national recre- port of hiking trails in Cook County, however, information on the designation, expressing ation trail. The NCNST is a national scenic the board asked for further information on concern about implementing the designa- trail. Martinson repeated, “What’s the dif- just what this national designation would tion while the Forest Service is working on ference?” mean to adjacent property owners and other its motorized travel plan for the Superior Coyer was unsure and turned to US For- forest users. National Forest. est Service Gunflint District Ranger Dennis Coyer provided a sample resolution which Coyer said the county board supported Neitzke. Neitzke, at the board meeting to explained that the NCNST was authorized by the NCNST in 2004 and asked what had provide a fire danger update, said he hadn’t Congress in 1980 and extends from Crown changed. Fenwick said nothing had changed. come prepared to talk about trails, and he Point in New York to Lake Sakakawea He said the county recognized the value of was also unsure. in North Dakota, a distance of over 4,600 hiking trails and supported them. Commissioner Jim Johnson said that the miles. Coyer said the original route of the However, he added, “Every time some- board’s concerns are not so much codified NCNST was in central Minnesota, but that thing gets designated on a federal level, it law, but with perception, for example, he route had not been developed because of does impact us - how it is managed, and how asked, “What if a motorized trail crossed the swamplands. Coyer said planners have it is talked about.” the scenic trail?” instead developed the Arrowhead Reroute, a Coyer said there are 61 miles of NCNST Coyer said that should not be a problem. proposal supported by Congressman James in place in the Chippewa National Forest. “We share the trail in Silver Bay. The only Oberstar. Coyer said Congressman Oberstar “That’s been in place since the 90s,” she said. time we have a problem is when ATVs en- is willing to introduce legislation to make the “I don’t think it has affected anything.” croach on the hiking trail. We’ve coexisted Arrowhead Reroute official, but he would Commissioner Jim Johnson asked if the with the ATV trail in Silver Bay. We’ve first like a motion of support from the coun- designation would have a positive impact. worked together for 20 years.” ties and towns along the route. “Will there be funding for signs and enhance- The board reiterated that it supports hik- Commissioner Bruce Martinson said ments, like there is for the Scenic Byway? ing trails in Cook County, but asked Coyer he had heard one citizen concern about the That would be a positive.” to return with information clarifying the NCNST designation - whether the desig- “I don’t see any additional pots of money,” different trail designations. CWCS concerns on National Scenic Hiking trail Looking at the maps at: www.northcoun- ances that these trails wouldn’t be threatened few pay toward getting them constructed or trytrail.org/maps.htm very little, or less than by this proposal, we don’t believe this would maintaining them. This seems to falls unto all 50%, of this North Country National Scenic be a good move. tax payers for the recreational use of a few. Trail (NCNST) is actually on the ground from Another issue would be the federal tax Some clubs do have trail cleanup days with the East Coast to North Dakota. Much of this dollars that may or may not be included in volunteers, but there is very little monetary trail is still in the planning stage. CWCS has the language that would amend the authoriza- investment by the users of these trails. several concerns about this trail. tion and complete the trail. What amount of What kind of return will this completed Three existing trails are needed to com- money is being proposed for appropriation? trail (when the trail is actually on the ground plete the trail. Is one the North Shore Hik- Funding for close to 3000 miles of trail for and not just in the planning stage) have on ing Trail, which is part of the North Shore hikers seems to be quite an investment. the economies of the areas it passes through? Snowmobile Trail? The ATV club in Grand Have all the EISs been completed? People Will it be worth the investment at this time of Marais is trying to get a portion or all of the tend to think that just because a trail is used tight federal budgets? Will eminent domain North Shore Snowmobile Trail designated by non-motorized means there is no impact. have a play in takings for any reroutes? Also for ATV use. If the North Shore Hiking trail This is not true. Some of the trails and por- have all of the EISs been completed and at is part of this national trail system, this may tages in and outside of the Boundary Waters what cost to the taxpayer? be where the opposition to ATV use on the show extreme visible signs of impact... from These questions need to be addressed snowmobile trail is coming from. the hard packed trail no longer allowing before proceeding with this proposal. Although parts of the trail, such as the vegetation to erosion problems. The Ely Chamber is supportive of the Kekekabic Trail through the Boundary Wa- Another question... how will this 4400 concept of the trail, but with the understand- ters, should not be a problem, there should be mile trail be maintained? More tax dollars? ing that they need more information and that some deep thought put into any implications Most hiking club members don’t pay fees to they have a concern that there would be no this national trail would have on existing and use trails. This is the same for many bike and impacts on any other uses that are in place proposed motorized routes. Without assur- ski trails. The users want the trails, but very or that are proposed. CWCS FALL 2007 NEWSLETTER PAGE SEVEN The future of Biomass Energy In February of 2007, the MPCA began a careful consideration and discussion it was will use the collected information, and what regional pilot project in Northeastern Minne- determined that biofuels would be the topic steps staff and managers will take from this sota which included six meetings to discover for the Northeastern Minnesota Community point forward. environmental issues/topics which were of Involvement Project event. interest to regional community members. On September 12, over 65 people attended These meetings took place in Duluth, Grand the Bio Mass Energy educational event in Maris, Grand Rapids, Virginia, International Chisholm, including Brad More, MPCA Falls, and Ely and were attended by nearly Commissioner. Ten local and statewide 200 people. experts shared the outlook, current and ex- Each meeting provided opportunity for pected technologies, upsides and possible citizens to inform the MPCA regarding downsides of biofuels. environmental topics/issues which were of Biomass energy is the process of con- importance to them as community members, verting organics (plants, trees, wastes and and ranked their priorities. In addition, the other by-products) into fuel. There were agency asked citizens who were interested three sessions dealing with “The Outlook to volunteer to work with the agency to for Biomass,” “Environmental Impacts” and provide an educational/information event “Current and Emerging Technologies.” Ev- in the region in the next 6 months. eryone left with a much-better understanding Over 500 environmental topics/issues of this huge topic. were identified and discussed at our initial 6 Feedback on the event was gathered at meetings and 35 people stepped forward to an October luncheon with the volunteers offer assistance in the planning and execution involved in putting the biofuels event to- of the educational/information event. gether. The overall comments were that Advice from a Moose… After three meetings with volunteers, the presentations by the various speakers Think big it was determined that these three topics were very balanced with representation Spend time in the woods emerged as the top candidates to focus upon from industry as well as the environmental for the planned fall 2007 event: water qual- communities. Eat plenty of greens ity, biofuels, and solid waste. About a dozen The MPCA’s Communication Coun- Hold your head up high participants made the decision to continue cil, which sponsored a similar process in Stay on track with the process to review the rankings and northwestern Minnesota, is reviewing the select the topic for the planned event. After results. They will determine how the agency Keep your nose clean It’s OK to be a little wild! Raffle winners announced

Advice from a Bear… Live large Climb beyond your limitations Gather the sweetness of life Winner of the boat, motor & trailer was a very happy Tony Matkaiti from Stacy, MN; winner Live with the seasons of the 2-night stay at Devil Track Resort was Dan Marks from Duluth, MN; and winner Make a good impression of the trolling motor was Todd Armbruster from Ely, MN. Gary Jones from Minneapolis, Get plenty of rest MN was the winner of the Early Bird Prize of His & Hers fishing rods for sending in his Look after your honey. CWCS membership before July 1. NON-PROFIT ORG. U.S. Postage PAID Virginia, MN 55792 CWCSConservationists with Common Sense Permit No. 1 PO Box 1046 • Virginia, MN 55792-1046

Return service requested

Thanks! All Donations are Tax Deductible! Deductible! Tax are Donations All Thank you! Thank

CWCS, PO Box 1046, Virginia, MN 55792-1046. 55792-1046. MN Virginia, 1046, Box PO CWCS, Renewal

❏ of $______also paid. also $______of

New CWCS ❏ Please enclose your check payable to to payable check your enclose Please and mail to: to: mail and

Additional Contribution Contribution Additional

______E-mail

$15 Member $15 ❏

______Phone ______Fax $25 Supporter Supporter $25 ______. ❏

$50 Advocate Advocate $50

❏

with check number check with

______Zip ____ _ State ______City

$100 Defender Defender $100 ❏

on ______, 2007 ______, on

$250 Patron $250 ❏ ______Address

CWCS Membership paid Membership CWCS

$500 Enthusiast $500 ❏

______Name

Fill out & Save This Record This Save & out Fill

Send your membership in today! Get a friend to join! to friend a Get today! in membership your Send

nearly 10,000 today. 10,000 nearly

from 417 nesting pairs in 1963 to to 1963 in pairs nesting 417 from

continental United States have risen risen have States United continental

June. Bald eagle numbers in the the in numbers eagle Bald June.

federal list of protected species in in species protected of list federal

took the nation’s symbol off the the off symbol nation’s the took

comeback. The U.S. government government U.S. The comeback.

extinct, has made a remarkable remarkable a made has extinct, The American bald eagle, once nearly nearly once eagle, bald American The CWCS FALL 2007 NEWSLETTER PAGE NINE Over 6,000 acres in Lake County set aside for forestry, recreation, wildlife More than 6,200 acres north of Silver Lake County purchased the property from Bay in Lake County, Minnesota will be The Conservation Fund to manage it for conserved for forest production, public forest products. The Nature Conservancy access and wildlife habitat. The agreement purchased a conservation easement on ensures the forestland will continue to be the property, ensuring sustainable forest harvested sustainably, providing jobs for management, wildlife habitat and oppor- the local community and wood supply to tunities for public recreation. the mills. At the same time, it guarantees In the coming months, the Conser- public access, including hunting, fishing, vancy intends to transfer the easement to hiking, dog sledding and snowmobiling the Department of Natural Resources for and protects important habitat for a wide long-term ma variety of wildlife species. The partnership is comprised of Lake County, the Department of Natural Re- sources, The Conservation Fund, The Nature Conservancy and Minnesota Power. Lake County Commissioner, the late Clair Nelson, was instrumental in making the agreement happen. In March, the Lake County Board passed a resolu- tion naming the 6,000 acres the Clair A. Nelson Memorial Forest. Under the terms of the agreement,

Early Bird Drawing: Membership dues received by June 1st will be entered into a drawing for ‘His and Hers Fishing Rods.’ Donated by Skube’s Bait and Tackle in Ely. All new and renewing members will be entered in the drawing. Please check your mailing label! If you have paid your membership, there will be a PD 2007 amount above your name. If you have not paid your membership, the top line will be blank. See examples: PD 2007 Paid Mr. Public Access memberships Mr. Public Access Multiple-Use Way will receive a Multiple-Use Way Common Sense USA 4U&ME FREE CWCS Common Sense USA 4U&ME bumper sticker! ☞ PAID for 2007 ☞ NOT PAID for 2007 CWCS FALL 2007 NEWSLETTER PAGE TEN CWCS FALL 2007 NEWSLETTER PAGE ELEVEN