Arrowhead ACMU

Just before Memorial Day weekend 2006, representatives of two groups promoting multiple use of public lands erected a sign announcing the closure of a trail in the Hovland area. Why would the Arrowhead Coalition for Multiple Use (ACMU) and the Cook County ATV Club endorse a trail closure? According to representatives of these groups, it is part of the effort by these groups to work with other forest users and to demonstrate their commitment to protection of our natural resources. The "trail closed" signs were erected at the entrance to a historically used snowmobile trail called the Royal River Trail by the US Forest Service and the Tilbury Trail by local users. The trail, sometimes called the South Fowl Lake snowmobile access, was closed in 2002 because it had been found to be encroaching on the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW).

ACMU and other trail users acknowledged that the trail crossed the line into the BWCAW, however, the group pointed out that the trail existed long before the area was declared wilderness. Former users of the closed trail state that the trail was known to have been within the BWCAW when the boundaries changed with the 1978 Boundary Waters Wilderness Act. The Forest Service environmental assessment confirms that the snowmobile trail is evident on aerial photographs from as long ago as 1961, before the 1964 Boundary Waters Act. ACMU and area residents argued that legally, the trail should have been replaced when the boundaries changed in 1978.

After the trail was closed, the US Forest Service conducted two comment periods, seeking public input on an alternative route for the cabin owners and anglers that used the old trail. ACMU and the Cook County ATV Club argued that Alternative 2, the northern route, was the best route. ACMU argued that the northern route is closest to the old route in length and riding experience. ACMU said trail users wanted a short, scenic, snowmobile trail to replace the one that had been closed.

One of the concerns about the northern route was that all-terrain vehicles would use the trail in the summertime. The Cook County ATV Club, in support of area snowmobilers and anglers, pledged to do its best to keep that from happening. The ATV Club agreed to educate riders that the northern route, if selected, was a short dead-end trail intended for winter use only. The Club also agreed to help pay for and erect appropriate signage closing both the old snowmobile trail and the new route.

In February 2006, US Forest Service Ranger Dennis Neitzke of the Gunflint District, issued a decision on a new route for the snowmobile trail—one endorsed by ACMU and the Cook County ATV Club.

Not everyone was happy about the decision however, and on the last day of the appeal period, Monday, April 10, 2006, two notices of appeal were received. One appeal came from multiple appellants—Northeastern Minnesotans for Wilderness, Friends of the Boundary Waters, the Sierra Club Northstar Chapter, the Minnesota Center for Environmental Advocacy, Wilderness Watch, and the Isak Walton League. The other appeal came from James Nygard, a property owner on the south side of McFarland Lake.

In May 2006, after the appeal review period, US Forest Service Supervisor James Sanders upheld Ranger Neitzke's decision. To date, no further legal action has been taken. However, when asked if it would be, Friends of the Boundary Waters Wilderness Executive Director John Roth said, "Our board has not made a decision one way or another at this point. They are still looking at their options."

Roth said he was pleased that ACMU and the ATV Club had erected the signs. "I think it's a wonderful, positive direction. This is what we need to see happen. We all need to work together."

Asked for her opinion on the sign placement, Sally Nankivell, of Hovland, a board member of Northeastern Minnesotans for Wilderness said, "I think it's great. I'm encouraged by the groups' activities. I applaud the efforts to avoid environmental damage by ATVs. This is the kind of effort that we need to see to meet everyone's goals."

Contacted by phone to learn when new trail construction would begin, Neitzke said, "I have the authority right now to go ahead with alternative 2. We are gearing up for our summer schedule and trying to find time to begin construction."

Asked for his thoughts on the ACMU and ATV Club signage, Neitzke said, "I very much appreciate the groups participating by putting up the signs and attempting to educate the public about the trail closure. As we look at constructing the new trail, we will work to adequately closing the old route."

ATV Club president Mickey Brazell, of Grand Marais, said that he hoped this effort by the ATV Club will be seen as a gesture of goodwill, and will be reciprocated. "We are saying that we know ATVs can't go everywhere that snowmobiles can go. And we are willing to do our part to see that they don't ride on the old trail into the Boundary Waters or on the new trail, which is for winter use only. However, if we are willing to give up a section of trail, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, the Forest Service, and Cook County should be willing to open up other areas for ATVs."

ACMU president Curtis Gagnon said his organization wanted to help with the trail closure to fulfill the coalition's mission. "Our intent is to work with all groups. We believe the Forest Service made the right decision. The northern route is a nice replacement trail for the historic trail that was in the Boundary Waters. This takes a motorized trail out of the wilderness and offers trail users a similar trail to use. It's a win-win situation."