Members of the Arrowhead Coalition for Multiple Use (ACMU), a grassroots group formed to promote sensible managemnt and recreational use of our public lands and waters, demonstrated its mission in the Grand Marais Lions Club Fisherman's Picnic parade. More than two dozen people came together behind the ACMU banner, callling on Northland forest users to "Respect Your Neighbor."
The ACMU parade entry included the requisite candy for kids, but its purpose was much greater. The parade enty was intended to show the Arrowhead region that people of all kinds-who enjoy all sorts of recreational use of public lands-can, and do, work together.
Joining ACMU in the parade were mushers, led by Mark and Mary Black of Black Magic Kennels in Hovland; bicyclists; members of the Cook County ATV Club; members of the Cook County Ridge Riders Snowmobile Club; dirtbikers of all ages, and a motorcyclist; and a Sawtooth Mountain Saddle Club member. In an entertaining example of how different clubs work together, and ATV Club member provided "clean-up" for the horse, Darla.
ACMU wants to do more than make a statement in a parade. President Curtis Gagnon, of Grand Portage, explains, "ACMU is a group formed to represent the people of the Arrowhead region for the protection and preservation of our right and privilege to use forest and water resources as we have done for generations. We also serve as a watchdog organization to make sure that proposed federal and state regulations are reviewed and commented on to ensure that a major change in forest use policy does not go unnoticed as in the 2004 Vegetable Lakes no motorized vehicle designation."
Since its formation, ACMU has since been involved in the South Fowl Snowmobile Trail Access lawsuit, as a partner with the US Forest Service and has commented on and served as a resource for the US Forest Service Travel Management Plan and others.
Gagnon said ACMU would like to hear from Arrowhead Region residents and visitors. He encourages anyone interested to attend an upcoming ACMU meeting. Monthly meetings are held on the first Thursday of each month, at various locations in Cook County. The website has the monthly posting for the location.
"Only by working together, with all user groups, can we be a successful organization and comunity," said Gagnon.