URGE DNR TO RECONSIDER ATV TRAIL NEAR BWCAW

Friends of the Boundary Waters Wilderness, January  3 and 14, 2002

The Friends of the Boundary Waters Wilderness urges members to tell the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) that its comment period of a proposed all-terrain vehicle (ATV) trail near the BWCAW should be offered during warmer weather when the area can be viewed without snow and ice.

On Dec. 14, the DNR released its environmental assessment for the Moosewalk/Mooserun ATV Trail in Lake County .  Originally, the proposal called for 1.1 miles of trail but now the DNR is recommending ATV use on a 6.6 mile segment.  This segment will later become part of a 35 mile ATV trail system.

You are urged to contact the DNR and tell them that you are concerned about: 1) a comment period being offered during a busy holiday season when it is more difficult to generate input; 2) seeking comments during the winter when it is difficult for people to access and evaluate the proposed trail areas; and 3) the adverse environmental impact of ATV use in the area.

All comments must be sent by Jan. 23 to:

Donald Buckhout

Environmental Planner

Minnesota Department of Natural Resources

500 Lafayette Road

St. Paul , MN 55155-4010

No e-mail is accepted

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