The EDGE: Dirt from the Yurt and other Chatter from the Edge of the Boundary Waters

Pagami Creek Fire Countines to Build

2011-09-14T06:34:00.000-05:00

The Paguami Creek fire was first discovered fourteen miles east of Ely on August 18. The cause of the fire appears to be a lighting strike. With extremely dry conditions in the area and buffed by high winds the fire has now grown to over 100,000 acres. According to the fire command website, yesterday the fire made an " unprecedented 16 mile run to the east, reaching the edge of Polly Lake. The fire became a plume-driven event."

USFS officials yesterday took the unprecedented action of closing most of the BWCA entry points west of the Gunflint Trail as a precautionary measure. Many entry points in the Ely area had previously been shut down. For the latest on this fire go to http://www.inciweb.org/incident/2534

Small Wildfire Confirmed West of Poplar Lake

2011-09-11T11:55:00.000-05:00

Yesterday afternoon the USFS's Beaver airplane was spotted circling west of Poplar Lake. A check with the sheriff's office confirmed there was a small fire on Skipper Lake. Firefighters were on the scene. Stay tuned on this one!

Brule Lake Fire-2

2011-08-10T16:02:00.002-05:00

Date of Detection: The Brule Lake Fire was discovered by visitors on Brule Lake on August 8, at approximately 2:30 PM.

Location: T63N R2W Sect. 8 and 9; Very east side of Brule Lake on the north side of Brule Bay.

Fire appears to be human caused and located near the fire grate.

Current Size: Approximately ¼ acre, it is being suppressed.

Agency: USDA Forest Service Tofte Ranger District

Status: Low activity smoldering in the duff.

Resources: A two person wilderness crew and a two person fire crew are in the area at this time suppressing and mopping up. Crews are staying through the evening for observation.

Fire Information: (218) 663-8060 Tofte Ranger District Office

(218) 663-8063 Nichole Borson

Small Wildfire Reported on Brule Lake

2011-08-10T06:26:00.000-05:00

August 8, 2011

Date of Detection: The Brule Lake Fire was discovered by visitors on Brule Lake on August 8, at approximately 2:30 PM.

Fire Information: (218) 663-8060 Tofte Ranger District Office

(218) 663-8063 Nichole Borson

Byway' Timber Management Plan from USFS

2011-07-14T11:02:00.000-05:00

Dennis Neitzke, Gunflint Ranger, layout a forest timber management plan for about six miles along the Gunflint Scenic Byways- from near the South Brule River to just below Swamper Lake. To view the Forest Services management plans go to http://www.fs.fed.us/nepa/fs-usda-pop.php/?project=34282 .

The following is a letter from Neitzke announcing the program-Date: July 11, 2011-

Dear Interested Public:
I am writing to let you know about an opportunity to comment on our proposal for forest
vegetation management in the Lima Green Project Area and to invite anyone interested to attend a field trip to discuss the proposal. The location where these activities are proposed is about 12 miles north of Grand Marais, Minnesota and is displayed on the enclosed vicinity map. The proposed actions are intended to accomplish multiple objectives which are explained in the scoping report, but I’ll highlight a few of these objectives here.
One of the objectives of this project is to improve moose habitat. The Lima Green Project Area has a relatively high population of moose, even though the moose population in northeastern Minnesota is declining. Although habitat alone is not likely limiting moose numbers, providing a constant supply of shrub and small tree forage near stands of conifer trees may encourage moose survival.
Another objective of this project is to restore red and white pine. As red and white pines grow
larger, they add scenic beauty to roads and trails, offer habitat for many wildlife species and
provide timber products for the local economy. The Lima Green Project Area has some of the
highest percentages of red and white pine forest types on the Gunflint District. However, young pine rarely becomes established in the understory of these stands therefore it is important we establish young pine regeneration.
Enhancement of the long-term scenic quality of the Gunflint Trail is a third important objective of the project. Some of the tree species along the Gunflint Trail are short lived species and need some kind of disturbance to regenerate. District personnel have been working with the Gunflint Trail Scenic Byway Committee to develop actions that would improve the scenic quality, improve ecosystem health or reduce fuel hazards.
To accomplish these and other objectives, proposed activities would include intermediate and regeneration harvests, reforestation activities, prescribed burning and understory fuels reduction. Additional proposed actions include constructing and obliterating temporary roads to access units and the decommissioning of roads no longer needed.
All project objectives and proposed actions are explained in more detail in the Lima Green
Scoping Report. The report includes: the purpose and need for the project, summaries of the
proposed activities, a map of proposed activity locations, and other project information. The
Lima Green Scoping Report can be found on the Superior National Forest website at
www.fs.usda.gov/goto/superior/projects or you may request a copy from the Gunflint Ranger
District.I will be accepting your comments until August 12, 2011. You may submit your comments by writing, faxing, emailing, or calling. All comments received (including names and addresses) will become part of the project file and are public information. Please be sure to include your name, address, and the Lima Green Project name, regardless of how you submit comments. Written comments sent via mail, FAX (218-387-3246), or email must be addressed to:
Dennis Neitzke, District Ranger
ATTN: Lima Green Project
Gunflint Ranger District
2020 West Highway 61
Grand Marais, MN 55604

Wildfire Reported on Gaskin Lake

2011-06-15T10:12:00.002-05:00

BWCA - It is believed that the fire started Monday, June 13 in the evening. It is located on the peninsula near the western end of Gaskin. There is a campsite on the south side of this peninsula. South Easterly wind of up to 15 mph have resulted in some "spotting" on the north westerly shoreline. From what I am hearing the fire has burnt about three acres. Currently the USFS is only monitoring the fire. The fire is locate 3 miles south and a bit west of the westend of Poplar Lake and just north of Winchell. For addition information go to WTIP radio.

Ice-out on Poplar Lake

2011-05-11T13:43:00.000-05:00

The ice went-out on Poplar on Tuesday, May 10. Hungry Jack and must of the other Gunflint Trail mid size lakes were ice-free several days earlier. With the fishing opener scheduled for this weekend, an ice free lake is certainly welcome.

Many of the Poplar Lake summer home people are up now opening their cabins.

Dead Beat Corporations

2011-04-17T09:58:00.000-05:00

Editors Note - While this post goes again my mission to write exclusively about locate issues but after reading it, it made my blood boil and I had to post it. What do you think?

A few weeks ago, Senator Bernie Sanders released a list of the 10 companies worst at paying their fair share in taxes. We liked it, and our designer Gabe quickly put it into chart form and put it up on our website.

What happened next was exciting: Tens of thousands of people started sharing the chart on Facebook. Blogs started posting links to it. It began to really blow up—and that gave us an idea: What if we could get this popular chart in front of millions of people this weekend as they're finishing their taxes?

So here we go: We're going to try to saturate Facebook with the chart below, so that everyone sees the shameful behavior of these 10 companies. Can you join in? All you have to do is click this button to share it:

Share This on Facebook

Click here to share: Bernie Sanders' Guide to Corporate Freeloaders

Thanks for all you do,

–Peter, Eli, Alicia, Jenine, Gabriel, and the whole MoveOn.org Civic Action team

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Banadad Ski Trails Open for Seaon

2010-12-24T06:52:00.000-06:00

A big holiday present to those waiting to ski Northeast Minnesota’s Banadad Ski Trails. On December 21, trail staff finally removed the last of the brush and down trees blocking the 41 Kilometer of the Banadad Ski Trail system. According to trail staff member, Jim Raml, “while we still have a bit more clean-up of some of the ice/snow cover brush over hanging the trail, at least you can get through. The Lace Lake, Tall Pines, Knopp and 4 kilometers of the east end of the Banadad Trails are tracked. Depending on snow condition the remainder of the Banadad should be traced by mid next week.”

Opening of the trail this year was delayed do to a wind storm in October that drop many large trees into the trail and a November rain followed by snow that bent over the side brush into the trail. It took trail crews considerable more time then usual to clear the down trees and side brush.

Most of the Banadad Trails are located within the BWCA and it is the BWCA longest track ski trail. The system is centrally located along the 200 kilometer Gunflint Nordic Trail System. Maintenance and grooming of the Banadad System is provided by Poplar Creek Guesthouse B&B .

Not Every Skier Loves a Sauna

2010-12-21T06:13:00.000-06:00

For many of us, following a ski, say along the Banadad, a good sauna is a must. But then again not everyone agrees including-
"The Finn Who Would Not Take a Sauna" - by Garrison Keillor

In northeast Minnesota , what they call the Iron Range , where a woman is a woman and some things never change, where winter lasts nine months a year, there is no spring or fall,
where it gets so cold the mercury cannot be seen at all.
and you and 1, we normal folk, would shiver, shake, and chatter,
and if we used an outhouse, we would grow an extra bladder,
but even when it's coldest, when our feet would have no feeling,
those Iron Rangers get dressed up and go out snowmobiling.

Out across the frozen land and make a couple stops
at Gino's Lounge and Rudy's Bar for whiskey, beer, and schnapps
and then they go into a shack that's filled with boiling rocks
hot enough to sterilize an Iron Ranger's socks
and sit there till they steam out every sin and every foible
and then jump into a frozen lake and claim that it's enjoible.

But there was one, a shy young man, and although he was Finnish,
the joys of winter had, for him, long started to diminish.
HE WAS A FINN, THE ONLY FINN,
WHO WOULD NOT TAKE A SAUNA "
It isn't that I can't," he said, "I simply do not wanna.
To jump into a frozen lake is not my fondest wish,
for just because I am a Finn don't mean that I'm a fish."

His friends said, "Com on, Toivo! Let's go out to Sunfish Lake !
A Finn who don't take saunas? Why, there must be some mistake."
But Toivo said, "There's no mistake. I know that I would freeze
In water colder than myself (98.6degrees')."
And so he stayed close by a stove for nine months of the year
because he was so sensitive to change of temperature.

One night he went to Eveleth to attend the Miners' Ball.
(If you have not danced in Eveleth, you've never danced at all.)
He met a Finnish beauty there who turned his head around.
She was broad of beam and when she danced she shook the frozen ground.
She took that shy young man in hand and swept him off his feet
and bounced him up and down until he learned the polka beat.
She was fair as she was tall, as tall as she was wide,
and when the dance was over, he asked her to be his bride.
She looked him over carefully. She said, 'You're kinda thin.
but you must have some courage if it's true you are a Finn.
I ain't particular 'bout men. I am no prima donna.
but I would never marry one who would not take a sauna."

They got into her pickup, and down the road they drove,
and fifteen minutes later they were stoking up the stove.
She had a flask of whiskey. They took a couple toots
and went into the shack and got into their birthday suits.
She steamed him and she boiled him until his skin turned red;
she poured it on until his brains were bubbling in his head.
To improve his circulation and to soften up his hide,
she took a couple birch boughs and beat him till he cried,
"Oh, couldn't you just love me now? Oh, don't you think you can?"
She said, "It's time to step outside and show you are a man."

Straightway (because he loved her so, he thought his heart would break),
he jumped right up and out the door and ran down to the lake,
and though he paused a moment when he saw the lake was frozen
and tried to think just which snowbank his love had put his clothes in –
when he thought of Tina, Lord—that man did not think twice
but just picked up his size 12 feet and loped across the ice —
and coming to the hole that they had cut there with an ax —
putting common sense aside, ignoring all the facts —
he leaped! Oh, what a leap! And as he dove beneath the surface,
it thrilled him to his very soul, and also made him surface!
And it wasn't just the tingling he felt in every limb,
he cried: "My love! I'm finished! I forgot! I cannot swim!"

She fished him out and stood him up and gave him an embrace
to warm a Viking's heart and make the blood rush to his face.
"I love you, darling dear!" she cried. "I love you with all my might!"
and she drove him to Biwabik and married him that night
and took him down the road to Carl's Tourist Cabins
and spent a sleepless night and in the morning, as it happens,
though it was only April, it was absolutely spring,
birds, flowers, people put away their parkas and everything.
They bought a couple acres around Hibbing , up near Chisholm,
and began a life of gardening and love and Lutheranism.

And they live happily to this day, although they sometimes quarrel.
and there, I guess, the story ends, except for this, the moral.
Marriage, friends, is a lifelong feast, love is no light lunch.
You cannot dabble round the edge, but each must take the plunch.
And though marriage, like that frozen lake, may sometimes make us colder,
it has its pleasures, too, as you may find out when you're older.

Note- You will find saunas awaiting you after your ski at both the Little Ollie Cabin and the Tall Pines Yurt.

BCT to Attend Winter Expo in Minneapolis

2010-11-06T14:36:00.000-05:00

If you are looking forward to winter and live in the Twin Cities area you should plan to attend Midwest Mountaineering's annual Winter Expo . This event is scheduled for Friday, November 19 through Sunday, November 21 at Midwest Mountaineering's Store located at 309 Cedar Ave, Minneapolis, and in large tents erected behind the store. We at Boundary Country Trekking (BCT) will have a booth at the show and will be providing information about our winter Nordic Skiing program- including, ski and snowshoe vacations at the Poplar Creek Guesthouse B&B and Ski-in Cabins, Yurt to Yurt and lodge to Lodge Skiing, and of course skiing the BWCA's longest tracked trail the Banadad.

As for the Banadad- this year the Banadad Trail Association with the assistances of volunteers from the Minnesota Conservation Corp (YCC), North Star Ski Touring Club and local skiers has spent a lot of time clearing the Banadad. The trail is perhaps in the best pre-season condition that it has been in years. We now are ready for snow. Let it come!

Attending the show for BCT will be Ted Young and his daughter Karla Miller. They would love to have you attend the show and stop at BCT's booth to say hi!

This announcement is brought to you by Boundary Country Trekking providing secluded lodging and Adventure Vacations on Minnesota's Gunflint Trail, BWCA, the Iron Range and Lake Superior's North Shore. For additional information go to Boundary Country or call 800-322-8327.

Banadad Ski Trail Survives Forest Service Burn

2010-10-27T11:23:00.002-05:00

Banadad Ski Trail Survives Forest Service Burns

Gunflint Trail – During the week of October 17^th the Gunflint District, U.S. Forest Services ignited the 1626 acres Meads and the 1963 acres Dawkins Lakes prescribed burns within the BWCA. Seven miles of the twenty-mile Banadad Ski Trail pass through these burns.

Following the burns Banadad Trail Association members and volunteers were out in force clearing the Banadad Trail. Twenty-five volunteers, worked 250 hours, clearing over thirteen miles of trails, including the portion of the trail that ran through the Forest Service’s burn areas. Trail clearing work was coordinated with the Forest Service. Volunteers report only a one-third mile section along the trail suffered any major fire damage. On the remainder of the trail, only a few scattered small spot burns were found. According to the trail crews most of the trail was found to be in excellent shape.

Old Growth Cedars Burned by Forest Service in Mead Burn

However, one crew did report that along side the trail a large beautiful area of old growth cedar just north of the 2000-foot burned-over area was destroyed by the fire.

In addition to the Banadad Trail Association members, work crews included members of the Twin Cities North Star Ski Touring Club; North Star has helped maintain the trail for many years. Joining the volunteers on Saturday were two Forest Service crews charged with the responsibility of removing the down trees across the trail within the burn areas. Ten miles of the Banadad, the one-mile Tall Pines Trail and most of the three-mile Lace Lake Trail were cleared and pronounced ready for skiing.

The Banadad Trail Association's Second Annual Meeting was held at Poplar Creek Guesthouse B&B in conjunction with the trail clearing. Officers elected at the Annual Meeting were Linda Bosma, Minneapolis, President, Andrew Jenks, Stillwater, Vice President, Kate Kelnburger, West Bearskin Lake, Treasurer, and Barbara Bottger, Hungry Jack Lake, Secretary. Rounding out this year’s Board as At-Large members are: John Bottger, Hungry Jack Lake; Wayne Monsen, Stillwater; Chris Matter, Hudson, Wisconsin; Peter Spink, Poplar Lake; Tom Rice, Minneapolis, Anne Rykken, St. Paul and Karla Miller, Duluth. Association members thanked Karen Monsen, the Association’s first president, for leading the organization through its initial two years.

As part of the Annual Meeting’s program the Association’s web manager, Tom Rice, treated those presented to a slide show on the weekend’s trail clearing. Ending the meeting was an outrageously hilarious skit entitled “the Loony Divas” staged by two members of the Association. Following the meeting a potluck dinner was held.

The Banadad Trail Association formed two years ago to preserve, maintain, and protect the Banadad Ski Trail, the longest tracked ski trail in the Boundary Waters. The Association’s growing membership is made up of skiers, businesses, and individuals who want to ensure that the Trail continues to be a resource for skiers into the future. According to Bosma, the Association’s new president, “I look forward to working with all our neighbors and partners in the coming year to implement the Banadad's Trail Plan, increase our membership, and continue the work of the Association. We are very grateful to all the volunteers who worked on the Trail this weekend. The Banadad is in great shape! We are ready for the snow and this year’s ski season.”

For additional information about Banadad Trail Association and the Trail go to www.banadad.org.

Gunflint Trail History Buffs

2010-09-24T10:52:00.003-05:00

Cook County's radio station, WTIP aired a great show that if you are interested in Gunflint History you should listen to.. The tape mainly focuses on the Paulson Iron ore mine near Gunflint Lake. To view the images that go along with the audio tap click on http://www.wtip.org/drupal/content/history-speaks-rails-mines-madams-and-crooks then go to the audio and sit back and enjoy.

Gunflinlt Trail Plein Air Fall Celebration

2010-09-23T08:22:00.001-05:00

Gunflint Trail Fall

Plein Air Celebration

Sunday, October 3

11 am to 4 pm

View Gunflint art work, meet the artists and enjoy Taste of Fall at participating Lodges. Taste treats include- Walleye chowder, glazed ham, bread pudding, squash pie, salsa pickles, wine and cheese, and more! Each participating lodge will be displaying art work and serving their own special recipe for you to enjoyment

Art work is for sale. The event is free.

Fire on Lizard Lake- Update 2

2010-08-30T11:09:00.000-05:00

The following information on the Lizard Lake fire was posted by the Forest Service this morning:

NEWS RELEASE
Superior National Forest
August 30, 2010, 8:00 am
Lizard Lake Fire - Gunflint Ranger District
Situation Update – Monday, August 30, 2010
The weather Sunday was a mirror image of conditions on Saturday. The winds were strong 10 to 15 miles per hour with gusts to 25 miles per hour, temperatures were warm, and relative humidity was low. Despite this, the fire perimeter remained relatively the same. The overall fire size increased about 6 acres and the total fire area is estimated at 51 acres. The fire is very patchy with islands of unburned vegetation interspersed within the burn. Large water dropping aircraft, CL215s worked the north and east perimeters of the fire again on Sunday and were very effective in containing the spread of the fire in those directions. Weather conditions for Monday are expected to be similar as to what the fire has experienced over the past several days but the relative humidity is expected to be a little higher and there is an increasing chance of precipitation on Monday and Tuesday. The fire did receive some moisture overnight about 0.17 inches, the relative humidity is about 97 percent and winds are light.
Water dropping aircraft will be used again on Monday to cool the northern and eastern perimeter of the fire in preparation for another day of hot, windy weather.
Nature and Cause of IncidentSmoke was spotted on 8/26/10 by USFS fire personnel traveling on the Gunflint Trail. The origin of the fire is believed to be a lightning strike from a thunderstorm 7 – 10 days ago.
Location – Size - Fuels
The fire is in the BWCAW approximately 1 ½ miles north of Long Island Lake; 1 mile south of Dawkins Lake. The size is estimated at 45 acres at this time. Fuels in the vicinity include lowland conifers, tamarack and white spruce.
The fire is not near canoe travel routes and is not a threat to visitor safety or structures. The closest portages are: the Rib Lake to Lower George Lake Portage which is approximately ¾ mile to the west; and the Lower George to Karl Lake Portage which is approximately 1.5 miles to the SW. There are no closures or restrictions in the BWCAW as a result of this fire and none are anticipated.
Management Strategy
Vegetation in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness is part of a fire adapted ecosystem. This fire is being managed to allow fire to play its natural role in the wilderness.
Contact Information
For current conditions:
check the Superior National Forest (SNF) web site, www.fs.usda.gov/superior;
SNF Information on Boreal News at: www.boreal.org.;
or call the Gunflint Office at 218-387-1750.

Aw Wilderness- What Good are Wilderness Trails if they are Not Maintained?

2010-08-29T08:46:00.003-05:00

An Op Ed article in yesterday’s New York Times by Ted Stroll, a San Jose, Californian lawyer, caught my eye. Stroll argues in the article, “Aw Wilderness” that “despite millions of people who have visited the country’s national parks, forests and wildernesses this summer, the Forest Service has become increasingly strict in its enforcement of the Wilderness Act. The result may be more pristine lands, but the agency’s zealous enforcement has also heightened safety risks and limited access to America’s wilderness areas.”

In the article Stroll reminds us of the death of skier in 1970 who became lost on the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness’ (BWCA) Kek Trail. As a result the Forest Service put up signage to help mark the trail but then removed their signs claiming their interpretation of the Wilderness and BWCA Acts prohibited signs in the BWCA. The result as Stroll reminds us- last year two experience hikers became lost on the same trail.

However while Stroll argues they became lost do to the lack of trail signs, I believe that in this case it was not only the lack of signage along the trail but also, and perhaps more importantly, due to the Forest Services’ failure to maintain the trail. Luckily the lost hikers were located but only after an extensive and, I might add, a very expensive search operation conducted by the Forest Service and local law enforcement.

Over the years maintenance of the trails within the BWCA has been sadly neglected. The Forest Service, who is charged with the responsibility, tells you they do not have the resources to get the job done. Current Forest Service interprets of Wilderness legislation prohibit the use of any power equipment for maintenance within Wilderness areas. I would argue that, given the limited availability of Funds it is hard to understand how the Forest Service can come up with sufficient resources if all their wilderness maintenance must be done using only non-mechanical equipment.

A case in point- most of the 21 miles Banadad Ski Trail is located within the BWCA where maintenance most be done using hand tools and travel to remote work sites must be done on foot. As a result the cost/mile to maintain most of the Banadad is about $2000/mile. This cost if power equipment were allowed would easily be cut in half and the work could be done in November when no one is using the Boundary Waters.

To me it makes more sense to allow the use power equipment for maintenance within the wilderness areas i.e., BWCA, when appropriate, and where this use would reduce the maintenance cost. If such equipment were allowed the Forest Service could reduce their maintenance cost, and provide the public with safer and more usable trails.

Fire on Lizard Lake- 1/2 Mile South West of Banadad Trail

2010-08-27T14:36:00.000-05:00

Smoke was spotted on Aug. 26 by United States Forest Service (USFS) fire personnel traveling on the Gunflint Trail. The origin of the fire is believed to be a lighting strike from a thunderstorm 7 to 10 days ago.

The fire is in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness approximately 1.5 miles north of Long Island Lake and 1 mile south of Dawkins Lake. The fire is less than a quarter acre in size and is currently smoldering on the ground with no open flames. Fuels in the vicinity include lowland conifers, tamarack and white spruce.

According to the USFS the fire is not near canoe travel routes and is not a threat to public safety or structures. The closest portages are Rib Lake to Lower George Lake which is approximately three-quarters of a mile to the west; and Lower George to Karl Lake Portage which is approximately 1.5 miles to the southwest.

The USFS says its current management strategy is to monitor the fire by air over the next several days. ShareThis

Only in Nordern Minnesnowta - Photo is Fake

2010-07-17T07:40:00.001-05:00

Photo of Moose in harness according to Snope is fake- go to http://www.snopes.com/photos/animals/workmoose.asp for additional information

MINNESOTA CLYDESDALE

Believe it or Not! This logger raised this abandoned moose calf with his horses and trained it to haul logs. With a ton of muscles and splayed , gripping hooves, the logger claims this moose is the best work animal he has. The secret to keeping the moose around is a sweet salt lick. However, during the rot the moose does tent to disappear for a few weeks but he always comes how.

Grand Opening Gunflint Trail's Chick-Wauk Museum and Nature Center

2010-07-02T06:54:00.002-05:00

Grand Opening Chik-Wauk Museum and Nature Center July 4, 2010 - Allow driving, parking, and shuttle time of 2 or more hours from Grand Marais. (Gates open at 11 AM) - Car-pooling is strongly recommended. Parking Flaggers in orange vests will be stationed at County Rd 81 (Moose Pond Drive), County Rd 11 (Sag Lake Trail) and Trail’s End Campground, giving instructions for parking and shuttles. - Drivers should watch for ‘Flagger Ahead’ signs, slow down, stop, listen to and carefully follow directions. - Each parking area will be filled completely in a pre-determined order. - Shuttle vans and buses will move people from the parking areas to the special event tent at Chik-Wauk. Special accommodation is provided for anyone with a disability or impaired mobility. Please ask a flagger for instructions. July 4 Schedule - 11 AM Gates open - attendees will be assigned a "tour number" - To avoid traffic we suggest you arrive early and & bring a picnic lunch. Picnic tables are available. - 1 PM Ceremony begins “under the big top” - Key note speaker: Jim Sanders, Superior National Forest Supervisor, USDA Forest Service - Ribbon-Cutting - Museum tours in small groups - Cake & beverages - Hike the trails Chik-Wauk Museum & Nature Center 28 Moose Pond - 57 miles “Up the Gunflint Trail” from Grand Marais, MN 55604 218-388-9915 info@chikwauk.com

Artist Wanted for the Gunflint Trail Plein Air Summer

2010-06-24T12:21:00.000-05:00

Sign-up Anytime-

From: Tuesday June 15, 2010 at 12 Noon

Until: Friday, October 15, 2010 at 11:30 PM.

The Gunflint Trail’s Plein Air Summer is open to all artist (painters) who want to participate.- Sign in at anytime during the event at Trail Center Lodge 8am-9pm Mon-Sun. Artist participants will be given a small packet with an ID card, list of incentives from businesses along the trail and information about the event and show.

Art works categories:
1) Water- Rain, Falls, River, Lakes
2) Landscape
3) Wildlife
4) Buildings
5) People

Artist may enter one painting from each category.

A show/sale of your work will be held on the Gunflint in October 2010. Participating artist will receive complementary wine and food during the October Show/Sale
More info soon, place of show will depend on number of paintings entered.

There are no fees involved for the Artists. Any sales that take place will go directly through the artist and buyer.

You will be welcome to showcase your work at several different Lodges during the summer. For sale or not. Casual Artist meet up - every Friday and Sunday morning. 8 am -10 am at Trail Center Lodge. Catch up with old friends and make new!

This is a very casual event. Please come paint the beautiful Gunflint Trail and enjoy a free show of your work at the end of the summer season.

INCENTIVES FOR PARTICIPATING ARISTS ONLY!-Contact each resort for details

Trail Center 1-218-388-2214
free restaurant beverages,display and or sell work
Bearskin Lodge 1-218-388-2292
discounted lodging,display and or sell work, discounted boat rentals and free beverages for painters
Cross River/Moosehorn Lodge 1-218-388-2233
35% discount on Lodging,snacks and drinks available for Artists at no charge
Clearwater Lodge
welcome to paint on property, free coffee and hot chocolate
Golden Eagle Lodge 1-800-346-2203
free coffee and a homemade cookie
Windigo Lodge 1-218-388-2222
15% discount for lodging, 10% discount on food in restaurant/bar
Poplar Creek Guesthouse Bed and Breakfast
is offering to artist participating in the Gunflint Trail's Plein Air- 20% off lodging with scrumptious breakfasts, at our Bed and Breakfast. Two nights minimum stay.
Old Northwoods Lodge 1-218-388-9464
Stop in for a friendly hello and a free cup of coffee

Additional Information Contact- Sarah Hamilton, Trail Center Lodge, Gunflint Trail- 218-388-2214
trailctr@boreal.org

Loons and the Oil Spill

2010-06-14T14:31:00.000-05:00

By Marshall Helmberger-Timberjay Newspapaer Tower MN- The unprecedented oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico may seem a long way from the lakes of northern Minnesota. Yet the effects of that extraordinary environmental disaster will find their way to the region, and the impacts could be apparent as early as next spring.

Residents of northern Minnesota’s lake country could well find their lakes considerably quieter than usual next year, fallout from the dramatic loss of bird life that is inevitable in the wake of the largest oil spill in the nation’s history. Among the most vulnerable species is the one most identified with northern Minnesota, the common loon.

Minnesota is home to by far the largest population of common loons in the lower 48 states, with an estimated 12,000 adults in the state during the summer months. And while Minnesota’s loon habitat remains intact and healthy, the state’s loon population could be especially vulnerable to the effects of the oil spill. That’s because a large percentage of Minnesota’s loons winter on the Gulf Coast.
According to Pam Perry, a loon expert with the DNR’s Nongame Wildlife Program, the bulk of the state’s loons are believed to winter in the Gulf, along the coast of Florida. While Florida beaches have yet to see any major impact from the spill, the expanding spill is already encroaching on near-shore areas in and along the Florida panhandle.

Recent history has demonstrated that loons are extremely vulnerable to the effects of oil spills. An estimated 400 loon deaths were documented in 1996 as a result of an 828,000 gallon oil spill off the coast of Rhode Island. A 2003 oil spill in Buzzards Bay in Massachusetts, was estimated to have killed 200 loons. The Exxon Valdez spill killed an estimated 375,000 seabirds and other waterfowl and according to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, loon populations in that area had yet to recover from the effects of the spill as much as 15 years later.

Yet even the Exxon Valdez spill is likely to be dwarfed in comparison to the ongoing spill in the Gulf. The blown- out British Petroleum well is believed to be emitting between 750,000-1 million gallons of oil per day. That spill is now in its seventh week, and given the failure of recent containment efforts, it could well be months before the leak can be plugged. BP is now indicating it may have a relief well completed by August. That well should relieve the pressure at the existing one long enough to allow the company to plug the hole created during the April 20 explosion aboard the drilling rig Deepwater Horizon

The Gulf spill is already estimated to be nearly four times as large as the 11 million gallon Exxon Valdez spill in Alaska in 1989, which had been the largest on record in the U.S. prior to this year. If the well continues to discharge oil until August, the BP spill could surpass 100 million gallons and create an unprecedented environmental crisis just as hundreds of thousands of North American waterfowl, including loons, terns, white pelicans, cormorants and numerous species of ducks and geese are descending on the Gulf for the winter.
“We really don’t what the impact will be,” said Perry. “This is going to be a huge disaster for a long time, but right now, we’re in a wait and see mode.”

Spill could take biggest toll on immature loons.

While Minnesotans focus their attention on the impact to loons currently residing in the state, a future generation of Minnesota’s loons is most at risk, and has likely already been harmed by the spill. That’s because, unlike many birds, loons don’t reach maturity until age three or four. Until that point, many don’t return to northern lakes, remaining, instead, in the Gulf region year-round. Exactly where Minnesota loons spend their time isn’t entirely clear, said Perry. “No one studies them down there. Pretty much all they do is bob out in the waves and eat fish.”

That is behavior that has already put many two and three-year old loons at risk from the oil spill and its effects. And Perry worries that oil isn’t the only threat to loons. She said she is especially concerned about the effects of BP’s widespread use of dispersant chemicals, which emulsify the oil and make it more likely to enter the food chain. Once that happens, the concentrations of the toxic chemicals will be amplified as they accumulate up the food chain, much as happens with mercury, DDT, and other environmental toxins.
Recovery could be slow

While many species of birds and other wildlife can respond quickly to population declines, some species, like loons, have shown they can be slow to recover from decreases in their numbers. That’s true, in part, because loons are slow to mature and because they rarely raise more than one or two chicks per year. Loons can live about thirty years in the wild, and such longevity allows loons to maintain their populations even with a slow rate of reproduction. But when an environmental disaster wipes out a significant number of loons, a slow breeding strategy means recovery can take a long time.

Forest Service Lifts Fire Restrictions

2010-05-14T07:40:00.000-05:00

As a result of yesterday's rain the following email was received from, Donna Hart, USFS Gunflint Ranger District, Grand Marais, "Effective today, Friday May 14 at noon (12:00 p.m. ) the fire restrictions are liffed, Fires are allowed anywhere, anytime."

This means both inside and outside the BWCA campfires are now allowed.

Banadad Sequesters Carbon in Tree Planting

2010-05-10T09:14:00.000-05:00

Tree Planting along the Banadad

The Banadad Trail Association, friends and neighbors this spring are planting six hundred red and white pines and 100 white spruce trees in previously logged and “blow-down” areas along the eastern end of the Banadad Ski Trail and around Little Ollie Lake. Some 350 trees went into the ground over this past weekend. The remaining trees are planned to be planted during this week by local members of the Association, guests and staff at Poplar Creek Guesthouse B&B. As in previous years, the tree planting is a way for the Banadad Trail Association to insure that the maintenance and grooming of the trail remains carbon neutral. Similarly Poplar Creek B&B, in joining with the Association in this project, is seeking to sequester the carbon produced by the use of its vehicles in these new tree
This weekend project was injunction with the Gunflint annual Green-Up.. The year’s event attracted some two hundred participants who in addition to the tree planting along the Banadad began clearing the underbrush, called –releasing’” around trees previously planted during the event in past years.

Earliest Ice Out on Poplar Lake

2010-04-07T06:25:00.001-05:00

Yesterday, April 6 marks the earliest day that the ice went out on Poplar Lake in our record history. Prior to this year the earliest the ice went out was on April 16 in 2005 and 2006. Between 1990 and 2000 the ice went out six times during May with the latest May 22. After the year 2000 the ice has gone out six times in April and three time in May.

Spring is arriving quite early this year- our first robin was spotted over the weekend of March 26 by guest at Poplar Creek Guesthouse B&B and we have seen many more since then. Trees buds are ready to burst open and the creeks are open and flowing.

Ice Conditions on the Gunflint's Lakes

2010-04-03T07:41:00.002-05:00

Last night the ice went out in Little Ollie Lake. Most of the smaller lakes along the Gunflint Trail have also become ice free in the last few day. This is the earliest ice out anyone along the Gunflint can ever remember for these lakes. Looking at the weather prediction for continue above average temperature it is likely the rest of the lakes will lose their ice in the next week or two.

Important Gunflint Trail Plan Up for Review

2010-03-10T09:25:00.000-06:00

Ted Young, Gunflint Trail-For Gunflint Trail residents and those that care about the Trail, I urge you to review the draft Scenic Byway' Committee's Vegatative Management Plan. After reading the Plan you have until March 18 to send your comments on the Plan into the Scenic Byways Committee's author Jim Raml.

The Plan's purpose is to be used as a" supplement to the Gunflint Trail Scenic Byway Corridor Management Plan and serve as a stakeholder-developed framework for the preservation and enhancement of the natural and historic vegetation of the scenic byway.A primary purpose of this plan is to serve as a reference and guide for committee members. It is foreseen that this plan will be used by committee members to work with governmental agencies in the development of ongoing vegetation policy and projects conducted on public lands within the byway corridor. This plan will also be used as a source for the development of educational materials for all stakeholders, including visitors."

Exciting Dog Sled Event-Mush for a Cure March 12-13

2010-02-10T05:21:00.002-06:00

Gunflint Trail, Grand Marais, MINNESOTA ─ If you thought the Beargrease Marathon was fun to watch then you will love the Mush for a Cure Sled Dog Fundraiser on Minnesota’s Gunflint Trail. Mushers and their dog teams cloaked in pink begin the event at a mass start on Gunflint Lake on Saturday, March 13th. It’s a sourdough start where mushers wait for the sound of the shotgun signal while tucked inside of their sleeping bag. They hop out of their bags, struggle to get their boots on, hook up their dogs and begin the fun run to Trail Center on Poplar Lake.

The best thing about Mush for a Cure is everyone is a winner. Last year’s participants and spectators raised over $25,000 for the National Breast Cancer Foundation. Spectators are treated to an up close and personal look at the sport of dog mushing during the Mush for a Cure. While competitors at the Beargrease are tense and protective of their dog teams participants of the Mush for a Cure are relaxed and ready for fun. It’s a winter carnival like atmosphere at both the start and finish line making it a fun-filled all day long event for people of all ages. Everyone gets involved for the cause by wearing their pink in hopes of winning the best pink costume competition. The public is welcome at all of the Mush for a Cure festivities.

The Pink Pasta Party on Friday night will include Hair Cuts for a Cure and live music at Trail Center. There will be games galore on Poplar Lake Saturday while mushers and skijorers make their way to the finish line. The fun doesn’t stop at sundown it just moves into Trail Center for another evening of live music and dancing. You won’t want to miss a minute of the excitement so plan to spend the weekend of March 12-13th on Minnesota’s Gunflint Trail during the 4th Annual Mush for a Cure Fundraiser.
Mush for a Cure When: Friday, March 12th and Saturday, March 13, 2010 Where: 5:00pm Cuts for a Cure begin on Friday at Trail Center during the Pink Pasta Party 12:00 Noon start Gunflint Pines Resort on Gunflint Lake. Finish at Trail Center Lodge on Poplar Lake on the historic Gunflint Trail. Length of Fun Run: 24 miles Entry Fee: $50.00 - The mandatory entry fee for mushers and skijorers to cover the cost of insurance, trail permits & other expenses. Pledge money to be collected at registration the day of the event. Team size: 5-8 dogs Type of start: Sourdough / Shot Gun Start. Mushers hop out of their sleeping bags, put on their boots and hitch up their team before taking off down Gunflint Lake.

Parking: Due to parking limitations at the start location the Mush for a Cure Fun Run is limited to 50 teams. Visit MushForACure.com and click on the “Reserve a Parking Space” or e-mail info@MushForACure.com for more information. Pledging: All donations should be made payable to Mush for a Cure. Reserve your Lodging: Visit Gunflint-Trail.com or call (888) 922-5000. Racer Registration, Pledging, Sponsorship information: Mary Black at info@MushForACure.com or call Tel. (218)370-9063 http://www.mushforacure.com.

Storm Clearing Continues on the Banadad

2010-02-04T06:29:00.000-06:00

Trail Alert- Portions of the Banadad Ski Trail remain closed due to the accumulating on alder brush and small trees caving them into the trail and making the trail impassable. Crews of two to four people composed of Boundary Country Trekking's staff, members of the Banadad Trail Association and other Gunflint Trail residents have been out daily clearing the trail but the going is slow, wet and cold. It has been taking the crews four to five hours per mile to clear the brush. Thus far the Lace Lake and Tall Pines Trails are open and tracked. Twenty kilometers of the Banadad's thirty kilometers have been cleared. It is expected that the remainder of the Banadad should be cleared and re-opened by Februrary 10. Stay tuned folks!

Pat Shunn, ambassador of Sag Lake landing, dies

2010-01-31T11:51:00.000-06:00

Sam Cook - 01/29/2010 -The ambassador of Sag Lake landing, the woman who always had an open door, a good story and fresh cookies, died Monday in Cloquet. Pat Shunn Patsy, "Chickadee," Grandma was 69. "She was a part of Sag, and she always will be," said fishing guide Mike Berg, who lives on nearby gull Creek. From about 1985 to 2007, Pat rolled Cook County's two parking lots at Saganaga Lake's public boat landings. She was the tiny woman with the frizzy hair and the orange vest who greeted nearly everyone coming and going on the popular lake. "It was a big deal," Berg said. "She made a lot of people laugh and smile. Her presence there was great." I was privileged know Pat and her husband, Frank, visiting many times through the years, staying at their home on occasion and fishing with Frank. If I wanted to know what was happening at the end of the road or just needed a "Sag fix," I'd call Pat and Frank. Sometimes, Pat didn't wait for me to call her. She would call me if she thought there was something I needed to know.

Pat had one ear on the scanner radio that suawked in the kitchen and another on the CB radio that kept remote Sag Lake residents in touch with each other. Her CB handle was "Chickadee," and this bird knew every detail of life at the tip of the trail. Pat and Frank's door was always open, and Pat usually had fresh cookies waiting. "She was one of the most giving people ever. She always had a cup of coffee for you," said UPS driver Bill Simonowicz of Grand Marais. The Shunns' home was near the end of Simonowicz'
60-mile run up the Gunflint Trail. "I'd stop in for coffee. They were almost like mom and dad," Simonowicz said. "She always had stories or jokes," said Cook county deputy sheriff Tim Weitz, another regular
visitor. Pat loved her fishing guides, too, Berg said. They called her "Grandma." She gave them cookies and often left little notes on their windshields at the public landings. Pat and Frank had moved from Cloquet to the end of the Gunflint Trail in 1973 and lived there until 2007, when the Ham Lake forest fire took their home on a dge above Saganaga Lake. They had worked for and of the Trail Lodge on Saganaga and later for
Borderland Lodge on Gunflint Lake.

"She was the funnest employee we had," said Nick Helm of Hayward, who owned End of the Trail Lodge
in the late 1970s. "To Patsy, life was just a bowl of cherries." But it was her presence at the parking lot that
defined Pat's later years. She loved to talk, and she engaged nearly everyone who passed through. Woe be to the visitor, though, who failed to disconnect his boat trailer from his pickup or otherwise parked in an unacceptable manner. Let's just say Pat was not hesitant to point out the correct parking procedures at her lots. "She considered herself kind of a cop," Helm said. "She liked the uniform." Under that sometimes brusque exterior was a woman with a huge heart and a deep love for the little community at the
end of the trail. I think a lot of us who are a few years behind Pat and Frank on life's path felt the same way that Berg and Simonowicz and Weitz felt, that Pat was like a mother hen, always welcoming us back to her nest, always sending us out happier than we arrived.That modest home on top of the ridge that Frank
built himself, in the dark that first winter, was an oasis of light and warmth where we were always
welcome. "When the real world was clickin'," Berg said, "you'd get to Pat's and the world would
stand still. And that was a good thing."

Down the hill, at the Sag landing, the anglers and paddlers still come and go without Pat's
presence. She and Frank had returned to Cloquet after the fire. But perhaps, Weitz suggested, her
legacy should be memorialized at Sag. "They should maybe change the name of that landing," he said. Pat Shunn Landing. With a little plaque, maybe, where we deposit our parking fees. So we could all hold on to her a little longer.

SAM COOK is a Duluth News Tribune columnist and

outdoors writer. Reach him at (218) 723-5332 or

scook@duluthnews.com. Follow him on Twitter at "samcookoutdoors."

Volk Ski Spcial- January 23 for Team Banadad

2010-01-13T08:54:00.001-06:00

Cook County’s Volk Ski –400 on January 23

Cook County, between the Gunflint Trail’s three Ski systems, the North Shore and Pincushion Trails, has over four hundred kilometers of groomed trails. To highlight these trails, on Saturday January 23 the county is conducting the Volk Ski 400. Each of the county’s’ ski areas are being asked to have skiers ski their entire system. As part of the event contributions will be accepted to support Pancreatic Cancer Research.

We think this is a great event and it should be lots of fun. You can join in the fun by becoming part of the Banadad’s Volk Ski relay by joining- Team Banadad. Skiers on Team Banadad will each ski a portion of the Banadad’s 39 kilometers. . You choose the portion of the Banadad you wish to ski and hopefully together the team will be able to cover the entire trail system.

Lodging along the Banadad Ski Trail at Poplar Creek Guesthouse B&B and Cabins available at 30% off and Boundary Country Trekking will pay the $10 registration fee for all Team Banadad participants. All participants will each receive a colorful T-shirt. While this is not a race, skiers will be asked to time their treks. Times will then be posted that day at Poplar Creek Guesthouse and on www.volksskifest.com website.

Also Donations will be accepted for Pancreatic Cancer Research at trail check-in areas and a Volks Ski 400 pin is your gift for your donation. Skiers are encouraged to dress in purple to show your support!

To Sign up for Team Banadad email us at bct@boundarycountry.com or call 218-388-4487.

Category: News, meetings and events | Comments Off | Edit

Cook County's Septic Systems and the State PCA

2010-01-05T13:10:00.000-06:00

From- wtip on Tue, 01/05/2010 - 12:02pm- For months Cook County has been reviewing its sewage treatment system ordinance. A study committee has submitted recommendations and one public hearing has been held. The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency wanted counties to have revised ordinances in place by early February.

Now MPCA has a new list of rule changes. “The stack of rule changes is bigger than our draft ordinance,” said Planning and Zoning Officer Tim Nelson.
A second public hearing tentatively set for this month has been scrapped while Cook County and many other counties in the state review their options. According to Nelson county planning association members have met to discuss the new changes and there is no consistency in their response.
Nelson said some counties have elected to meet the February deadline and make adjustments later; others have decided to wait until they have an opportunity to process the rule changes. In any event, it appears MPCA will not enforce its original February deadline.
Nelson said he will bring a summary of the rule changes that affect Cook County to the county board meeting on Jan. 12. A second public hearing will not be scheduled until after another re-write of the ordinance is complete.

First Tracks on Banadad

2009-12-22T04:29:00.000-06:00

The Banadad from the east end trailhead to Lizz lake Portage 2.5 KM - very good to excellent tracked skiing. Seppala and west side of Tall Pines Trails tracked with fair skiing. Remainder of Banadad Trail System packed ski able but awaiting more snow to track.

Boundary Country Install New Yurt Along Banadad

2009-11-10T06:04:00.000-06:00

Skiers traveling the BWCA's Banadad Ski Trail this winter will be greeted midway along the trail by new overnight accommodates.
A new twenty foot yurt was erected earlier this fall at Bedew Lake. The new yurt replaces Olga's hut and will serve as the main lodging at the camp. Olga's Yurt will accommodate up to six guest and also provide dining facility for the camp. The older Croft yurt will provide additional lodging for another four guests.

It is expected that as usual the Banadad Ski Trail should be open by December 15 and the yurts at Bedew Lake will then be officially open for guests traveling the trail.

Early Snow on the Gunflint

2009-10-11T04:51:00.005-05:00

First snow of the season! Over the last two days the mid-Gunflint Trail area has registered about three and one-half inches of snow. More is predicted through Monday. But don't break-out your skis just yet. The trails still need more work; the swamps and ponds along the trails are not frozen and it is quite likely we will have some more warm weather before we finally settle into our winter season sometime around mid November.

Meteorite Impact Evidence Site Tour on Gunflint

2009-09-10T05:01:00.001-05:00

Mark Jirsa, University of MN Geologist, will be leading an
interpretive walk to two Sudbury meteorite impact evidence sites on
Monday, September 21. Meet at the gravel pit on the Gunflint Narrows
Road (formerly Warren's Road) at 4:15 PM. (We will car-pool, if
necessary, to the parking area, then walk to the sites off the road.)

Mark will give a presentation later that day at 6:30 PM, at Gunflint
Lodge's conference center.

These sites are of great significance in the world of geology. The sites are
quickly becoming grown over, post-fire, so now is the time to view
and learn about this.

>From the University of MN Geology Department web site:

"In 2007, a layer of rock was discovered in Minnesota that is
thought to have formed during the Sudbury meteorite impact event.
The layer is exposed near GUNFLINT LAKE, nearly 500 miles west
of the impact site at Sudbury. It is sandwiched between
the Gunflint Iron Formation below, and slate of the Rove Formation
above. Both of these formations were deposited as muddy,
oceanic sediments. Nearly a billion years later, these rocks were
intruded by magma (Logan Intrusion) as part of a major continental
rifting event."

For more information go to:
http://talc.geo.umn.edu/mgs/meteoriteimpact.pdf (a fairly large pdf
file, so allow a bit of time for it to load)

Mark has updates of findings which have been made since the initial
discovery in 2007.

Gunflint Trail Forest Planning - Draft Plan

2009-08-26T07:27:00.001-05:00

The Gunflint Trail Scenic Byway Committee is in the process of
developing a Vegetation Management Plan which will be referenced by
various agencies in managing the vegetation along the Gunflint Trail
in the future.

The public is invited to an open house at the Gunflint Conference
Center on Gunflint Lake on Thursday, August 27th, at 3:30.

The purpose of this open house is to give the public an opportunity
to share ideas about the visual appearance of trees and plants along
the roadway.

The draft of phase I of the plan can be found by clicking on
"Vegetation Management Plan" on the right column at
www.gunflinttrailscenicbyway.com

For more information call 388-2273.

Conservation Corp takes on the Banadad

2009-08-23T12:20:00.001-05:00

A five-person crew from the Minnesota Conservation Corp (MCC) spent eight tough days widening the remote interior of the Banadad Ski Trail. The crew hiked in from the west end trailhead, setting up camp at the bench midway to the Bedew Lake Yurt Camp. After several days clearing the trail on either side of their camp, the crew then moved onto Bedew where the sent several more days widening the trail from the yurts to the midtrail junction. When they finally hike out from Bedew the crew had widen two full miles and cleared many down trees blocking the eight miles of the trail they covered.

It is speculated that the down trees were the result of a nasty hail-wind storm cell that hit the western end of the Banadad on August 13. Luckily it appears the storm missed the trail’s eastern end.

Now with this year’s work by MCC some eight remote interior miles of the Banadad have been widen over the last four years. Yet to be widened is about one and one-half more miles some of which it is anticipated will be taken-on this fall.

Gunflint's Bridal Falls Adventure

2009-08-17T06:38:00.002-05:00

Looking for an adventurous hike along the Gunflint? You might want to consider going into Bridal Falls. Recently guests from Taunton, Minnesota, and staying at the Little Ollie Cabin took on the challenge. is located on the far south eastern end of Gunflint Lake. It is long hike in along the Border Route Trail. Plan a full day if you want to take in this adventure.

Locate just to the east of the falls is the remains of the old "cord-wood" railroad trestle . First used by the Pigeon River Lumber Company as part of a railroad side spur called the Gunflint & Lake Superior Railroad from Little Gunflint Lake, 3 and ½ miles to Crab Lake in 1903. For several years this logging venture succeeded in shipping a rich harvest of timber from the Crab Lake area onto the mills in Port Arthur. In more recent times the trestle became part of the snowmobile route between Loon and Gunflint Lake. The trestle began burning in the recent Ham Lake Fire and is still smolders. Remains of the trestle are still visable.

REMINDER FOR SAFE BERRY PICKING ON SUPERIOR NATIONAL FOREST

2009-08-01T10:41:00.000-05:00

July 29, 2009 -- People picking berries on the Superior National
Forest should be aware that spot application of herbicide to control
invasive plants may occur on some roadsides within the Forest. As
part of a Forest Service-wide effort to manage exotic and
rapidly-spreading (non-native invasive) plants, Forest Supervisor
Jim Sanders signed a decision in 2006 that allows for management of
non-native invasive plants using a variety of methods including
herbicide, hand-pulling, and biological controls. Locally, the
Superior National Forest has been working with partners such as the
counties and state to control non-native invasive plants. When ever
possible, we choose to use non-chemical means. However, herbicide
spraying is often the most effective control for invasive plants that
grow within the rights-of-way of roads. Through the end of August
2009, we plan to use two approved herbicides, Milestone and Escort,
both of which have low toxicity to people and wildlife. Although we
control the spray to stay within 25 feet of the road's edge, we
suggest that if you do pick next to a road, you move 50 feet from the
road before you start picking. This will help ensure that your
berries are from outside the treated area and that you are safe from
traffic hazards.
As always, we urge berry-pickers to confirm identification of plants
they are harvesting from and to be aware that some forest plants bear
poisonous fruits. There are many excellent printed and pictoral
guides to wild and edible plants that can help.

Maps showing herbicide treatment sites for this summer are available
at district offices in Grand Marais, Tofte, Aurora, Ely, and Cook,
MN, and on the Superior National Forest
website: www.fs.fed.us/r9/superior. To learn more about non-native
invasive species of concern on the Forest and what you can do to help
slow their spread, check out the "Non-Native Invasive Species" section.

Mesaabi Biking Trail Fills in Last Remaininng Gap

2009-07-10T05:35:00.003-05:00

MidwestWeekends July 9-There’s good news for bicycle tourists looking for a new stretch of trail to try.

This week, a troublesome 1½-mile stretch of the Mesabi Trail in northern Minnesota finally was completed between Taconite and Marble, giving riders 74½ nonstop miles of beautiful asphalt.

The rolling trail, which does not follow a rail corridor, takes riders past turquoise mine-pit lakes, through rock cuts and to the door of nearly every Iron Range attraction. For more, see Lodge to Lodge Biking.

Wolf Strolling along the Lima Grade

2009-07-04T06:04:00.001-05:00

Yesterday two guest were driving along the Lima Grade just south of the North Brule River and about four miles from Poplar Creek Guesthouse B&B when they spotted this wolf along the trail. There has been a pack of five or six wolves in the area for sometime. Guest staying a the Tall Pine's Yurt often have heard them howling and several people have spotted them along the Lima Grade before. This lone wolf is likely a member of thie Lima Grade pack.

Rainy Weather on the Gunflint Finally Breaks

2009-07-02T05:10:00.000-05:00

After four or five of non-stop days of rain and wind gust up to 40 miles per hour, yesterday it did not rain and the wind finally stopped blowing. At Boundary Country we had one dripping wet canoe party return one day early. One of the men on the trip’s raincoat tore apart. Needless to say he was soaked. Otherwise several other of our parties are still out on their BWCA canoe trips.

Today and for the next several days the forecast calls for sunny weather. This should give everyone a chance to dry-out.

Northwood's stylel Heat Wave, 80 degrees

2009-06-24T07:41:00.004-05:00

Yesterday, at the Poplar Creek Guesthouse B&B the temperature hit 80 degrees for the first time this year. Today it looks like we are in for another warm day. Then it is expect to cool down a bit. Still the nights are cool; never getting above the mid 60s.

However nothing like the weather we are reading about to the south of us.

The Vance Lake Logging Camp- A Historic BWCA Site Revisited

2009-05-24T07:12:00.009-05:00

Ted Young, Gunflint Trail-The other day Julie Collman, Cook County Deputy Sheriff; John Jacobsen, Grand Marais; Ashley Jacobsen, student at Superior State College; and I retraced a trip into an old logging camp on Vance Lake that Julie had visited more then twenty years before with her parents. When first visited by Julie, much of the original camp was still intact. She recalled that there were twenty-four old building on the site at the time of her first visit.

(Image at right is of remains of old log building)

Our quest to find the old camp began with a canoe trip across the east end of Brule Lake then over the portage to Echo Lake, down Echo to near the east end where we beach our canoes. We then bushwhacked about a half mile through thick “blowdown” north to Vance Lake and then to the east end of Vance where Julie recalled the camp was located.

Upon reaching the east end of the lake, our first discovery was the remains of small log building by the shoreline with a culvert buried in the ground that we speculated might have been the camp’s water source or maybe a small boathouse. Searching the area further we found the remains of a large log structure build into a side hill. There were trees growing out of this building. This build was large enough to have been the camp’s mess hall. We also came across many cleared areas that we presume were the sites of other structure and of course we found lots of rusty tin cans. But the other buildings Julie had previously seen were gone.

One unexpected fine located on the site was a test pit or mine. The pit was located about one hundred feet north east of the remains of the large log structure. The pit was filled with water so we could not tell its depth. Around the pit were many pieces of jasper that appear to have come from the hole. We can only speculate that at sometime prospectors must have taken up residents at the camp.

It was likely that the camp was in operation sometime during the 1940-50s. During this period it would be likely that the logs were trucked out in the winter through a frozen creek-lowlands passage lying just north of the camp. This creek flows east about one and a half miles to the northeast corner of Brule Lake. From there the trucks could travel across Brule Lake over an ice road. The High hills and steep cliffs surround most of Vance Lake would make this one of the few places trucks could have readily travel to and from the camp.

A similar ice road across the Brule was used to haul the timber cut at the Davis Lake Logging Camp east of Winchell Lake. The Davis Lake camp was in operation from 1948-52. (see “North Star Timber Company and the Davis Lake Timber Sale” by Robert Lee, Iron Mountain, and MI. May 2005)

However, John Lyght, life-long Lutsen resident, former county sheriff and who trucked timber across Brule Lake for the Davis Lake Timber sale felt the Vance Lake Camp was operating in the 1920’s. The deterioration of the two remaining building in my mind would certainly indicate this. If this were the case then logs were hauled to the railhead of the Alger-Smith Logging Rail Road. The railroad had spur lines going into the Brule and another line into a logging camp on Swan Lake and possible as far as Vernon Lake just east of the Swan Lake camp. Somehow logs would have to have been hauled to one of these two railheads.

After exploring what remained of the camp we retracing our route out across Echo and Brule Lakes and home.

We can only speculate when the camp was in operation and who were the many folks that lived and worked there. Why was there a test pit or mine at the camp? And what were these prospectors looking for? Our trip only raises more questions then it answers. We would like to know more about the Vance Lake Logging Camp.

Therefore if anyone has any additional information about history of this camp we would very much like to hear from you.

Editors note- Since we were unable to find the twenty four structures Julie had previously seen on her earlier visit, I can only speculate that the Forest Service burn these structures just as they had burned the Davis Lake Logging Camp, Benny Ambrose’s cabin and other historical structures in what is now the BWCA. The explanation I have heard from Forestry officials for burning these building was that these building were in a “wilderness area” where people were not suppose to have lived. However this goes without say people have lived there for thousands of years. Other Forest Services officials have told me unoccupied building in the BWCA would be vandalized. To me burning these old building and pretending that these buildings and the people that lived and work there never existed is the ultimate form of vandalism.

Thankfully, the Forest Services policy of trying to destroy the past by burning it has been changed and they now recognize that maybe historical structures within the BWCA should be allowed to remain.

Gunflint Nordic Ski Trails Carbon Off-Set to Gunflint Green Up

2009-05-15T06:14:00.003-05:00

Nordic Skiing is normally considered an eco-friendly sport, northeast Minnesota’s Gunflint Nordic ski trail managers have taken this one step further. The Central and Upper Gunflint Ski Areas connected by the Banadad Ski Trail known collectively as the 210 Kilometer Gunflint Nordic Ski System this year went carbon neutral.

The trail managers calculation the cost of sequestering the carbon emissions produced from the maintenance and grooming of the trails based on information from the Chicago Climate Exchange, “Regional Estimates of TreeAnnual Carbon Accumulation,” and the Gunflint Ranger District, USFS tree plant cost estimates.

Then, yesterday, May 5, at the Gunflint Trail Association’s Spring Meeting ski trail representatives presented a $896 “carbon off-set” check to Nancy Seaton, Gunflint Green Up chairman, The money will be used as seed money for next year’s tree planting. Since the Gunflint Trail’s 2007 Ham Lake Fire, the Gunflint Green Up has annually purchased young trees and organized volunteers to plant the trees. To date the Green Up has planted over 100,000 new trees in the area burned over by the Fire.

According to Ted Young, Banadad Trail manager, “It was a great snow year for the Gunflint’s ski trails. That translated into lots of grooming hours. And as a result we put lots of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere- by our calculation the maintenance and grooming of the Gunflint’s three ski systems created some fifteen metric tons of CO2. We feel that offsetting this carbon by planting trees in our neighborhood, to us, is the right thing to do for the Gunflint and our environment.”

Resorts participating in Gunflint Nordic Ski Trail’s Carbon Off-set project are Gunflint Pines, Hestons and Gunflint from the Upper Gunflint Trails: Boundary Country Trekking from the Banadad and Bearskin from the Central Gunflint Trails. Golden Eagle Lodge, that maintains half of the Central Gunflint Trail offset the carbon their maintenance and grooming created by planting trees on their own property.

Note- Attached image- Left to Right Ted Young, Boundary Country Trekking, Nancy Seaton, Gunflint Green Up Chairperson, Dennis Neitzke, Gunflint Ranger USFS, Shari Baker Gunflint Pines Resort, and Sue McCloughan, Bearskin Lodge.

Ollie Lake Tree Planting Continues Inspite of the Snow

2009-05-09T17:08:00.005-05:00

May 9- one inch of snow covered the ground this morning along the mid-Gunflint Trail area and the snow continued to fall until about 10:00 am. By late afternoon the fresh snow was gone.

On the other hand, Poplar Lake did see its fishing opener, even though most in the area were saying Poplar and other mid size lakes in the area would still be ice covered for the opener. The ice actually went-out yesterday, the day before the opener.

Here around Little Ollie Lake, as a follow-up to last week's Gunflint Green Up, several neighbors were out planting more trees. Most planted on their own property. Poplar Creek Guesthouse B&B, this year, planted white pines on the trail to the Tall Pines Yurt. While walking along the Little Ollie Road it was clear that most of the white pines and spruce planted last year along the road had survived the winter and appeared to be doing fine.

Spring Slow to Arrive in the Mid-Gunflint Trail Area

2009-05-06T05:46:00.002-05:00

While much of the Banadad Ski Trail still has plenty of snow there are signs that spring is arriving. The ice went out on Little Ollie Lake yesterday. Poplar and other mid size lakes are still covered with ice.It is doubtful whether the ice in these lakes will go out before the fishing opener on May 9th. In the woods and on north facing slopes snow remains- in some places up to a foot deep. However, about a week ago the season’s first loon was spotted flying over Poplar Creek Guesthouse B&B.

Long time Poplar Lake Resident Passes Away

2009-04-29T06:27:00.001-05:00

The Bridgemen family purchased their cabin along the Gunflint Trail on Poplar Lake between Old Northwoods and Rockwood Lodges some fifty years ago. Paul the youngest of seven children spent many summers at the family’s small frame cabin. This past year the old Bridgemen’s cabin, which originally was one of Doc Rimples Northwood Lodge’s cabins was torn down and replace with a new winterized building.

The other day Paul his wife and his brother Dan and his wife were up working on this new cabin. Paul was not feeling well; he went outside to sit in his vehicle. When Paul did not return his wife went outside to check on him and found him unconscious. 911 was called and the family members attempt to revise him with CPR. He died as both the Gunflint and county Ambulances arrived.

The following is the obituary from the Minneapolis Tribune, April 28, 2009.

Bridgeman, Paul S. Age 54 of Minnetonka, passed away unexpectedly on Saturday, April 25, 2009. Preceded in death by parents, Phoebe and William and brother-in- law, Dave Conner. Survived by loving wife and best friend, Becky; daughters, Kristin and Karla; siblings, Jean (Mont) Ferguson, Richard (Jane), Ruth (Jerry) Anderson, Mary (Bill) Oja, Beth (Ed) Snyder, and Dan (Barb); sister-in- law, Jan (Don) Skraba. Also survived by many nieces, nephews, other family and friends. Paul has gone home to fish with Dave. Memorials preferred. Private interment. Service Thursday, April 30, 11 AM with visitation 1 hour before at: Washburn-McReavy Edina Chapel 952-920-3996 West 50th St. & Hwy 100

Barbara Young Elected President of State B&B Association

2009-04-28T08:39:00.003-05:00

At Minnesota Bed and Breakfast Association (MBBA) annual meeting held in Duluth Barbara Young, Poplar Creek Guesthouse B&B innkeeper was elected the Association's new President. Joining Young on the Association’s Board of Directors were Shannon McKeeth, Bingham Hall from New Ulm as Vice President, Chuck Dougherty from Stillwater as Treasure, and Mary Grover from Soglimt B&B in Duluth as Secretary. Filling out the Board were innkeepers from Auf Deutschtrasse in New Ulm, Mathew Burrows 1890 Inn and the Olcott House in Duluth, the Summit Inn in Center City, the Pillar Inn in Cold Springs, Cedar Rose in Alexandria and the Candlelight Inn in Redwing. Outgoing President Suzanne Tweten will remain on the Board as past President. Pam Thorsen from Hasting’s Classic Rosewood Inn and Spa serves as the organization’s Executive Director.

This year’s Annual Meeting entitled “Its Inn to be Green” spotlighted developing green sustainable Inns. The meeting featured seminars offering green programs from “Using Renewable Energy,” “What B&B’s are doing to be Green,” to “worm Composting.” Meanwhile venders were hawking green and other use innkeeper produces throughout the two-day meeting. . Other seminar topics included marketing, table setting, and more were also offered. One new program unveiled at the meeting was a State promoted farm and forest stay program where guest would be able to visit and stay at working farms.

According to Young, “Duluth provide a great venue for this year’s annual meeting, the seminars were outstanding and the many venders in attendance offered us many useful products. But most importantly we had a great time!

The MBBA represents some one hundred and twenty B&B and Historic Inns from throughout Minnesota.

Snow Continues on the Gunflint Trail

2009-04-24T08:40:00.000-05:00

In the mid-Gunflint Area from the “Pines” to about Gunflint Lake winter still lingers on in the shady spot and in the woods where continues snow from one to two feet remain. Along the Banadad Ski Trail the ski conditions are still great with bare spots only in sunny open areas. Once you get much past the South Gunflint Lake Road where the Ham Lake Fire took place conditions change drastically. Here must of the snow is gone- must likely due to the lack of shad in this area’s burned over forest. Also, as it usually happens, the upper Gunflint area again this winter received a bit less snow then the mid Gunflint, which may have helped it to melt faster.

Temperature are hovering in the 30s to 40s.

Spring Skiing on the Gunflint Banadad

2009-04-19T09:42:00.003-05:00

April 17- Starting at Poplar Creek Guesthouse B&B, two skiers from Tofte skied 9-10 kilometers out and back on the Banadad. Upon their return they stated the skiing was great and they had an excellent time. The temperature was about 40 degrees. Today it is down below thirty and snowing.

Spring Skiing - It ain't over till it's over

2009-04-16T12:21:00.001-05:00

April 16, 2009. Six Kilometers of the east end of the Banadad Tracked. Great Spring Skiing! 12-16" of snow; no bare spots.

You can expect snow on the Banadad to remain at least another two weeks. Right now the trail is in great shape. Also go "crust skiing" and travel anywhere in the area.

Art Option Along the Gunflnt Trail

2009-04-05T09:42:00.003-05:00

A Weekend of Art Classes in the Woods at Poplar Creek Guesthouse B&B

Featuring Noted Artist and Instructor Sue Pavlatos

Time: The weekend of April 24 –26

Location: Poplar Creek Guesthouse B&B 11 Poplar Creek Dr Grand Marais, MN 55604

Content: Sue Pavlatos will demonstrate and give individual design and painting instruction. She will instruct you in painting a water color picture that evokes a feeling of the Gunflint with a variety of techniques. All art supplys provided.

Includes: One 4 hour art lesson taught by Sue Pavlatos, wine and cheese get together with the artist, two night lodging with breakfast each morning, buffet lunch and dinner.

For more information or to reserve a spot contact- Barbara Young 800-322-8327 or 218-388-4487 or go to www.poplarcreekbb.com

Sue Pavlatos is an accomplished artist and teacher. She owns a gallery and studio in Cloquet and Minneapolis. Sue is proficient in watercolor, acrylic and casein along with oils and pastels. According to Sue, -"Painting is a way to capture the moment. I enjoy connecting my life to the earth and water with paint. My images reflect nature's impact on my life."

Sue exhibits regularly. Her work was included in the '94, '95, and '97 Ohara, Japan painting competitions. A member of the Duluth Art Institute and the Lake Superior Watercolor Society, Sue has exhibited nationally in the Great Lake Regional Art Exhibit, as well as the Arrowhead Art Exhibit and Red River Valley National Show. “Growing Wild” was the title of a recent one person show she did at Full Circle Gallery in Sioux Falls, SD and “Survivors on the Edge”, was a one-person exhibit at the Johnson Heritage Post Art Gallery in Grand Marais, MN. These paintings celebrate man and nature, and partnership and stewardship.

Join Sue – At “Art Options Along the Gunflint Trail”

Gunflint Spring Snow no April Fool Joke

2009-04-02T07:53:00.006-05:00

April Fools Day brought 12 - 14 inches of heavy wet snow to the Gunflint Trail's Poplar Creek Guesthouse B&B and along the Banadad Ski Trail. On the morning of the first with guests planning to leave for home the roads and driveways into the B&B's two rental cabins had to be cleared. Plowing began at 7:30 am and five hours later the two and half miles of roadway to the Gunflint Trail was open and the guest were able to drive-out. In departing the guest declared the snow fall was great and they would not have been disappointed had they been snow bound for another day.

Then guess what? It is still snowing- so far another 3 inches today.

The Banadad remains snowed-in. The trail groomer is expected to begin opening the Trail on Friday, after the snow has settled a bit making it easier to groom. It is anticipated that about 5 or 6 kilometers of the east end of the Banadad and the Lace Lake Trails will be tracked by this coming weekend. According to Boundary Country Trekking which maintains the trails, it is anticipated that with the addition of this snow fall the Banadad should remain ski-able well into April.

Total measure snow on the ground at Poplar Creek Guesthouse is now 32 inches.

Gunflint Green-Up Specials

2009-03-27T06:30:00.001-05:00

Join other friends of the Gunflint at the Gunflint Trail Tree Planting weekends. At Poplar Creek Guesthouse and cabins two weekends have been dedicated to helping reforest the area from the affects of the 2007 Ham Lake Fire and the ongoing reforestation of the Poplar Creek/Little Ollie Lake area damaged by the 1999 BWCA Blowdown and subsequent salvage logging operations.

Gunflint Green-up Tree planting

May 1-4, 2009

We provided lodging with Barbara’s famous breakfast and you can join in the many exciting scheduled events

A Green Living Fair is planned on Friday from 1:00-5:00 pm followed with a talk by Howard Sivertson and picnic dinner in the big top tent at Gunflint Lodge.
Saturday is tree planting and release of the overgrowth around the trees planted in 2008. Saturday evening join the community for a celebratory dinner and dance. Sunday you can take in the Ham Lake Run Half Marathon.

* Your choice- Two (2) nights $89/ person or Three (3) nights $133/person plus taxes, double occupancy, at B&B/4 person minimum at cabins

There also is a $40/person participation fee charged by the Gunflint Greenup Committee to cover the cost of: Friday’s picnic dinner, a box lunch on Saturday and Saturday evening's dinner and dance.

Little Ollie Lake Blowdown Tree Planting

May 8-10, 2009

We provide planting instructions, planting equipment and tree seedlings, two nights lodging with Barbara’s famous breakfast each morning. One-day planting trees with trail lunch. Picnic-barbecue dinner at B&B on Saturday night. Also included during your stay is a discussion on the Area’s Fire History and Reforestation

* Two (2) nights (May 8-10) $89/person plus taxes- double occupancy at B&B/4 person minimum at cabins.

For more information or to make reservations contact Poplar Creek Guesthouse B&B

800-322-8327

Gunflint Green Up Happening May 1-2, 2009

2009-03-26T05:35:00.005-05:00

People, Trees, and Community -- Coming Together for a Better Future

Grand Marais, MN The second annual Gunflint Green Up takes place May 1-2 at various locations along the Gunflint Trail Scenic Byway in northeastern Minnesota. All planting and release sites are located within the Superior National Forest, in the area affected by the Ham Lake Fire of May 2007.

Gunflint Green Up begins with a Green Living Fair on the afternoon of Friday, May 1, at Gunflint Lodge’s conference center. The Green Living Fair is inspired by the idea that green living and planting trees go hand-in-hand, and that good stewards of the forest must be good stewards of the environment. The Green Living Fair offers a collection of local experts to assist the community and its visitors in that direction. Stewardship begins at home, whether home is the Gunflint Trail or hundreds of miles away.

Following the Green Living Fair, there will be a picnic in the big top at Gunflint Lodge, music by the Sivertones, and a presentation by local artist Howard Sivertson.

Saturday is tree planting and release of the overgrowth around the trees planted in 2008, trail lunch, dinner in the big top with music by Gerald Thilmany, celebration of the 100^th anniversary of Superior National Forest, and dance with Trail’s End Band.

All participants must register to take part in the program. This year the registration options include ala carte meals, and an option to “plant only.” Participants can register for the Gunflint Green Up online at www.gunflintgreenup.com. The registration fee for all meals and programs is $40 per individual or $100 per family (1- 2 adults and their children 16 years of age and younger) and includes Friday’s Green Living Fair, dinner, evening presentation, Saturday tree planting, box lunch, dinner, dance, and t-shirt. Please visit the website for ala carte options.

All planting and release sites are within Superior National Forest and the area affected by the Ham Lake Fire of May 2007. Planting locations include the vicinities of Trail's End Campground, Chik-Wauk Museum and Nature Center, Kekekabic and Magnetic Rock Trails, Round Lake public landings, and the Iron Lake Campground. All are public lands; participants may visit the trees in future years.

“Green Up participants found the event to be a time they could give back to the Gunflint Trail, a special place that has given them so much through the years,” said Nancy Seaton, chair of the Gunflint Green Up Committee. “Planting a tree can be a powerful experience when you think of all the animals and people who will find a home in its branches or beauty in its shadows. Last summer people stopped me on the streets of Grand Marais to say they were going up the Trail to visit ‘their’ trees. Green Up really gave the planters a sense of ownership, a sense of being a part of the community. Green Up is as much about creating a greater community as it is about planting the trees for future generations.”

Sunday is the Ham Run Half Marathon (separate registration required). Information on the marathon can be found at www.hamrunhalfmarathon.com.

The 2008 Gunflint Green Up was awarded the Explore Minnesota Tourism “Sustainable Tourism Award” and the USDA Forest Service Eastern Region Honor Award “Connecting Citizens to the Land.”

Registration: www.GunflintGreenUp.com . Questions: email hjo@boreal.org.

Poplar Creek Guesthouse B&B and Cabin is offering a Green-up Special for more information click on- Green-up Special.

Rolf Hugenvik, Poplar Lake Summer Home- 1925-2009

2009-02-27T05:45:00.001-06:00

Ina Hugenvik- Rolf Hugenvik (Huggie) was born in 1925 and served in the Army during WWII. While stationed in the Philippines, he saw a picture in a Sunday news magazine of a northern lake with blue sky and pointy evergreen trees. He wrote his mother that he would like to have a cabin some day on a lake like that. Fast forward to 1948: His parents happened to know Doc Remple’s wife and somehow made it to the Gunflint Trail to visit her. Doc showed Huggie the lots he had for sale, completely wooded over with downed trees, brush and raspberry bushes but with plenty of those pointy trees as well as a big pine or two. Huggie could see there was an island in front of the lot and possibly a view to the east and so he thought this would be a good location, if he could get it cleared enough to erect a simple shack for hunting and fishing. Later Remple sent a note that a professor from Iowa was interested in buying some land but Huggie and his mother, Dora, had first choice. Dora sent the money, $800.00 for 200 feet of shoreline at $4.00 a foot. A lot of money in 1948. His sister, Ninnia, bought the adjoining lot to the west for, I think, $5.00 a foot because it was lower and closer to the water. The professor from Iowa (Keitha Herron’s father) bought a different lot west of the Huggenvik spot.

The rest is known history. The following year, with no experience in building anything except a car, Huggie started clearing space enough to erect a simple 16’ x 30’ cabin, buying supplies wherever he could get them, carrying them through the woods on his back or rowing them over in Remple’s boat. He had minimal tools - hammer, handsaw, drawknife, but no ladder. He eventually made a ladder out of small logs. A friend, Al Anderson, from Northfield, helped occasionally and Dora came up to cook. Eventually the mosquitoes were so bad that Huggie sent her home.

The following year he built a similar cabin for his sister Ninnia, on the lot she and Bob, her husband, had purchased. The cabin was furnished with leftovers from home, stuff that was no longer needed or wanted at his parent’s house, or he built emergency items such as a bed, shelves, a booth for eating by the big window looking into the woods. An oil drum-like stove provided heat and a two burner white gas stove was used for cooking. No refrigerator. No running water unless you consider running to the lake with a bucket to be that convenient. Bath time? Go jump in the lake.

Sixty years later, after many additions, renovations, changes, additional small buildings and more land behind the original lot, Huggie decided his quilt (his term for the cabin and site) was finished and turned over the responsibility for it to his four children who had been co-owners for many years.

Huggie was diagnosed with glimo blastome, an inoperable, incurable brain tumor in July of 2008 and died at his Green Valley home January 26, 2009.

New Ski Trail Association Formed on Gunflint Trail

2009-02-22T07:30:00.000-06:00

Grand Marais, MN – Boundary Country Trekking, Gunflint Trail area residents, and several members of the Twin Cities-based North Star Ski Touring Club (NSSTC) have joined together to form the Banadad Trail Association (BTA). According to Karen Monsen, the association’s new president and NSSTC member, “the purpose of the association is to maintain and enhance the Banadad Ski Trail, preserve the history of the forest and the trail, and promote the appreciation and care of wilderness lands”.

The new association will manage the 46-kilometer Banadad Ski Trail system that includes the Banadad Trail (the BWCAW’s longest tracked trail), the Lace Lake Trail, the Tim Knopp Trail, and the Tall Pines and Seppala Trails. The trail system is centrally located along the 200-kilometer Gunflint Nordic Trail system.

The organization’s founding meeting was held February 14 on the Gunflint Trail to adopt by-laws and elect a Board of Directors. In addition to President Monsen, the board includes Vice President Linda Bosma of Minneapolis, Treasurer Karla Miller of Duluth, and Secretary Barb Bottger of Hungry Jack Lake. Elected as at-large board members were Jim Morrison of Poplar Lake, Wayne Monsen of Stillwater, Tom Rice of Shoreview, Mel Peterson of St. Paul, Peter Spink of Poplar Lake and Minneapolis, John Bottger of Hungry Jack Lake, and Anne Rykken of St. Paul.

Following the meeting, the board met and selected Ted Young of Boundary Country Trekking to continue to serve as the trail maintenance manager. Board members were also assigned responsibility for incorporating the new association as a non-profit organization.

Until a permanent mailing address and e-mail account are established, the Banadad Trail Association can be reached by e-mail at bta@boreal.org.

Gunflint Winter Tracks Festival-2009

2009-02-17T07:07:00.002-06:00

Gunflint Trail, MN-The Gunflint Trail presents the fifth annual Winter Tracks, a festival to celebrate winter. This year’s event is scheduled from February 26 March 1, at a variety of locations along northeastern Minnesota’s Gunflint Trail. The members of the Gunflint Trail Association invite everyone to “Come on up and play like we do!”

"We have a well-rounded festival with great opportunities for all ages to experience wintertime fun on the Trail. More and more families are discovering the classic outdoor fun of winter recreation and activities in the northwoods. Go to www.wintertracks.com to view and download our brochure to plan your itinerary,” says Barb Gecas, an
event organizer and co-owner of Heston’s Lodge.

In addition to all the Winter Tracks favorites such as the Mini Winter Olympics, broomball games, snowshoeing, free skiing on the Gunflint Trail Nordic Ski Trail System, snowmobile Radar Run and Poker Run, ice fishing, dog sled rides, indoor traditional crafts and wilderness demonstrations, the Mongolian Firepot Dinner, and, of course, the Snow Boot Ball, there are some exciting new additions to the Winter Tracks events.

Saturday on Gunflint Lake a Ski Kiting demonstration will be conducted by kiter Darren McChristie from Thunder Bay, Ontario. Other new event are the Bearskin Wilderness Pursuit Ski Race (www.bearskin.com/race/index.html) with sprints and kids’ races on Friday, freestyle on Saturday, and classic on Sunday. At the Gunflint Conference Center on Saturday storyteller Rose Arrowsmith Decoux, Artist and Author Kelly Dupre, and Kite boarding Instructor Darren McChristie will be featured.

Other new activities include a Wolf Howling Night Hike and a Boreal Birding Hike at Gunflint Lodge, a Snow Sculpture Competition at Heston’s Lodge on Saturday, and Sleigh Rides at Okontoe throughout the festival.

On Friday evening, the popular radio show The Road House, will broadcast live from Trail Center, courtesy of WTIP 90.7 and 91.7 FM. Enjoy dinner while you listen, then stay for a story telling session.

On Saturday night, everyone is invited to the Snow Boot Ball and Festival Banquet at Gunflint Lodge. Enjoy dinner and dancing with the Trail’s End Band, a local favorite.

The festival is open to the public, and many of the events are free. Register at your host lodge or at Trail Center to receive your festival button.

To learn more about the Gunflint Trail, and to find lodging, visit us
at http://www.gunflint-trail.com or call
1-800-338-6932.

For Winter Tracks information, visit http://www.wintertracks.com or call
1-800-338-6932.

Gunflint B&B offers Art in the Woods

2009-02-09T05:35:00.001-06:00

This past weekend Poplar Creek Guesthouse B&B sponsored art classes by noted Cloquet, Minnesota painter and art instructor Sue Pavlato. Six Duluth women attended the Saturday morning session held at the Little Ollie Cabin while in the afternoon five women from Brainerd receive art instruction at the Tall Pine Yurt. After the art class in the yurt, Pavlato stated, “this is a first for me, Art in a Yurt!” The painting subject at both sessions was a lone skier skiing alongside of a creek.

When not painting the women along with other guest got in some great skiing of their own on the Banadad and Lace Lake Trails.

After the success of this past weekend classes, Pavlato has agreed to scheduled art classes for the weekend of April 24 at Poplar Creek Guesthouse B&B.

Volk Ski Special-Mongolian Firepot Buffet at Yurt Sunday

2009-01-29T07:53:00.001-06:00

Mongolian Firepot Buffet at the Tall Pines Yurtalong the Gunflint Trail Sunday, February 1,12:00 to 2:00 $10/person.

Call 218-388-4487 to reserve a spot or for more information.

Enjoy a delicious luncheon buffet of Boundary Country's famous Mongolian Firepot at the Tall Pine Yurt. The yurt is accessible by a 1 km ski on a groomed trail from the Tall Pines Yurt's parking area, a 3 km ski from Poplar Creek Guesthouse B&B or from Bearskin Lodge through the Central Gunflint Nordic Ski Trails.

Cold Weekend on the Gunflint

2009-01-26T06:00:00.002-06:00

The last few days, beginning mid last week, has been a cold one. Night time temperatures have been dropping to the minus 20's with and rarely getting above zero during the days. The day time cold weather was combined with a strong wind earlier in the weekend but the wind has moderated and the cold temperature are now tolerable. Starting about Tuesday it appears the latest cold spell should break.

Remember Cook County's Gunflint Trail and Northshore Volks Ski Fest- January 31, 2009 - Sunday, February 08, 2009. As part of the festivities Boundary Country Trekking will offer a Mongolian Fire buffet at the Tall Pines Yurt, Sunday, February 8 from Noon to 2:00PM. Call 218-388-4487 for more information or reservations.

Cook Country Volks Ski Fest

2009-01-09T06:13:00.002-06:00

Skiers Unite; attend Cook County's Gunflint Trail and Northshore Volks Ski Fest- January 31, 2009 - Sunday, February 08, 2009

The Volks Ski Fest is a fun, laid back, skiing and snowshoeing festival for the whole family! All week-long, all over the county, there are events and contests designed to help everyone get out and enjoy hundreds of kilometers of beautiful northwoods trails.

You can try to be the person to ski the most km in a week...or enjoy a leisurely ski just one day. You can get your festival booklet stamped to show you've made it to all of the trails...or you can just go to the events that feature food. Whatever you enjoy the most. Check out the list below for the details on the many events planned.

First Skiers Through the Banadad This Winter

2008-12-29T05:21:00.002-06:00

Gunflint Trail-With the temperature hovering above freezing, the ski conditions on the Banadad Ski Trail were not great, as Erik and Karl Hoeg became the first skier to complete the entire 31 kilometer Banadad non-stop this winter. The two boys time was about 4 hours. They both are very good skiers and they explained afterwards that had the ski conditions been better they certainly would have made the trip much faster. Their parents shuttled a car to the western end of the Banadad then skied in from the western trail head, about 7 kilometers, where they met-up-with Erik and Karl. The pair were staying at one of Poplar Creek Guesthouse’s cabin with their parents.

Ham Lake Fire Claims First Fatality

2008-12-21T07:32:00.007-06:00

Ted Young, Gunflint Trail- Stephen Posniak, the person charged with starting the fire took his own life just prior to his trial. According to his attorney Mark Larsen said of Posniak, "He was charged with a very serious felony offense for conduct that we would have proven, at worst, was an accident, and I don't think that helped his outlook." Larson also stated that, ”The area was very dear to Posniak, who had visited every year at the same time for 20 years. He was a kind, gentle, 64-year-old former federal employee who found himself on the receiving end of a very serious criminal charge that, in our view, was an exercise in overcharging by the U.S. attorney,"

At the time of Posniak's October indictment, his brother, John Posniak, 62, of Alexandria, Va., said he found the allegations hard to believe. "This would be the first time in his 64 years that something like this has happened," John Posniak said of his brother. "To my knowledge, he's never been in anything more than a traffic ticket."

It is likely that Posniak did start the fire, it is quite clear that he did not start it on purpose. If so it was accident. On May 5 the day the fire started the forest was extremely dry and very windy, lighting any campfire, under such conditions, was a stupid mistake. However, it was not the only stupid mistake that likely contributed to starting the fire.

The day before the fire started outfitters in the forest were surprised to receive the following email from the USFS:

Sent: Friday, May 04, 2007 10:17 AM
Subject: Fire Restrictions

There are no fire restrictions in place for this week in the BWCAW, so
what that means is visitors can have a campfire.

Gunflint Ranger District
2020 W. Highway 61, Grand Marais, MN 55604

The email was sent despite the fact everyone living in the forest was will aware how dry the forest was and that over the next few days high winds were predicted. Lighting any campfire was certainly stupid but what about the actions of the USFS to even allow fires under such conditions? What were they thinking?

The Nordic Ski Season Starts on the Gunflint

2008-12-15T14:16:00.006-06:00

The cross-country skiing season has begun along Minnesota’s famed Gunflint Trail as the snow piles up- over nine new inches of snow fell yesterday. More is expected this week. With yesterday’s snowfall, area lodge owners along the Gunflint report eighteen to twenty inches of snow now on the ground.

Beginning in the village of Grand Marais, Minnesota, on Lake Superior’s North Shore, the Gunflint Trail is a paved pathway winding 60 miles through the Superior National Forest to Saganaga Lake on the Canadian border. In winter the lodge owners cooperatively operate the 216-kilometer Gunflint Nordic Ski Trail Network. This trail network consists of three interconnected ski trail areas; the Central and Upper Gunflint Trails connected by the Banadad. Both classic and skate skiing opportunities are offered amidst an unspoiled Northwoods wilderness backdrop.

According to Bearskin Lodge and Nordic Ski Center’s Bob McCloughan, which along with Golden Eagle Lodge maintains the Central Gunflint Ski System, “the groomers are out on the trails. We expect the trails at our end of the Gunflint Nordic Ski Network to be open for great skiing by this weekend.” Those responsible for the Banadad and Upper Gunflint Ski Trails expressed similar optimism.
.
Nordic Skiing is by definition an eco-friendly sport but the Gunflint area ski trail managers have taken this one step further. Last year, the Banadad Ski Trail became “carbon neutral” with the purchase of carbon credits to offset the emissions of grooming. This year, the Central and Upper Gunflint ski trail systems are adopting carbon neutral strategies. The cost to sequester the carbon released into the atmosphere from the maintenance and grooming for the Gunflint Nordic Ski Trails will be invested in planting of trees along the Gunflint Trail.

Along with their investment in the environment, lodges along the Trail catering to skiers are offering some new amenities this winter. At Bearskin Lodge, the dining room, which has been closed for a number of years, will open under the direction of noted local chef Judy Barsness of Chez Jude in Grand Marais. Bearskin is also offering dog sled rides this winter.

Skiers skiing the Banadad Ski Trail will find a new Olga’s Hut at Croft Yurt Camp and at the Trail’s eastern end the Tall Pines Trail has been extend to form a new 3.5 kilometer loop trail. Gunflint Lodge is adding a broomball rink. At Gunflint Pines a lighted ski trail is planned. While at Moosehorn Bed and Breakfast skiers will be greeted by new owners.

Winter Events- This winter Gunflint ski lodges are jointing with lodges throughout Cook County in a new winter ski event called Volk ski Festival - planned from January 31 to February 8. Later, Gunflint Trail businesses will celebrate the snowy season during the annual Winter Tracks festival February 26 to March 1.

For more information call Gunflint Skiing at 800-338-6932 or go to Gunflint Skiing.

Duluth Magazine feature B&B Owners

2008-12-13T07:55:00.003-06:00

The December issue of Duluth Superior Magazine feature Boundary Country Trekking and Poplar Creek Guesthouse B&B owners Ted and Barbara Young. The article authored by Chris Godsey, writes of the Youngs early live prior to moving to the Gunflint Trail and their later life when they moved to the Trail. You can view the article at "A Wild Couple."

Snow Continues on the Gunflint Trail

2008-12-11T10:18:00.003-06:00

After three to four inches of new snow the last few days on the Gunflint Trail, Poplar Creek Guesthouse B&B now has a measured eight inches of snow on the ground. More snow is predicted for Saturday and Sunday. While the Banadad Trails are yet to be tracked, local skiers have been out. It is expected tracking of the Banadad Trails should be getting underway by next week.

Gunflint Trail- Weather Cold Snow on the Way

2008-12-07T07:44:00.003-06:00

This morning with clear skies the thermometer dipped to –20 our coldest reading since last winter. However the wind is expected to shift to the south bringing in warm air and most importantly some “lake effect” snow. The National Weather Service (NOAA) in Duluth is forecasting 3-7 more inches of snow starting late this afternoon.

Packing of the Banadad Ski Trail Underway

2008-12-06T06:41:00.001-06:00

With about four inches of snow now on the ground, the final stage of maintenance of the Banadad began yesterday. This stage is the packing, which is done by snowmobiles running back and forth along the trail to compact the snow in preparation for setting track. During this process any remaining trees and brush blocking the trail are cleared with handsaws and nippers. Usually the packing takes about of week. After that as soon as another four to six inches of snow falls tracks can be laid down and the Banadad will be opened for skiing.

Thanksgiving Snow on the Gunflint Trail

2008-11-28T08:50:00.001-06:00

Last night, Thanksgiving, another two inches plus of snow fell along the Gunflint Trail. With the inch of snow from the day before at Poplar Creek Guesthouse B&B we now a bit over three inches on the ground. Not quite enough for skiing but we are getting there! More snow is expected over the next two days.

The mid-size lakes are now frozen. Smaller lakes, such as Swamp, Little Ollie and Hooker have enough ice to venture out on by foot.

Gunflint Scenic Byway to Prepare Vegetative Management Plan

2008-11-27T07:31:00.003-06:00

Cook County Highway Department serving as the fiscal agent for the Gunflint Trail's Scenic Byway Committee yesterday hired Jim Raml, Seagull Lake resident, to draft a Vegetative Management Plan for the Gunflint Trail. The proposed plan, according to the Plan's initial proposal shall seek to:

• Identify the historic and current forest and non-forest vegetative composition and reasons for change. This would be accomplished through extensive research of past and current Superior National Forest and Department of Natural Resource management plans, environmental assessments and other documents, as well as on-the-ground inventory of tree and herbaceous species and age-class composition.

• Prepare maps, dealing with property ownership, forest age class and species composition, non-native invasive species distribution, desired future conditions, areas in need of some type of management and potential future project areas to be undertaken by government agencies, private contractors or Byway volunteers.

• Identify threats to the natural historic vegetative composition, such as invasive non-native species and climate change, as well as accepted practices to ameliorate such threats.

• Identify desired future conditions and strategies to achieve these stated objectives.

• Identify past, present and future resource extraction activities. Explain the need for such management activities, how this is accomplished and the end results of such practices.

The $15,000 funds to prepare the Plan came from the Minnesota Department of Transportation with a local contribution by the Gunflint Trail Association. Raml is expected to take about one year to write the Vegetative Plan. Several public hearings will be held on the Gunflint Trail to solicit public comments on the plan as it is developed. A Contact Committee composed of Jim Johnson, Nancy Seaton, and Ted Young representing the Byway Committee and Shae Kosmalski County Highway Engineer, Representing the County will supervise Raml's preparation of the Plan.

Gunflint Trail Lake Ice Update

2008-11-26T07:06:00.002-06:00

Mid size lakes are now ice covered- Poplar and other mid-size lake in the mid Gunflint Trail area froze over by last Thursday (November 20). The larger lakes- Gunflint, Sag, Clearwater, remain open although Seagull was mostly frozen over by last Thursday.

Mid Gunflint Trail Lake Ice Report

2008-11-20T04:35:00.003-06:00

The smaller lakes along the Gunflint are now covered with ice. Swamper, Road, Squint Lakes froze-over Tuesday followed by Little Ollie Lake on Wednesday. Poplar, the Bearskins and other larger lake as of today are still open but with the colder weather we are now having these lakes should be freezing soon. This morning the temperature was 4 degrees at Poplar Creek Guesthouse B&B. The coldest since last winter.

County's Lake Association Organization -2008 Report

2008-11-16T12:11:00.002-06:00

Alice Weck, Poplar Lake- The Cook County Coalition of Lake Associations (CCCoLA) recently concluded its Summer meeting schedule. Listed below are our accomplishments for this period. And, by the way, our activities do not conclude with the last meeting. Your Board representatives may be active on a variety of projects throughout the year.

First, the Board thanks you and appreciates your membership in CCCoLA. We added the Seagull/Sag homeowners association to our membership this Summer bringing us to eleven member associations including Caribou, Hungry Jack, Gunflint, Leo, Mid Trail, Pike, Poplar, Tait, Trout, Voyageurs Point and West Bearskin. In total, CCCoLA represents over 1000 lakeshore property owners. Board members gave presentations at various property owners associations reaching over 250 people this Summer while newsletters and emails from Board members reached many more lakeshore property owners. And, news articles have kept CCCoLA’ s activities before the public.

Our major projects this Summer were:

*Co-sponsoring a Citizen Lake Monitoring Program (CLMP Plus) workshop. Represented and now monitoring for clarity, phosphorous and chlorophyll a are Seagull, Poplar, Caribou, West Bearskin, Hungry Jack, Onagon and Birch. Several lakes are being monitored for e coli also. Monitoring results can be found at www.rmbel.info. Go to “Lakes Monitoring Data Base” and follow directions to find your lake.

*A CCCoLA initiative started 2 years ago to include a “point-of-sale” provision in a county individual sewage treatment system ordinance was successfully concluded this summer when county commissioners appointed a committee to write the new ordinance. CCCoLA is represented on the committee.

*CCCoLA is now represented on the county Water Advisory Committee which oversees the Countywide Water Plan.

*CCCoLA is represented on a statewide committee to review and revise the state shoreland management regulations. Sponsored by the DNR, it was important for Cook County to be represented on the committee as we are the only county in the state with bedrock as our prime building substrate presenting unique construction and runoff issues.

*CCCoLA has undertaken a study of the disposal of school trust lands wherein the lands to be disposed of include lakeshore or are located in sensitive watersheds. We will monitor DNR activity which involves these parcels.

*CCCoLA is co-sponsoring a sensitive shoreline study with the Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD). Target lakes for this study are Hungry Jack, Poplar, Tait, Caribou, West Bearskin and Trout. The results of the study will inform decisions about development on unique shorelands.

*The Board is working closely with the county Water Planner and SWCD Conservation Technician in several of the above projects. CCCoLA has written letters of support for grant applications submitted by those staff which fund various county studies related to the CCCoLA mission.

*CCCoLA has actively supported member association mission related initiatives at Hungry Jack and Seagull/Sag. Member associations should call upon CCCoLA’s support for mission related projects.

*An educational initiative designed to involve youth in our programs was undertaken this summer. It is anticipated that local students and youth here for the summer could train to be monitors and data collectors. The education subcommittee will seek additional funds to support the program.

*Sometime this Fall CCCoLA information will be available on Boreal for broad distribution to the community. Stay tuned.

Your representatives have worked hard this summer on the above described activities and projects. We continue to be the only independent citizen organization in the county actively advocating for healthy lakes and sensible shoreland management. We encourage you to call upon your representative for information about our activity and to bring to the Board issues that relate to our mission which is to act as primary stewards of Cook County lakes.

Please be in touch with me with any questions or suggestions that you and your membership have about CCCoLA or for further information about the above projects. We are here to serve your associations. Have a fine winter!

Biz Clark, Chair, for the Board of the CCCoLA
130 Poplar Lake Lane
Grand Marais, MN 55604
bizclar@aol.com

Cook County Awarded $3 Million Grant for Wild Fire Sprinler

2008-11-14T06:27:00.003-06:00

FEMA has aproved a $3,000,000 for Cook County residents to install or upgrade sprinkler systems. The grant was announced Wednesday by U.S. Rep. Jim Oberstar, D-Minn., and will help pay up to half the cost of sprinkler systems. For more information go to http://www.duluthnewstribune.com/event/article/id/78210/. Stay toned on this one folks!

Join us at Midwest Mountaineering's Winter Adventure Expo in Minneapolis

2008-11-03T06:49:00.006-06:00

If you are looking forward to winter and live in the Twin Cities area you should plan to attend Midwest Mountaineering's annual Winterfest http://www.midwestmtn.com. This event is scheduled for Friday, November 21 through Sunday, November 23 at Midwest Mountaineering's Store located at 309 Cedar Ave, Minneapolis, and in large tents erected behind the store.

We at Boundary Country Trekking (BCT) will have a booth at the show and will be providing information about our winter Nordic Skiing program- including, ski and snowshoe vacations at the Poplar Creek Guesthouse B&B and Ski-in Cabins, Yurt to Yurt and lodge to Lodge Skiing, and of course skiing the BWCA's longest tracked trail the Banadad.

This year we have spent on lot of time clearing the Banadad Ski Trail in anticipation of the ski season. With the assistance of eight volunteers from the Minnesota Conservation Corp (YCC), three-quarters of a mile of the Trail’s remote interior by “Moose Kill Hill” was widened. Brush was encroaching into the Trail along this section; after the YCC completed their work this section of trail looked great! In addition the old Olga’s Hut, midway along the trail and used as sleeping quarters for larger groups was replaced. This overnight stop along the Banadad will now be able to comfortably accommodate nine people again.

The Banadad Ski Trail is maintained and operated carbon neutral.

Attending the show for BCT will be Ted Young and his daughter Karla Miller. They would love to have you attend the show and stop at BCT's booth to say hi!

This announcement is brought to you by Boundary Country Trekking providing secluded lodging and Adventure Vacations on Minnesota's Gunflint Trail, BWCA, the Iron Range and Lake Superior's North Shore. For additional information go to Boundary Country or call 800-322-8327.

Geologist finds Evidence of Ancient Meteorite Impact what Local Stone Mason Already Knew

2008-11-02T05:38:00.002-06:00

Ted Young, Poplar Lake-Fallout from a meteorite that struck the earth some 2 billion years ago near Sudbury, Ontario may have been found by geologists near Gunflint Lake but they certainly were not the first to make this discovery.

About thirty years ago I was working for Herb White, a stone mason who live on Road Lake and later in the house which is Loon Nest Gift Shop. While picking rock for fireplaces with Herb I can remember more then once when Herb would pick up a rock and explain to me that the small "spheres" in that rock were from a meteorite.

Well Herb may not have got it entirely right since according to geologist those spheres were actual molten ajecta thrown out into the atmosphere from the meteorite impact and then deposited back on earth many miles away including near Gunflint Lake. At least Herb was on the right track.

Blackbacked Woodpecker Sighting

2008-11-01T05:07:00.004-05:00

Lee Foster, Birding Guide-I was wandering around Poplar Creek Guesthouse B&B property with my binoculars yesterday, the 30^thof October, in the vicinity of ongoing beaver activity on poplar creek when I saw a woodpecker amongst the dead birches along the slope. I identified it as a Blackbacked Woodpecker. The head had a yellow top knot and the back was completely black with no white as would be seen on the three toed woodpecker. It was hammering away at the scaly bark of the dead birch and curiously, a downy woodpecker had arrived, and had perched itself about ten inches below the Blackbacked on the tree as if waiting for a morsel to fall, or maybe it was just out of curiosity. A moment later both were gone.

Normally the Blackbacked is seen in recently burned over areas. With a section of the May 2007 Ham Lake Fire burn only about five miles west of Poplar Creek this bird had apparently just ventured into our area and finding a dead tree here to its liking made itself at home.

Getting the Banadad Trails Ready for Skiing

2008-10-30T06:32:00.003-05:00

According to Ted Young co-owner of Boundary Country Trekking and Banadad Trail Coordinator, “opening the 39.8 kilometers of the Banadad Ski Trail System is no easy undertaking. Twenty-seven Kilometers of the trail system are located within the BWCA where only hand tools can be used to cut the summers accumulation of brush and down trees and crews are only able to travel to the work site under their own power-by foot or canoe. The remaining portion of the trails, outside the BWCA, power equipment including mowers is allowed and when possible used. Annually some 500-600 of labor is require to open the trails for skiing each year. This year’s maintenance will be no acceptation.”

Over the pasts two weekends nine volunteers from the North Stars Ski Touring Club and thirteen volunteers from Adventure Vacations, a Twin Cities based adventure travel company logged 332 hours cutting brush and down trees along the Banadad and hand cleared the Tall Pines Trail. Prior to this volunteer effort, Boundary Country Trekking, staff had cleared and mowed the Lace Lake, and Seppala Trails outside the BWCA. Earlier this summer a group of eight youth and staff from the Minnesota Conservation Corp spent two days widening approximately 1.2 kilometers of an overgrown portion of the Banadad around Moose Kill Hill.

As a result of these efforts, to date the Lace Lake, Tall Pines and Seppala Trails and the first 1.6 Kilometers of the Banadad now only needs snow to be opened for skiing. Along the 32 kilometer Banadad, most of which is within the BWCA, crews have cleared 21 kilometers.

Minnehaha’s Academy’s High School Ski Team is scheduled to work on the trail in mid-November. They will round out this years volunteer maintenance effort. Then, as in past years, the remaining clearing of the Banadad will occure when snow arrives and the trail packing by snowmobile groomers can take place. These groomers, as they pack, will hand-cut the remaining brush in the remote interior sections of the trail, which volunteers could not reach.

Young when on to state that, “normally there is enough snow to start skiing on the Lace Lake, Tall Pines, Seppala and the eastern end of the Banadad by Thanksgiving. Packing and tracking of the full length of the Banadad is usually completed and the trail opened for skiing by mid-December.”

First Snow

2008-10-27T07:49:00.004-05:00

The mid-Gunflint Trail area around Poplar Lake and Little Ollie Lake received its first dusting of snow of the season last night. Not must on the ground but more is predicted. The current temperature at 8:00 am is 25 degrees and very windy.

North Star Ski Touring Club Writes about Weekend of Trail Clearing on the Banadad

2008-10-25T09:30:00.010-05:00

Nine North Stars arrived at host Ted and Barbara Young's Poplar Creek B & B on the evening of Thursday, October 16, ready to clear the BWCA’s Banadad Ski Trail. The group was put-up in the Little Ollie Lake Cabin and one of the rooms in the Poplar Creek Guesthouse B&B. Each day a huge farm-style breakfasts was prepared for us and we returned to mouth-watering dinners and a refrigerator stocked with beer.

On Friday morning, we paddled across a very calm Poplar Lake. We left our canoes at one end of Mead portage and hiked a long trail, part of which was steep and rocky. The day's work consisted of nipping alders and overhanging pine branches as well as cutting down and removing larger trees. Two men took down a stony berm in the trail.

Hiking to our canoes in the late afternoon, I noticed gold underfoot – gold leaves, gold cedar tips, gold pine needles – a welcome cushion for tired feet.

The second day, we drove to a different area on the Banadad. Our group cleared from the western Banadad Trailhead in approximately four miles. A few of us ate our trail lunches sitting in the sun on a bridge crossing a rushing creek between East Dawkins and West Dawkins lakes.

In the evening, several North Stars attended a meeting which saw the initial formation of the BWCA Banadad Trail Association, a non-profit dedicated to maintenance of the Banadad for future generations Ted agreed to continue to serve as Trail Maintenance and Grooming Coordinator.

Our last day, we hiked to an area near Tall Pines yurt where we worked through the morning clearing the western side of the Tall Pine Yurt.

Then we showered, packed, and ate lunch with in the B & B Guesthouse dining room. Ted thanked us for successfully clearing more than seven miles of the Banadad and he noted that North Stars have volunteered trail-clearing there for over 25 years, longer than any other group of volunteers. Barbara pointed out that only she has “volunteered” for Ted longer than the North Stars.

Together, we all shared the highlights of our invigorating trail-clearing experience: beautiful fall weather; lovely small trees on the side of the trail -trees that will need nipping in future years; fascinating lichens, fungi, and rare sphagnum moss spores; a old two-holer outhouse along side the trail at the site of the "Old Logging Camp" which one North Star passionately wishes to be forever preserved; lively discussions touching on diverse topics, including politics; and absolutely fabulous meals, including a roast turkey dinner and an ethnic Nordic brunch.

Trip leader Tom Rice summed it up: “Great crew! Great hospitality!”

COOK COUNTY COMMISSIONERS LOOKING FOR PUBLIC INPUT ON ONE PERCENT SALES TAX

2008-10-22T05:17:00.003-05:00

The Cook County Board of Commissioners has recently appointed an eleven‐member Steering Committee to study the potential for a County‐wide one percent sales tax for the purpose of
construction and/or improvements to a County Community Center, recreation area and public library. The steering committee has met twice and has decided to solicit public input before moving any further in the process.

Three public meetings have been scheduled for the week of October 27. The meetings are being held at various times and locations throughout the county for the convenience of residents and business owners. Each meeting will have the same agenda; part one will be a presentation to the public regarding the background on the one percent sales tax, the proposed process and schedule. Part two will be an opportunity for the public to share their thoughts and ideas regarding the proposed projects.

The following dates and times have been established for the meetings:

Tuesday, October 28 – 7pm‐8:30pm – Tofte, Birch Grove Center

Wednesday, October 29 – 7pm‐8:30pm – Grand Marais, Cook County Community Center

Thursday, October 30 – Noon ‐1:30pm – Gun Flint Conference Center

American Bittern on Gunflint Trail

2008-10-15T07:30:00.008-05:00

The other day while driving the Gunflint Trail Lori Backlund, Poplar Creek Guesthouse B&B’s bookkeeper, spotted what she thought was an unusual bird scampering across the Trail. Lori was able to photograph the bird. From the photo she identified the bird as an American Bittern

According to Bird Web the Bittern, is a “solitary species, the American Bittern is more often heard than seen. It is a stout heron, with mottled buff-brown plumage. Its neck can be held in to appear short and sturdy, or extended to look long and slender. Its upperparts are solid brown, with darker outer wings. The adult has a dark streak on either side of its neck; the streak is absent on the juvenile.”

I certain have to agree that the Bittern is rarely seen. I can only recall seeing the bird one time before, many years ago- that time, in the fall, when working on the Banadad Ski Trail.

First Frost at Little Ollie Lake

2008-10-03T07:56:00.002-05:00

Last night the eastern end of Poplar Lake on Little Ollie Lake received this fall’s first frost. The temperature at Poplar Creek Guesthouse B&B early this morning was 28 degrees. This is not to say that frost has not occurred previously in other areas of the Gunflint Trail. Two weeks ago inland from the south shore of Poplar Lake a temperature of 30 degrees was recorded.

Meanwhile along the Gunflint the fall colors are now reaching their peak – the moose maples and pin-cherry trees are bright red and orange and the birch and aspen yellow. It quite beautiful!

Volunteer for Fall BWCA Ski Trail Clearing

2008-09-18T07:11:00.007-05:00

Join the "Banadad Beavers" for a Work Weekend clearing the summer's accumulation of brush and downed trees and bridge replacement projects along the Banadad Ski Trail. Most of the Banadad is located within the BWCA, where the use of power equipment for maintenance is prohibited. As a result, just to get the trail open for skiing each year requires some 600-650 hours of hand labor. Your help is needed!

This Fall's Trail Clearing Weekend Schedule

October 4 – Saturday work all-day; Reduced rate lodging available through Poplar Creek Guesthouse B&B.

October 9-12 – Sponsor, Adventure Vacations, a Twin Cities based touring company- for more information contact Karen at 651-644—0333 or 866-910-0300

October 11- Saturday work all day; Reduced rate lodging available through Poplar Creek Guesthouse B&B.

October 23-26 Sponsor, North Star Ski Touring Club for more information contact Tom Rice tjr@rhys.net.

November 6-9 Sponsor Minnehaha Academy Ski team; also open on Saturday, November 8 to others. Work all day; Reduced rate lodging available through Poplar Creek Guesthouse B&B

November 15 - Saturday work all-day; Reduced rate lodging available Poplar Creek Guesthouse B&B.

All volunteers receive special reduced lodging rates at Poplar Creek Guesthouse or at the Banadad Yurts and free parking along the Banadad Ski Trail during the 2008-09 Ski Season.

For more information view - Boundary Country Trekking or call 800-322-8327.

Following the trail clearing the east end of the Banadad is normally open for skiing with the first good snow- sometime near the end of November. However the entire Banadad and the Croft Yurt is not available until about mid-December.

FALL COLORS BEGINNING ALONG THE TRAIL

2008-09-13T07:45:00.000-05:00

Gunflint Trail- The fall season colors are just beginning to get underway along the Gunflint. The moose maple and some of the aspen and birch are starting to turn. Peak color season should arrive sometime within the next couple of weeks.

INN TO INN FALL COLORS TOUR - ELY TO THE GUNLINT AROUND THE EDGE OF THE BWCA WILDERNESS

Grand Marais, MN- Scenic Fall Drive Around the BWCA--Ely to the Gunflint Trail by "the secret backroads" with two B & B's as Bookends-- Spend two nights at Ely's Blue Heron Bed and Breakfast, located on South Farm Lake at the Western Gateway to the Boundary Waters. Then drive from Ely to the Gunflint Trail's Poplar Creek Guesthouse B& B along the southern border of the BWCA via the scenic backroads. Picnic beside a remote picturesque lake or creek enroute. The leaf color season runs from mid September through mid October, but varies in timing in different areas of the forest and along Lake Superior. The autumn Boundary Waters colors are spectacular!

Halfway between Ely and the Gunflint you can take-in one of Minnesota's must remote taverns- the Trestle Inn.

According to Poplar Creek Guesthouse owner, Barbara Young, "In the fall when we can get away from our B&B we often travel these back roads ourselves. These roads are known by the 'locals' but traveled by few others. The fall colors along these roads are truly beautiful. With this program we hope to share this beauty with others."

Josie Milan, co-manager of the Blue Heron, states that she is "Very excited about the edge of the Boundary Waters tour. In fact," she continues, "I took this back roads trip from Ely to the Gunflint myself a few years ago and it is truly beautiful.

Inn to Inn Ely to the Gunflint fall tours can be scheduled by simply making one phone call to either the Blue Heron at 218-365-4720 or Poplar Creek Guesthouse at 800-322-8327. Additional information about this program is available by clicking on packages then scrolling down to "Inn to Inn around the BWCA-Ely to the Gunflint Trail."

Forest Service Lifts fire Restriction

2008-09-03T15:31:00.001-05:00

USFS-The decision was made at 12:00 noon, today, Wednesday, September 3, 2008, to lift current restrictions and to allow the use of campfires, charcoal, and wood-burning camp stoves in the blowdown area in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW) at any time of the day. At the same time the Border Route Trail system and the Kekekabic Trail will re-open for public use.

A combination of recent precipitation, cooler temperatures, and shorter days has reduced the potential for human-caused fires. The outlook is for a continuing trend with chances of rain every few days now for the next 7-10 days.

Visitors are still urged to use care with campfires, and as always, they are encouraged to use gas or propane cook stoves to reduce impacts to the Wilderness.

Growning Up on Youngs Island

2008-08-22T05:32:00.005-05:00

Nancy Olmem-My family purchased our Poplar Lake Island cabin on Memorial weekend in 1952. Neighbors of ours in Minneapolis, Del and Mernie Kloek, had a cabin for sale on Poplar Lake and invited us to check out their cabin. It was not what my parents were looking for, but after looking at many properties they were shown the island. It was love at first sight and became our new summer residence. (read more)

Editors Note- This is just one of the many stories and articles you find at Gunflint Trail's Poplar Lake History.

Forest Servise Issues No Fires Order and Other BWCA News

2008-08-21T05:39:00.005-05:00

Due to the recent lack of rain, starting today, no open fires will be allowed in the "Blowdown" area of Superior National Forest. Canoeist in the BWCA will have to use portable stoves for cooking. Unlike last year, at least this time they are issuing this order before any wild fire starts.

In other news from the Forest Service- Starting September 5 and running through September 9, a crew of volunteers will be replacing the steps at the Stairway Portage on Rose Lake. They hope to minimize delays by removing a few steps at a time as they work their way down both staircases. According to the Forest Service, "the goal is to minimize visitor inconvenience while the repairs take place."

The stairs were originally built by the CCC's in the 1930's. Then they were constructed of cedar trees cut on site. In the early 1980's a USFS crew replaced these old cedar stairs with creosote treated timbers. Wounder what materials they plan to use this time?

Recent Tribune Article on the Killing of Ken Petersen

2008-08-18T07:48:00.005-05:00

A recent Minneapolis Star Tribune article by Larry Oaks provides a glimpse of what is or is not going on concerning the prosecution of Border Patrol agent Maranda Weber, for the killing of Gunflint Trail resident Ken Petersen. The Border Patrol's response to Petersen's death was to transfer Weber to Grand Forks, ND. You can view the article at http://www.startribune.com/local/24784074.html?page=2&c=y

Prom this Year's Citizen of the Year

2008-08-12T07:09:00.004-05:00

The Grand Marais Lions Club selected Mike Prom, owner of Voyageur Canoe Outfitters on the end of the Gunflint Trail as the "2008 Cook Country Citizen of the Year." The award was present during this past week's Fishermen's Picnic. For more information go this week's Cook Country News Herald.

B&B - Landscaping with Native Plants

2008-08-10T08:29:00.002-05:00

“Since Poplar Creek Guesthouse B&B was open in 2001 we have been mowing a lot of lawn, Barbara Young, the B&B’s inkeeper stated. “Now in an effort to cut-down on this mowing, we are experimenting with replacing some of this grass with native flowers and plants.”

Paul Hlina, who operates Leaning Pine - Native Landscapes, volunteered to assist in this effort. Paul has pioneered shoreline restoration and wildlife habitat enhancement project throughout northern Wisconsin and Minnesota. .

Armed with plants from Paul’s nursery, wheel borrows, shovels and power drills for digging planting hole, Paul and crew spent two days restoring approximately 150 square feet of the B&B’s 800 square feet of lawn to native plants and flowers. The crew first laid down a layer of newspapers to cover the grass, wet the newspaper, then covered the paper with a layer of screened dirt followed by straw. Finally the native plants were planted in six-inch intervals.

According Paul, “we should know by next summer how the project is going to work.”

“If successful” Young went on to state, “more of the lawn will be returned to native plants. Over the years we have burnt-up a lot of gasoline not to mention our labor in mowing the lawn, reducing what we have to mow by better then 15% is certainly a step in the right direction and just part of our continue effort to make our business more sustainable.”

As an interesting side-note, Paul has hiked the entire Superior Hiking Trail, skied the entire Banadad and ran Grandma’s Half Marathon. While this might not seem unusual unless you consider the fact that Paul did it on crutches. You see he was injured many years ago in an automobile accident and now get around on crutches.

Gunflint Businesses Vote For New Lodging Tax with Conditions

2008-08-07T13:38:00.005-05:00

Yesterday afternoon the Gunflint Trail Association members met to determine whether to participate in the new proposed County wide lodging tax. The 1% addition lodging tax if approved would be used to fund the Cook Country Events and Visitors Bureau (EVB). The meeting began with EVB officers Charles Skinner Jr, Nancy Burns from the Lutsen Tofte Tourism Association and Mike Prom from the Gunflint explaining the new proposed tax and the EVB.

After considerable discussion on the merits and disadvantages of passing the proposed tax. A motion was put forth to support the new tax, provide it contained a five year "sun set provision" and the Gunflint Trail Association would continue to receive a minimum of two members on the EVB Board

The Association then voted to approve the motion with by a vote of; 11 in favor, 4 apposed and one abstention.

The new lodging tax must still gain the support of members of the Lutsen Toffe and Grand Marais Area Tourism Associations before it can be brought to the County Board. The County Board would then make the final decision on whether to enacting the new 1% lodging tax.

Additional Lodging Tax Proposed in County.

2008-08-04T05:23:00.007-05:00

The resorts and B&Bs on the Gunflint Trail along with lodging properties throughout Cook County are being asked to support a lodging tax increase of 1%. The tax would be used to fund the Cook Country Events and Visitors Bureau. Currently business throughout the county collect a 3% lodging tax and the new tax if approved would raise the lodging tax rate to 4%. Final determination of whether to enact this tax or not is at the discretion of the Cook County Board of Commissioners.

Gunflint Trail businesses have called a special meeting for 12:00 noon on Wednesday to vote on whether they are willing to participate in this new taxing initiative. The Gunflint meeting was called after the Gunflint Trail Association Board of Directors received a lot of opposition from it members on this tax proposal. The Board is hoping all Association members will turn-out at this meeting to express their opinion on this new tax.

The new tax as presented by the Minnesota State Legislature to the Cook County Board reads as follows (sorry about the hard to read quality):

Saga of the Garbage Continues

2008-07-30T14:55:00.002-05:00

Grand Marais- As of the time of the Cook County Board of Commissioners special meeting
this morning, Pederson Disposal has not yet met his obligation to the State,
and was not re-issued his waste haulers license.

The Board of Commissioners decided to take no further action at this time,
and will take up the issue for discussion once again at their regularly
scheduled meeting on Tuesday, August 12th.

Until then, it is our understanding that Pederson's Disposal will continue
to collect garbage, and actively work with the State of Minnesota to resolve
the issue.

Gunflint Trail Garbage Crisis?

2008-07-25T08:13:00.003-05:00

Jim Johnson, County Commissioner- At Tuesday's commissioner's meeting we were presented with a Notice of License Revocation, dated June 24 2008, from the Minnesota Dep't of Revenue for an overdue tax liability for Ray Pederson (Pedersons Disposal).

The letter stated that "Under Minnesota Law, you must revoke the license by July 24, 2008." It also states that "once the delinquency has been resolved, we will send you a clearance certificate". The letter referenced Minnesota Statutes and seemed to be pretty clear that we had no choice but to revoke the license or we would be in violation of State Law.

The letter also gave a phone number to call at the State. That number is 651-556-3327. I would urge you to call that number with your concerns. I tried the number myself and left a message yesterday. So far the call hasn't been returned. If they get enough calls that leave messages I'm convinced we will get their attention.

It would also be good to contact Tim Nelson at our own planning and zoning department (387-3630) since he has been working behind the scenes with Ray Pederson to try to work this out before calling it to the attention of the commissioners last week.

Bob Fenwick and Jan Hall are working with Tim Nelson to try to resolve this problem. We are having a special board meeting on Monday next week at the commissioners room at the court house at 8:30 a.m. regarding this and I would urge you to attend.

Personally, I voted to violate the law and allow garbage to continue to be picked up by the Pedersons, but I was in the minority, and the resolution to revoke was passed. My reasoning for that vote, was that it was more important, especially at this time of year, to pick up the garbage than to follow the letter of the law.

Hopefully, this can be resolved quickly. It would be wise to think about recycling more, and separating food waste and garbage that will spoil quickly from the other kinds of garbage that will "keep for a while" and not pose a threat to health or the environment.

I'll keep you posted if I hear any more news. Hopefully it will be good news.

MCC Takes on the Banadad Ski Trail

2008-07-16T15:33:00.004-05:00

MCC Girls apply "warpaint" (mud) to take on the Banadad

One Island Lake Portage-The Minnesota Conservation Corp, six youth and two group leaders, yesterday head-out by canoe from the One Island Portage along the Moose Trail. Their destination- Rush Lake from where the group will spend the next four days brushing and widening the remote interior section of the Banadad Ski Trail around Moose Kill Hill. Seagull Lake, resident and winter Boundary Country Trekking employee accompanied the group to supervise the trail work. It is expected the crew should widen about a mile of the trail which when completed would finish the widening of all the remaining remote interior of the east end of the Banadad.

Gunflint Canoe Races Wednesday

2008-07-14T06:07:00.003-05:00

The Annual Gunflint Trail Canoe Race Event is set for Wednesday, July 16, sponsored by the Gunflint Lake Property Owners Association. The food concession opens at 4:00 p.m. and the races begin at 6:00. Races include; long distance, traditional, backward paddling, broken paddle and gunnel pumping.

The races have become a major fundraising event of the summer on the Gunflint Trail and helps raise money to equip and train the volunteers in the Gunflint Trail Volunteer Fire Department.

Bed, Breakfast and Birding in the Boreal

2008-06-28T14:50:00.002-05:00

Bird watchers will find an astonishing variety of birds, both migratory and resident along the Gunflint Trail's Boreal Forest where Poplar Creek Guesthouse B& B and Cabins are located. Also you are sure to see many more birds at the feeding station located around the property. These bird-feeding stations are maintained year-around.

Further up the Gunflint Trail a few miles is the site of the Ham Lake fire of 2007. Venture into the burned over area and you are likely to catch a glimpse of the Black-backed and Three-toed Woodpeckers. They like to feast on the insects that multiply in burned trees.

New this year at the B&B- guided and self guided Birding Packages are now offered.

The EDGE: Dirt from the Yurt and other Chatter from the Edge of the Boundary Waters

Pagami Creek Fire Countines to Build

Small Wildfire Confirmed West of Poplar Lake

Brule Lake Fire-2

Small Wildfire Reported on Brule Lake

Byway' Timber Management Plan from USFS

Wildfire Reported on Gaskin Lake

Ice-out on Poplar Lake

Dead Beat Corporations

Banadad Ski Trails Open for Seaon

Not Every Skier Loves a Sauna

BCT to Attend Winter Expo in Minneapolis

Banadad Ski Trail Survives Forest Service Burn

Banadad Ski Trail Survives Forest Service Burns

Gunflint Trail – During the week of October 17th the Gunflint District, U.S. Forest Services ignited the 1626 acres Meads and the 1963 acres Dawkins Lakes prescribed burns within the BWCA. Seven miles of the twenty-mile Banadad Ski Trail pass through these burns.

Old Growth Cedars Burned by Forest Service in Mead Burn

However, one crew did report that along side the trail a large beautiful area of old growth cedar just north of the 2000-foot burned-over area was destroyed by the fire.

Gunflint Trail History Buffs

Gunflinlt Trail Plein Air Fall Celebration

Gunflint Trail Fall

Plein Air Celebration

Sunday, October 3

Fire on Lizard Lake- Update 2

Aw Wilderness- What Good are Wilderness Trails if they are Not Maintained?

Fire on Lizard Lake- 1/2 Mile South West of Banadad Trail

Only in Nordern Minnesnowta - Photo is Fake

Grand Opening Gunflint Trail's Chick-Wauk Museum and Nature Center

Artist Wanted for the Gunflint Trail Plein Air Summer

Sign-up Anytime-

From: Tuesday June 15, 2010 at 12 Noon

Until: Friday, October 15, 2010 at 11:30 PM.

Loons and the Oil Spill

Forest Service Lifts Fire Restrictions

Banadad Sequesters Carbon in Tree Planting

Earliest Ice Out on Poplar Lake

Ice Conditions on the Gunflint's Lakes

Important Gunflint Trail Plan Up for Review

Exciting Dog Sled Event-Mush for a Cure March 12-13

Storm Clearing Continues on the Banadad

Pat Shunn, ambassador of Sag Lake landing, dies

Volk Ski Spcial- January 23 for Team Banadad

Cook County's Septic Systems and the State PCA

First Tracks on Banadad

Boundary Country Install New Yurt Along Banadad

Early Snow on the Gunflint

Meteorite Impact Evidence Site Tour on Gunflint

Gunflint Trail Forest Planning - Draft Plan

Conservation Corp takes on the Banadad

Gunflint's Bridal Falls Adventure

REMINDER FOR SAFE BERRY PICKING ON SUPERIOR NATIONAL FOREST

Mesaabi Biking Trail Fills in Last Remaininng Gap

Wolf Strolling along the Lima Grade

Rainy Weather on the Gunflint Finally Breaks

Northwood's stylel Heat Wave, 80 degrees

The Vance Lake Logging Camp- A Historic BWCA Site Revisited

Gunflint Nordic Ski Trails Carbon Off-Set to Gunflint Green Up

Ollie Lake Tree Planting Continues Inspite of the Snow

Spring Slow to Arrive in the Mid-Gunflint Trail Area

Long time Poplar Lake Resident Passes Away

Barbara Young Elected President of State B&B Association

Snow Continues on the Gunflint Trail

Spring Skiing on the Gunflint Banadad

Spring Skiing - It ain't over till it's over

Art Option Along the Gunflnt Trail

Featuring Noted Artist and Instructor Sue Pavlatos

Gunflint Spring Snow no April Fool Joke

Gunflint Green-Up Specials

Gunflint Green-up Tree planting

Little Ollie Lake Blowdown Tree Planting

Gunflint Green Up Happening May 1-2, 2009

Rolf Hugenvik, Poplar Lake Summer Home- 1925-2009

New Ski Trail Association Formed on Gunflint Trail

Gunflint Winter Tracks Festival-2009

Gunflint B&B offers Art in the Woods

Volk Ski Special-Mongolian Firepot Buffet at Yurt Sunday

Cold Weekend on the Gunflint

Cook Country Volks Ski Fest

First Skiers Through the Banadad This Winter

Ham Lake Fire Claims First Fatality

The Nordic Ski Season Starts on the Gunflint

Gunflint Trail – During the week of October 17^th the Gunflint District, U.S. Forest Services ignited the 1626 acres Meads and the 1963 acres Dawkins Lakes prescribed burns within the BWCA. Seven miles of the twenty-mile Banadad Ski Trail pass through these burns.