Byway' Timber Management Plan from USFS

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

Earliest Ice Out on Poplar Lake

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.

Local Man Held Captive on Impromptu Wildlife Spotting Adventure

Lisa Wagner, Gunflint Trail, MN — On Monday night, Gunflint Trail resident Ted Young was taken against his will on an impromptu wildlife spotting adventure sponsored by his wife, Barbara Young, who was piloting the family Subaru home from a delicious dinner at the Gunflint Bistro. (Mrs. Young had drawn the short straw, and as such was the designated driver of the party of three, which included Lisa Wagner who was visiting from St. Paul).

The first indignity suffered occurred as Mrs. Young passed two fox kits on the south side of the Gunflint Trail, which necessitated a U-turn to allow further investigation. Mr. Young protested vaguely from the backseat, but soon found himself looking at two “cute” and “darling” fox kits, no larger than house cats. He grumbled accordingly and the incident passed without further comment.

Not long after that, as the party approached the Iron Lake campground turnoff, a car was spotted in the oncoming lane, driving zero miles per hour. Noting this as a sure sign of moose on the Gunflint Trail, Mrs. Young slowed the car and indeed, in the swamp on the right, there was a bull moose grazing on the aquatic plants. Its antlers were covered in a rich chocolate-colored velvet that matched its coat, and Mrs. Young and Ms. Wagner were most taken with the sight. The Subaru was now going zero miles per hour as the crew gazed at the bull moose, not ten yards away.

“Jeez, Barbara, get going,” implored Mr. Young. “I’ve seen a thousand moose.”

“Dozens,” she said. “Not thousands.”

“Ten thousand,” he retorted. “Now get going before people think we’re tourists.”

Just about then, a second bull moose was spotted in the same area. Groans ensued from the back seat. The front seat passengers were all the more delighted with the wildlife bonanza.

As if things couldn’t get worse, not a mile further down the Trail, another car was spotted in the opposite lane, also going zero miles per hour. The passing glance revealed a cow moose dipping her head into the water for another mouthful of weeds, and at the first opportunity, Mrs. Young turned the car around to go back for a better look.

Mr. Young’s protests became nearly unbearable. “Barbara! Please! Let’s just go home. This is EMBARRASSING.”

To which Mrs. Young replied, “Damn it, Ted…you KNOW you like seeing these moose as much as I do. OK, I am coming back tomorrow night and I’ll smear mud on the license plates so no one will recognize us, but I gotta’ see this.”

Ms. Wagner, equally eager for the opportunity to see the moose cow, encouraged Mrs. Young to make another U-turn.
Upon closer investigation, the cow moose did have a calf in tow, just a few yards behind her. So, make that (by Mr. Young’s count) 4 foxes, 2 bull moose, 2 cow moose and 1 calf, (since two of these animal pairs had been spotted twice).

Mr. Young slouched down in the back seat and tried his best to become invisible. The indignity of it all was just too much for him.

After admiring the moose cow and calf, Mrs. Young put the vehicle in gear and proceeded home.

Mr. Young became somewhat hysterical as he recounted the sightings of “at least 27 moose and a dozen foxes,” and “an extra 20 minutes” that was added to the drive.

He was taken home, and spared any further humiliation of U-turns or stopping in traffic, and was administered two medicinal shots of cognac. He is expected to be fine tomorrow morning.

At last sight, Mrs. Young and Ms. Wagner were applying mud to the license plates of the Subaru and plotting to be back at the swamp the next evening about 9:00 (with a camera this time). They will leave Mr. Young home.

Season's First Bear Goes After Dog

The other day following work, cutting brush on the Banadad, Jim Raml and his dog, Blonca were walking up to his truck at Poplar Creek Guesthouse B&B’s parking lot when he spotted an all black animal headed his way. Next thing Jim knew a bear yearling went after Blonca. Unable to restrain the dog and fend off the bear at the same time, Jim called back to the Guesthouse for help. I responded! With me pitching snowballs and yelling at the bear to distract it, Jim was able to get Blonca into the safety of the truck cab and then drove-off.

The bear hung around the parking lot for a bit longer and then left. We have not seen the bear since.

The yearly bear after spending the winter in a den with its’ mother was likely “booted-out" to make room for this year’s cubs. The bear was wondering around in the snow hungry and looking for something to eat. At least this time it was not Blonca.

Ted Young