SnowmobileTrailsBLOG.com Minnesota North Shore Snowmobiling and Trail Reports

Moose population decline continues in northeastern Minnesota - News release from MNDNR

2010-02-08T15:27:00.001-06:00

Moose population decline continues in northeastern Minnesota
(Released February 8, 2010)

According to results of an aerial survey released by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR), the moose population in northeastern Minnesota continues to decline.

Survey results revealed lower moose numbers and the proportion of cows accompanied by calves continued a 13-year decline and dropping to a record low of 28 calves per 100 cows.

“These indices along with results from research using radio-collared moose all indicate that the population has been declining in recent years,” said Dr. Mark Lenarz, DNR forest wildlife group leader.

Moose populations are estimated using an aerial survey of the northeast Minnesota moose range. Based on the survey, wildlife researchers estimate that there were 5,500 moose in northeastern Minnesota. The estimate, while not statistically different from last year’s 7,600, reinforces the inference that the moose population is declining. In addition to the decline in the calf to cow ratio, the bull to cow also continued to decline with an estimated 83 bulls per 100 cows. Aerial surveys have been conducted each year since 1960 in the northeast and are based on flying transects in 40 randomly selected plots spread across the Arrowhead.

A study of radio-collared moose in northeastern Minnesota between 2002 and 2008 determined that non-hunting mortality was substantially higher than in moose populations outside of Minnesota. Lenarz indicated that, “combined with the reduced number of calves, the high mortality results in a population with a downward trend.”

The causes of moose mortality are not well understood. Of 150 adult moose radio-collared since 2002 in Minnesota, 103 have subsequently died, most from unknown causes thought to be diseases or parasites. Nine moose died as a result of highway vehicle accidents. Two were killed by trains. Only six deaths were clearly the result of wolf predation.

Analyses by Lenarz and other scientists have indicated a significant relationship between warmer temperatures and non-hunting mortality. “Moose are superbly adapted to the cold but intolerant of heat,” said Lenarz, “and scientists believe that summer temperatures will likely determine the southern limit of this species.”

As recently as the 1980s as many as 4,000 moose inhabited northwestern Minnesota, an area of agricultural land interspersed with woodlots. The population declined dramatically during the 1990s and currently numbers fewer than 100 animals. In contrast, the northeastern population occurs in wetland-rich forested habitat which presumably provides thermal cover in a warming environment.

In August, a Moose Advisory Committee convened by the DNR released their findings which will be used in the development of a legislatively-mandated research and management plan. They indicated that while climate change is a long-term threat to the moose in Minnesota, moose will likely persist in the state for the foreseeable future. The plan should be ready later this spring and will be open to the public for comment.

The Fond du Lac band of Lake Superior Chippewa and 1854 Treaty Authority contributed funding and provided personnel for the annual survey.

A copy of the aerial survey report is available online at:
http://files.dnr.state.mn.us/outdoor_activities/hunting/moose/moose_survey_2010.pdf
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Cook County Snowmobile Club 2010 Events Schedule

2010-02-05T17:55:00.000-06:00

Trail Center Ride - Sunday, January 3 Ride to Trail Center for lunch. Start from Devil Track General Store at 10 a.m.

Gunflint Lodge Bistro Ride - Saturday, January 9 leave Devil Track General Store at 9 a.m.

Afternoon ride to Hungry Jack Lodge - Saturday, January 16 Leave 'The Landing' @ Devil Track Resort at 3 p.m.

Ride to Cascade Lodge - Sunday, January 17 Leave Devil Track General Store at 10 a.m.

Fortune Bay Resort Vermillion - Thursday to Sunday January 21-24 Fortune Bay Resort in Vermillion, Minnesota. Standard room $67, Suite $93. Block of rooms are reserved under Cook County Ridge Riders. Make reservations by December 27th. 1-800-555-1714

Drag Race at Devil Track Lake - Saturday, January 30. Sign up at 11 a.m. Racing starts at noon. Antique Snowmobile Display – bring your Vintage Sled. Parking near Devil Track Resort and event on lake infront of Devil Track Resort.

Ride to Moguls in Lutsen for lunch - Sunday January 31. Leave Devil Track General Store at 10 a.m.

Fun Run Casino Night - Proceeds to the Club! Saturday, February 6 Poker Run. Start from Devil Track General Store at 10 a.m. for first card, then to Trail Center, Windigo, and Hungry Jack. Have lunch where you choose and get last card at The Landing by 5 p.m. with Casino night at The Landing with card games, food and drink specials, prizes and entertainment. Money raised goes to the Club! See trailhead option C for location/directions and parking.

Drag Races / Radar Runs - Saturday, February 13 @ Windigo Lodge on Poplar Lake. Sign up at 11 a.m., racing starts at noon.Windigo Lodge is approx. 35 miles up the Gunflint Trail, in the Mid-Trail area, on the left side as you drive up. Large moose staue in front of lodge. In the 40 MPH zone.

Valentine's Day Ride - Sunday, February 14th. Riders will decide destination... Meet at Devil Track General Store at 10 a.m. See trailhead option C for location/directions.

Poker Run - Sunday, February 21 Start from Devil Track General Store at 10 a.m. for the first card, then to Trail Center, Windigo and Hungry Jack. Get last card by 2 p.m. Entry fee and prize for highest and lowest hand. See trailhead option C for location/directions.

Fishcakes @ Carbine's - Saturday, February 27 Fishcakes on McFarland Lake. Leave Devil Track General Store at 9 a.m. See trailhead option C for location/directions.

Annual Trout Derby Picnic and fishing contest - Sunday Feb 28th. Door prizes to be given away. Gunflint Lake boat access. Bring along your Vintage Snowmobile for display. See trailhead option G for location/directions.

Overnight ride to Grand Portage Lodge and Casino - March 6-7th Sat - Sunday. Start from Devil Track General Store at 9 a.m. See trailhead option C for location/directions.

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IQALUIT, Nunavut - Hunters on snowmobiles a way of life in G-7 venue

2010-02-05T16:54:00.001-06:00

from Business Week

And authorities are telling them not to worry much if, say, a gun-toting man goes by on a snowmobile. Government finance chiefs of the seven big industrial ...
read more at Business Week
http://www.businessweek.com/ap/financialnews/D9DLKIK01.htm

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North Shore Snowmobile Trail Report February 5th, 2010

2010-02-05T09:25:00.000-06:00

North Shore Snowmobile Trail Report February 5th, 2010 from http://www.snowmobiletrails.com/

February 4th, 2010 We rode the north shore state trail on Wed Feb 4th from south of Two Harbors to Finland. Then rode to Isabella and then down to the Brimson trail and south back to our cabin. 190 miles and the trail were great!!! All of them were smooth and lots of snow. The DNR lists the trails as good but they are very good to excellent. Report by Jon W., Brooklyn Park, Minnesota. See trailhead option I for planning this route. Send your report to us!

North Shore Snowmobile Trails - http://www.snowmobiletrails.com/
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North Shore Snowmobile Trail Report January 27th, 2010

2010-01-27T16:05:00.000-06:00

After the storm summary for January 27th, 2010; This is our tenth season online! January thaw is over! Temps are back to normal. Wet snow and some rain fell during the weekend along Lake Superior. Though it seemed horrible; rain running down the streets in January, we got a good dumping of fresh snow. Areas between Lake Superior and the first height of land were warmer than inland areas and affected the most by rain. Use trailheads inland where storm totals have been 7-14".

The areas of higher terrain along Lake Superior where the North Shore State Trail runs received the most snow. We also received reports of over 10" of snow in the Mid-Gunflint Trail and well over a foot in the Mineral Center area. Duluth, Two Harbors, Finland, Devil Track Lake received 8-12" of wet snow. Image below from Jan 25th, 2010 on North Shore State Trail in Lutsen 11". Reports have been good... Check out our trailhead and lodging suggestions for the good trails to hit and where to stay!

Minnesota North Shore Snowmobile Trails http://www.snowmobiletrails.com/

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North Shore Snowmobile Trail Report Jan 25th, 2010

2010-01-27T13:32:00.000-06:00

January 25th, 2010 Headed out @noon to verify snow depths up along Grade/Forest Road 153. Headed out on Tofte trail from home and found very little snow along lakeshore up to Carlton Peak. Snow accumulations were getting better, around 6-8" by the North Shore State Trail. Then headed north on Wringer Lake road and found only one track and great riding, once to the "Grade" there was about 11-13" of heavy wet snow and great riding. Over to Trestle Inn and snow was plentiful! Played around on various logging roads in area then back on State Trail which had more traffic and back up to Grade and broke trail down Wringer Lake road, which was a hard ride due to all the brush heavy with snow and ice in trail, after spending a lot of time clearing trail to pass through, made it back to State Trail and headed for home.

All in all a great day to be out in new snow and little traffic. Groomer will be out on Thursday if not earlier for trail packing for Beargrease Sled Dog Marathon which starts this Sunday, so keep your sled to the right and watch your speed if riding during the race!! Happy sleddin'. Report by Blake N., Tofte, Minnesota. See trailhead option O for planning this route. Send your report to us!

Minnesota North Shore Snowmobile Trails http://www.snowmobiletrails.com/
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Annual Fish Cake Party - Snowmobiling Event by Cook County Ridge Riders Snowmobile Club

2010-01-05T11:33:00.001-06:00

Annual Fish Cake Party - Snowmobiling Event by Cook County Ridge Riders Snowmobile Club Feb 27th, 2010

>>>Fish Cakes @ Carbine's on McFarland Lake, meet @ Devil Track General Store @ 9am CST.

Devil Track General Store directions from downtown Grand Marais; go to http://www.snowmobiletrails.com/#optionc

On Sunday Feb 28th, 2010 is another great event put on the the Cook County Ridge Riders Snowmobile Club is the Annual Trout Derby and Icefishing Contest. See blog post; http://www.snowmobiletrailsblog.com/2009/02/annual-trout-derby-and-icefishing.html

- Snowmobiling Event from Cook County Ridge Riders Snowmobile Club;
www.snowmobiletrails.com/ridge_riders
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Annual Trout Derby and Icefishing Contest Gunflint Lake - Gunflint Trail Grand Marais, Minnesota

2010-01-05T11:27:00.001-06:00

Annual Trout Derby and Icefishing Contest Gunflint Lake - Gunflint Trail Grand Marais, Minnesota Feb 28th, 2010. 9AM CST.

Door prizes, fishing contest, food and fun. Anglers arrive and find a fishing spot by 9am.
Event is on Gunflint Lake infront of public access and Gunflint Lodge.

Event is 45 miles up the Gunflint Trail / County Road 12 by vehicle from downtown Grand Marais, Minnesota. Gunflint Trail / County Road 12 starts off of HWY 61 on the east end of downtown Grand Marais, Minnesota. Turn onto South Gunflint Lake Road / County Road 50 and go 1/2 mile to left turn into public access.

This is a full day outside bring warm clothes and boots.

Go to report of the 2009 Trout Derby published March 02, 2009; http://www.snowmobiletrailsblog.com/2009/03/weekend-report-drag-races-on-poplar.html

You could also snowmobile to Gunflint Lake from Downtown Grand Marais or Devil Track Lake area.
For directions from downtown Grand Marais see; http://www.snowmobiletrails.com/#optionc
or from Devil Track Lake area see; http://www.snowmobiletrails.com/#optionj

For complete 2010 events schedule go to; http://www.snowmobiletrailsblog.com/2010/01/cook-county-snowmobile-club-2010-events.html

- Snowmobiling Event from Cook County Ridge Riders Snowmobile Club; www.snowmobiletrails.com/ridge_riders
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Silver Bay, MN now holds the World's Record for the World's Longest ATV Parade!

2009-06-14T09:19:00.005-05:00

Silver Bay, MN now holds the World's Record for the World's Longest Parade!

The former record of 1, 138 held by the Harlan Kentucky Ridgeriders was SHATTERED!

On June 13th , 2009 1,632 ATVers rode in the World's Longest ATV Parade in Silver Bay, Minnesota.

See more details; http://www.snowmobiletrailsblog.com/2009/03/be-part-of-worlds-largest-atv-parade.html

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Cook County ATV Club Kick-Off Party and Trail Ride

2009-05-27T09:46:00.003-05:00

Cook County ATV Kick-Off Party Saturday, May 30 to celebrate!!!!!!

The Cook County ATV Club will celebrate the start of the riding season with a Membership Party at Grand Portage Trail Center on Mineral Center Road / County Road 17. Trail riding, treasure dig & Monster Truck piñata for kids, burgers & brats by Sons of American Legion, horse shoes & lots of fun door prizes! Take an ATV quiz & you could win a digital camera!

ATV/Poker Run over from South Brule River Trailhead parking lot 15 miles up the Gunflint Trail / County Road 12 from downtown Grand Marais (meet at 10:30 a.m.) or trailer to 1521 Mineral Center Road / County Road 17 to join the fun. Saturday, May 30 – 12:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.

More directions to South Brule River Trailhead; http://www.snowmobiletrails.com/#optiona

More directions to the Grand Portage Trail Center / Mineral Center; http://www.snowmobiletrails.com/#optionad

Cook County ATV Club;http://atv.rideupnorth.com/news.php
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ATV users beware - New law makes reckless destruction of wetlands gross misdemeanor

2009-05-26T22:05:00.005-05:00

All-terrain-vehicle riders who destroy wetlands in Minnesota face tougher criminal penalties, a year-long ban on riding and, if caught a second time, seizure and forfeiture of their vehicles under a measure signed into law Friday by Gov. Tim Pawlenty.

Jim Konrad, the state Department of Natural Resources enforcement director, said conservation officers probably will seize only a few ATVs each year but hopes the enhanced penalties will deter the worst offenders.

The law, which takes effect Aug. 1, 2009 makes reckless destruction of wetlands a gross misdemeanor, which carries penalties of up to a year in jail and a maximum fine of $3,000. That offense now is a misdemeanor.

Anyone convicted of wetland violations or illegal riding in rivers, lakes, state parks or state natural areas will be barred from operating an ATV for a year under the new law.
Conservation officers who catch a reckless ATV rider in a wetland a second time will have authority to seize the vehicle immediately and begin forfeiture in court.

"A few hundred dollars out of your pocket isn't a big deal, but if you have got a $6,000 or $,7000 ATV, it is very much like a drunk driver losing their car," Konrad said. "And we know for sure they will be out of business at least until they get another ATV."

Last September, the Star Tribune reported in a three-part series, "Renegade Riders," that those caught trashing the environment usually face small fines, seldom pay restitution and never lose driving privileges.

Some riders interviewed for the series said they didn't think that riding in wetlands and rivers was wrong.

In the report, the newspaper found widespread ATV damage to public lands despite laws passed earlier in the decade to crack down on the problem. Though most riders who damage land get away, DNR enforcement records showed that each year 52 riders, on average, have been caught in waters or wetlands. When mapping trails in state forests, top DNR officials ignored agency experts who recommended closing trails that dead-end at wetlands.

The measure signed Friday had the backing of the All-Terrain Vehicle Association of Minnesota, which lobbies on behalf of riders, and environmental groups led by Audubon Minnesota.
The sponsor of the measure, Sen. Satveer Chaudhary, DFL-Fridley, chairman of the Senate Environment and Natural Resources Committee, said it was the first time in his memory that rider groups, environmentalists and the DNR supported the same proposal.

"It seemed to me we needed to start making the message loud and clear to the worst of the worst riders, particularly those who are giving the sport a bad name, that their behavior would not be tolerated," he said.

Chaudhary said the seizure law is meant for people like the two-time wetland offender in the newspaper series who insisted that destructive riding "isn't hurting anything."

The DNR has estimated that it will seize one to three ATVs a year. One reason for the small number is that conservation officers seldom catch wetland riders in the act. Usually, officers discover the muddy damage only after it has happened, and the offenders are long gone. Catching someone twice will be rare, Konrad said.

Even so, Chaudhary said, "it will take only a few for the word to get out real quick."
The ATV penalties are part of a larger bill (HF1237) dealing with matters related to the DNR, parks and other areas.
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Cook County Commissioners Pass ATV Ordinance - Finally!

2009-05-26T21:57:00.007-05:00

From the Cook County ATV Club May 26th, 2009

After listening to an overwhelming number of their constituents, the Cook County board of commissioners passed the ATV Road Ordinance, four to one, with only Commissioner Jim Johnson voting no.

The ordinance opens the shoulder & inner bank of all gravel county roads. Paved roads still allow riding in the ditch. There was a lot of discussion on riding on the county roads in the city (8th Ave, County Road 7, Wisconsin, Broadway, 5th Street and a few others) and the Sawbill Trail. Bruce Martinson fought hard to get the ordinance changed to allow riding on the shoulder of the Sawbill, as the Tofte township had requested. To do that would have required rewriting the ordinance, which would have meant ANOTHER public hearing, so Bruce agreed to pursue that in the future.

The commissioners did require that anyone riding on a county road has a left-hand rear view mirror. Get yours now - it's not only the new law, it's a good idea for safer riding. THANK YOU to everyone who showed up! THANK YOU to the folks that got up and talked - you all did an amazing job! If you see your commissioner, tell him or her THANKS! (Or in Jim Johnson's case, thanks for nothing!)

Bob Fenwick and Jan Hall especially spoke out strongly in favor of LOCAL RIGHTS, mentioning that this used to be a county that was friendly and welcoming to all. Bob reminded everyone that before the BWCAW we had access to all our forest lands. He said little by little the federal government is telling us where we can travel and how we can enjoy our forests. He supported the ordinance to draw a line, to stop that.

YEAH, COMMISSIONERS!!!!!

Now, come to the Cook County ATV Kick-Off Party Saturday, May 30 to celebrate!!!!!! Happy Trails!

The Cook County ATV Club will celebrate the start of the riding season with a Membership Party at Grand Portage Trail Center on Mineral Center Road / County Road 17. Trail riding, treasure dig & Monster Truck piñata for kids, burgers & brats by Sons of American Legion, horse shoes & lots of fun door prizes! Take an ATV quiz & you could win a digital camera!

ATV/Poker Run over from South Brule River Trailhead parking lot 15 miles up the Gunflint Trail / County Road 12 from downtown Grand Marais (meet at 10:30 a.m.) or trailer to 1521 Mineral Center Road / County Road 17 to join the fun. Saturday, May 30 – 12:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.

More directions to South Brule River Trailhead; http://www.snowmobiletrails.com/#optiona

More directions to the Grand Portage Trail Center / Mineral Center; http://www.snowmobiletrails.com/#optionad

Cook County ATV Club;
http://atv.rideupnorth.com/news.php
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The Final Report and End of Season Party 2008-2009

2009-04-05T08:47:00.009-05:00

This is my last report for this season, it was an awesome year for snowmobiling. Around a hundred inches of snow fell on the North Shore. Even though we had a devastating ice storm near the end of the season, the March 31st/April 1st snow storm dropped a deep layer of wet sticky snow. The diehard sledders headed to the Grand Marais area for one last weekend ride and the Ugly Sweater Contest & End of Season Party @ The Landing / Devil Track Resort. The parking area was jambed with trucks and trailers full of snowmobiles and 37 competitors donned their ugliest sweaters; competition was fierce. There was; ugliest male, ugliest female, most outrageous, best 80s, and best drag. Thank you Chris and Em for putting on a great time!

I heard so many snowmobilers comment about how great the snow conditions were this final weekend. Even though trails were covered in deep snow and ungroomed, everyone was really happy with driving up the North Shore and riding one last weekend and watching us locals party in our ugly sweaters...

I'd like to thank everyone who submitted a trail report and everyone I met this season. I really appreciate your compliments, thanks again... c u next year!

Please subscribe to the snowmobiletrailsblog... I do post important news and information during the off-season.

Chad Jones
http://www.snowmobiletrails.com/
http://www.snowmobiletrailsblog.com/
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Daily Trail Condition Reports 2008-2009

2009-04-03T13:26:00.003-05:00

Image from April 1st, 2009 Gunflint Trail just out of downtown Grand Marais at water tower.

This report updated April 3, 2009 1PM.

Major snow storm hit the North Shore March 31 and April st. Devil Track Lake area reporting 18inches of new snow with drifting to 4 feet. Downtown Grand Marais reporting 15 inches with drifting to 4 feet. Lutsen area reporting 16inches. Finland reporting 20 inches. Grand Portage reporting 18 inches with drifting to 4 feet. If you want snowmobiling in April this is the best you'll find. Should be good spring trail conditions inland through the weekend.

I need to correct a common misbelief; in a phone conversation with the MN DNR this morning, I was corrected that only grant-in-aid trails close April 1st. The North Shore State Trail does not close on April 1st, as previously stated on http://www.snowmobiletrails.com/ and http://www.snowmobiletrailsblog.com/. Riding grant-in-aid trails without the landowner’s permission is trespassing, if the trail crosses private land. Trails that are currently open for riding include the Expressway and the Gunflint Snowmobile Trail System, both are grant-in-aid trails but, no longer use private property, after these trails were moved. So these trails including the Grand Portage trails and the North Shore State Trail are open for use, snow permitting.

A Snowmobile State Trail sticker is required for all snowmobiles operating on state or grant-in-aid trails. Including the Expressway Trail, and the Gunflint Snowmobile Trail System. The annual trail sticker is valid from November 1 - April 30 and costs $16 ($15 permit fee plus $1 filing fee).
A $31 three-year sticker will be available beginning October 1, 2005.The three-year permit can only be purchased in conjunction with a registration.
Anyone stopped by enforcement and found operating on a state or grant-in-aid trail without a sticker may be subject to enforcement action and will be required to purchase a $31 annual sticker. ($30 permit fee plus $1 filing fee.) How to purchase a State Trail Sticker; http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/licenses/snowmobile/trailpermit.html

The North Shore State Trail from Two Harbors to roughly Grand Marais has a lot of downed trees and may be impassable, use extreme caution if you use this section.

The state is no longer grooming snowmobile trails this season.

These trailheads will be best for this weekend; trailheads inland/ over the hill from Lake Superior. Many spur trails from downtown areas have had snow melt due to being on the slope facing the sun and being close to warmer air near lake Superior. Details for trailheads can be found at; http://www.snowmobiletrails.com/#trailheads

There has been great spring riding after this storm, watch out for fallen trees and debris from ice storm. Snowmobile trails in Lake and Cook County were seriously effected by freezing rain that fell across northeast Minnesota March 23rd and 24th. Grooming is done for this season.

Access points from Minnesota State Parks are closed.

The following are preliminary snow amounts for the late season snow event Tuesday March 31 into Wednesday April 1st. These totals are not necessarily the final amount for each location.

Snow reports listed by amountinches location St County time
18.00 Grand Portage MN Cook 0801 am
14.80 Silver Bay MN lake 0703 am
14.00 Lutsen MN Cook 0740 am
14.00 Beaver Bay MN lake 0652 am
13.00 3 NNE Finland MN lake 0715 am
12.00 Grand Marais MN Cook 0750 am
12.00 Breezy Point MN Crow Wing 0900 am
11.00 5 N Pillager MN Cass 0831 am
11.00 Pequot Lakes MN Crow Wing 0715 am
10.50 Illgen City MN lake 0750 am
10.00 6 SW Two Harbors MN lake 0622 am
9.30 Hackensack MN Cass 0647 am
8.50 International Falls MN Koochiching 0711 am
8.00 5 N Virginia MN St. Louis 0845 am
7.30 Duluth MN St. Louis 0725 am
7.00 Chisholm MN St. Louis 0735 am
7.00 7 NW Two Harbors MN lake 0730 am
7.00 Babbitt MN St. Louis 0714 am
6.80 Duluth MN St. Louis 0708 am
6.30 Kabetogama MN St. Louis 0714 am
6.30 Northome MN Koochiching 0714 am
6.00 Wrenshall MN Carlton 0900 am
6.00 Cook MN St. Louis 0714 am
5.90 Kerrick MN Pine 0614 am
5.80 2 se Esko MN Carlton 0620 am
5.50 Ironton MN Crow Wing 0657 am
5.50 Cotton MN St. Louis 0629 am
5.40 3 NE Nisswa MN Crow Wing 0815 am
5.30 Orr MN St. Louis 0714 am
5.30 3 E Orr MN St. Louis 0618 am
5.00 Cass Lake MN Cass 0905 am
4.80 3 N Brainerd MN Crow Wing 0659 am
4.30 Maple WI Douglas 0705 am
3.20 12 N Isle MN Aitkin 0800 am
3.00 4 N Grantsburg WI Burnett 0824 am
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DEVASTATING ICE STORM North Shore / Grand Marais Ice Storm March 23 and 24, 2009

2009-04-03T13:00:00.003-05:00

Devastating Ice Storm North Shore / Grand Marais Ice Storm March 23 and 24, 2009

UPDATE; April 3rd, 2009 @1PM

Snowmobile trails in Lake and Cook County were seriously effected by freezing rain that fell across northeast Minnesota March 23rd and 24th. There are trees down and some trails may be impassable. Use extreme caution.

Grooming is done for this season.

Access points from Minnesota State Parks are closed.

See our detailed daily trail condition report for suggestions for this weekend.

More images from March 23rd, 2009 at; snowmobiletrails.com
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Snow storm is actually producing snow...

2009-04-03T13:00:00.002-05:00

Image above in front of Gun Flint Tavern March 31st, 2009 10PM, snow storm dropped about 12-15" in downtown Grand Marais.

This report updated April 3, 2009 1PM.

Major snow storm hit the North Shore March 31 and April st. Devil Track Lake area reporting 18inches of new snow with drifting to 4 feet. Downtown Grand Marais reporting 15 inches with drifting to 4 feet. Lutsen area reporting 16inches. Finland reporting 20 inches. Grand Portage reporting 18 inches with drifting to 4 feet. If you want snowmobiling in April this is the best you'll find. Should be good spring trail conditions inland through the weekend.

There has been great spring riding after this storm, watch out for fallen trees and debris from ice storm. Snowmobile trails in Lake and Cook County were seriously effected by freezing rain that fell across northeast Minnesota March 23rd and 24th. There are trees down. Use extreme caution. Grooming is done for this season.

Access points from Minnesota State Parks are closed.

See our daily trail report for more details about current suggestions for the weekend...
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North Shore State Trail does not close April 1st - A Common Misbelief

2009-04-03T12:57:00.005-05:00

I need to correct a common misbelief; in a phone conversation with the MN DNR this morning, I was corrected that only grant-in-aid trails close April 1st. The North Shore State Trail does not close on April 1st, as previously stated on http://www.snowmobiletrails.com/ and http://www.snowmobiletrailsblog.com.

Though riding grant-in-aid trails without the landowner’s permission is trespassing, if the trail crosses private land. Trails that are currently open for riding include the Expressway and the Gunflint Snowmobile Trail System, both are grant-in-aid trails, but no longer use private property, after these trails were moved. So these trails including the Grand Portage trails and the North Shore State Trail are open for use, snow permitting.

A Snowmobile State Trail sticker is required for all snowmobiles operating on state or grant-in-aid trails. Including the Expressway Trail, and the Gunflint Snowmobile Trail System. The annual trail sticker is valid from November 1 - April 30 and costs $16 ($15 permit fee plus $1 filing fee). A $31 three-year sticker has been available beginning October 1, 2005. The three-year permit can only be purchased in conjunction with a registration.

Anyone stopped by enforcement and found operating on a state or grant-in-aid trail without a sticker may be subject to enforcement action and will be required to purchase a $31 annual sticker. ($30 permit fee plus $1 filing fee.) How to purchase a State Trail Sticker; http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/licenses/snowmobile/trailpermit.html

The North Shore State Trail from Two Harbors to roughly Grand Marais has a lot of downed trees and may be impassable, use extreme caution if you use this section. The State is no longer grooming snowmobile trails this season.

US Forest Service issues hazardous road warning for Lake and Cook Counties of Minnesota

2009-03-26T14:26:00.003-05:00

From the US Forest Service Duluth, Minnesota March 25, 2009

Winter Storm Creates Hazardous Conditions on Forest Roads

Freezing rain and continued cold temperatures are creating hazardous conditions on forest roads in the eastern portion of the Superior National Forest. Ice-laden trees leaning over roads and in many cases blocking roads or reducing traffic down to one lane have created driving hazards.

Although most of the main roads are open and in fair condition, many side roads remained impassable as of Wednesday morning. Power outages have occurred in parts of Cook and Lake Counties.

In light of slippery conditions, motorists are urged to use caution when traveling forest roads. Power company and road crews are out in force and may be encountered along road right-a-ways. Forest Service crews are currently focused on assessing road conditions and road clearing.

An assessment of trail conditions will occur after completion of road assessments. It is expected that trails in the lower portion of Cook and Lake Counties will be impassable. This is the time of year when grooming of ski and snowmobile trails is normally discontinued due to snow melt.
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Be Part of the Worlds Largest ATV Parade and make a new record!

2009-03-25T11:41:00.006-05:00

You can be a part of the Worlds Largest ATV Parade and help make a new record!

Join us in an attempt to break the record for the "Worlds Longest ATV Parade".

Currently, the Harlan County Ridge Runners in Evarts, Kentucky holds the record for the Longest ATV Parade. The club set the record of 1,138 ATVs in a parade in the summer of 2006, surpassing the old record of 687 set in Hurley, Wisconsin.

This past June, Silver Bay, MN was buzzing as ATVs rolled into town in an attempt to break the World Record. The official count for the parade was 1,083 ATVs; unfortunately, we were 56 ATVs short from breaking the record (three wheelers and side x sides did not count towards the record).

Once again, Silver Bay has opened its doors to us as ATVAM attempts to break the record on June 13, 2009. There is plenty of parking available on side roads near the staging area as well as parking in Beaver Bay or Finland and then ride the trail to Silver Bay.

Grab your ATV and make a week-end out of it, between the Moose Walk & the Red Dot trails there are over 50 miles of riding; they are just about the nicest trails you will ever ride.

>>>JUNE 13th 2009... SILVER BAY NOW HOLDS THE LONGEST ATV PARADE RECORD....
see for more details; http://www.snowmobiletrailsblog.com/2009/06/silver-bay-mn-now-holds-worlds-record.html

More information and registration is at; http://www.atvparade.org/
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Frost Heave / Rough Road Warning

2009-03-14T14:21:00.007-05:00

Frost Heave Warning; Frost Heaves are very widespread in Lake and Cook County. We've experienced and have been advised by our readers to watch for frost heaves on Devil Track Road / County Road 8, Gunflint Trail / County Road 12, Arrowhead Trail / County Road 16 and Mineral Center Road / County Road 17, especially the Old Hwy 61 section is very rough in Cook County and County Roads 2 & 3 in Lake County.

You can sit and watch people drive too fast over a set of 'UNMARKED - BUT KNOWN ABOUT' heaves on the Devil Track Road / County Road 8 in Cook County, north of Grand Marais. Slow down going over these, especially if you're hauling a trailer full of sleds. People have suffered vehicle and trailer damage. Heave are widespread.

What is a Frost Heave? Frost heaves are the large bumps or sunken areas on roadways, many caused by impropery filling excavations for culverts or tunnels under roadways. Driving over these can make you go airborne or/and cause serious vehicle or trailer damage.
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Too Many Deer on HWY 61 Roadway Warning

2009-03-14T14:14:00.005-05:00

Large numbers of whitetail deer are yarding up all along HWY 61 from the Duluth area through the Grand Marais area. Typical for this time of year, deer are crossing roadways near Lake Superior especially after dark. I counted 74 deer and 7 carcasses in 15 miles on / near HWY 61 roadway March 13th @10pm between Grand Marais and Judge Magney State Park and more than 150 deer and 11 carcasses in 18 miles between Grand Marais and Lutsen same day 5pm.
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Best conditions of the season and my sled is down!!!!!!!!!

2009-03-14T11:28:00.019-05:00

After our ride back from Lutsen Thursday I parked my sled and changed out of my gear at a friends on Devil Track Lake. About an hour later, I went back out to load my sled in the back of my truck, it was near zero degrees. I've had some problems with my throttle cable freezing up in real cold temps, from all of the powder we've been hittin'. I started my Crossfire up and hit the throttle...she died. The throttle safety switch sensed that the cable would not return to the full closed position and automatically disabled the ignition.

Messing around with this in near zero and about dark conditions wasn't what I had planned for my evening. I tried to thaw and lubricate the throttle, it wasn't working... I left it in my friends shop for the night, so it would be ready for another epic ride we've been planning for days, in the Lutsen area Friday. Friday morning came and the cable was still not returning to the closed position. On further inspection I noticed that the cable was melted after it came loose from the plastic loop fastener that was broken. Allowing the throttle cable to lay against the exhaust. Needless to say the cable frayed and won't operate and I need to replace it.

The group I was going to be riding with was already waiting for me to show-up... needless to say I was not going... I had to stay home and try to find a replacement cable and try to salvage the weekend riding. I hooked my sled up to the back of my truck and towed it over to RC Bucks place, parking in front of the shop door, I untied the snowmobile from my truck.

::::::::::::::::::::Things do downhill from here:::::::::::::::::::

I removed the exhaust and the heat shield above the throttle body assembly, where the throttle cable connects to. Suddenly, I heard the snow on the metal roof break loose, right above me and the snowmobile. Snow begun to cascade down onto me, knocking me down and filling the engine compartment area with a foot of snow. It came down faster and faster and further away from the building and perfectly onto my sled with the hood open.

A deep breathe and a few loud words later... I took off most of my clothes to get the snow out of my underwear and boots. Changed into some dry clothes and began taking the throttle cable off of the sled, so I could go down to Grand Marais and see if anyone had a cable that would work. I figured I'd be driving to the nearest Arctic Cat dealer, which is now in Thunder Bay, Ontario - Canada... about an hour away.

The cable was easy to remove, and once I had it off of the sled it was easy to see that is was very frayed inside of the casing, caused by the spot that was burned by the exhaust. How I got home without problems from Lutsen the day before, not sure... I headed to a friends coffee shop in downtown Grand Marais to have a hot drink and use the computer and find a cable, new or used, or a dealer that had one in stock.

::::::::::::::::::::Things do downhill even more from here:::::::::::::::::::

Not one dealer on the Arctic Cat Web site has a throttle cable in stock, not even in Ontario!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I kept thinking; "March, the best riding of the season... March, the best riding of the season... LOOOOOOOZER you're not riding until you get a new cable..."

I'm going to a concert Wednesday night at the Myth in Maplewood, Minnesota, so I ordered a new cable from Lighthouse Motorsports in Rosemount, Minnesota, I see the Lighthouse Motorsport's enclosed trailer up in Grand Marais often, and they are close to where I'll be staying Wednesday night. I was told it would be there Wednesday or Thursday... I'm bummed, that it seems I'm going to miss out on nearly a week of sensational riding.

I'm a believer that things happen for a reason, and that if you go with it, stay positive, you'll make out just fine. I'm not sure what the reason for this is, but I've already accepted it... I'll get my YZ450F studded up to run on the lakes and ice or spend more time at the Lutsen Mountains Ski Hill snowboarding...HA.

8:00am; friends calling to see if I'm riding...describing the planned ride...

8:05am; this sucks, friends going on epic rides without me...

8:10am; 35 degrees, sunny, great day for riding...

8:15am; text messages teasing me...that's it...

8:20am; can't give up yet, in my panic yesterday I forgot about JD's Sports and Repair in Hermantown. Though... they are no longer an Arctic Cat snowmobile dealer, which explains why they were not listed as a dealer on Cat's Web site, maybe they have a cable in stock, maybe I can beg to take one off a used sled? I bought my sled there and they have always taken good care of me...

::::::::::::::::::::Things are looking up:::::::::::::::::::

Incredible...

11:00am heading to Hermantown 2 hours away to pick-up new throttle cable, they had one in stock!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Can't salvage today but, tomorrow I'll be ready!

Why didn't I think of this yesterday?

BRRRAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAP

Update March 15th, 2009; back up and running Sunday by noon.

Update March 21, 2009; by 5 pm March 15th I was gimping my sled back to Devil Track Lake again. My steering suffered damage from ice on the Temperance River. Used the strap that came in the tool kit to tie my steering together after tearing a few bolts off. Took sled with me to Cities and dropped off at Lighthouse Motorsports in Rosemount, Minnesota. Went to Hollywood Undead concert at the Myth in Maplewood, Minnesota. Sled was done next day... Back-up and running Thursday afternoon... just in time for more riding Friday. See report and images of Friday's ride.
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Grand Portage Minnesota receives 11 inches of snow

2009-03-11T11:58:00.004-05:00

March 11th, 2009 Grand Portage receives 11 inches of snow. Snowmobile trail conditions are very good from Grand Portage to the Gunflint Trail, Grand Marais and to the Ontario border. Go to snow storm totals for North Shore Minnesota and Northwestern Wisconsin; www.snowmobiletrails.com/snow_storm.html

As usual the North Shore has the best snow conditions in Minnesota. Snow fall this season 66-98 inches. Check out the trail reports, trailheads and routes at http://www.snowmobiletrails.com/
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Appeals court backs snowmobile trail near BWCAW

2009-03-10T09:43:00.004-05:00

7 YEARS LATER!!!!!! Appeals court backs snowmobile trail near BWCAW

The 8th Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals has backed a snowmobile trail proposed at the edge of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness.

By: News Tribune, Duluth News Tribune

The 8th Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals has backed a snowmobile trail proposed at the edge of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness.
A three-judge panel of the appeals court last week released a ruling saying an environmental group’s claims against the trail, which focused on whether South Fowl Lake was intended to be inside the wilderness, were nullified because the statute of limitations had expired.
A lower court already had agreed with the Forest Service that the trail was outside the BWCAW and thus legal.
The lower court also ruled that an environmental review was necessary. The appeals court said it lacked jurisdiction to change that decision.
The Forest Service is under an injunction not to build the trail until after an Environmental Impact Statement is conducted. The project has been on hold pending court action, said Kris Reichenbach, Forest Service spokeswoman in Duluth. No decision has been made on when to proceed with the environmental review, she said.
The trail issue surfaced in 2002 when the Forest Service closed an existing snowmobile trail that did illegally enter the motorless BWCAW.
The agency then proposed a new trail route from MacFarland Lake to South Fowl Lake outside the BWCAW boundary, but environmental groups said it was too close to the line and that noise from snowmobiles would disrupt wilderness.
http://www.duluthnewstribune.com/event/article/id/114515/
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Epic Ride - Cascade River Run

2009-03-08T09:24:00.009-05:00

Cascade River Snowmobile Trip March 07, 2009

We were late meeting our friends at Devil Track Saturday morning to ride the Cascade River. Three of us hustled ass across Devil Track Lake, over to the Expressway and onto the Cascade River. We could see their tracks going south and we realized this was going to be an incredible ride. About a mile down river we met our five friends taking a break. The river was full of fallen surface ice from low water levels. There was also plenty of running water and open areas around rapids and waterfalls, some areas were treacherous and a few sleds got damaged, nothing we couldn't limp home...

I have a lot of respect for water... I lost two great friends, who were never found on the Yukon River, and I've had to respond to many drownings as an EMT and Search and Rescue Technician. This made for an interesting 'pucker' effect. Read entire report and see images...