Photo: Laura Pluth on Unsplash.com

From the Superior National Forest - May 9, 2024 

The Superior National Forest (SNF) has issued an updated Occupancy and Use Forest Order specifically for camping within a developed recreation site for a period of no longer than 14 days, and restricting camping at Jeanette Lake Island (Lot 12), Birch Lake (Section 21) and Grassy Lake Island (Section 28); And prohibits the use of an over the snow vehicle on a designated ski trail to the Road and Trail use – effective April 19, 2024 through April 19, 2029.  Forest Order 09-09-24-01 issued April 19, 2024 is an update to R909-08-01 issued April 1, 2019.

The Forest Order 09-09-24-01 Occupancy and Use section updates:

1.     Camping within a developed recreation site for a period longer than 14 days, except as otherwise posted is prohibited. Developed recreation sites include Fee Campgrounds, Rustic, Backcountry, Dispersed and BWCAW campsites can be found at: https://www.fs.usda.gov/activity/superior/recreation/camping-cabins

2.     Camping is prohibited at the ‘restricted areas’ listed below and as depicted on the attached map. These restricted areas are in addition to those listed in R909-08-01 Issued April 1, 2019:

a.     Jeanette Lake Island, LaCroix District, T65N, R15W, Section 6

b.     Birch Lake “TP Island”, Kawishiwi District, T61N, R12W, Section 21

c.      Grassy Lake Island, Kawishiwi District, T64N, R12W, Section 28

The Forest Order 09-09-24-01 National Forest System Roads and Trails section update adds that ‘Operating an over-the-snow vehicle on a designated ski trail’ as prohibited.

There are exemptions noted in the Forest Order and offers implementation reference to the effective date of April 19, 2024, at 8:00 am through April 19, 2029, or until rescinded, whichever occurs first. 

Forest Order 09-09-24-01 can be read online here along with all related exhibits: https://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/superior/notices/?cid=FSEPRD1174551   

Please note that all violations of National Forest - Forest Orders are punishable as a Class B Misdemeanor by a fine of not more than $5,000 for individuals and $10,000 for organizations, or by imprisonment for not more than six (6) months. The USFS Law Enforcement Officers and Forest Protection Officers are available to assist in public education and enforcement.