The Superior National Forest (NF) has issued Forest Closure Order 09-09-25-03 for Tofte Landscape Project vegetation management activities, that temporarily restricts all traffic (motorized and nonmotorized) onto the Cross River or 600 Rd (FR 166) from the junction of the Temperance River Rd (approximately 5.15 miles northwest of State Highway 61) going east (approximately 4.9 miles to County Rd 2, and the Wringer Lake Rd at Wringer Lake heading south 4.4 miles to the 600 Rd on the Tofte Ranger District.

The Order will go into effect on December 1, 2024, and remain in effect until March 15, 2025, or until rescinded. The Order is needed to increase protect public health and safety during vegetation management activities, protect employees engaged in the various missions of the National Forest System, protect natural resources, and allow emergency vehicle access. 

The area has extensive spruce budworm damage, and the project will help reduce wildfire risk by removing diseased trees. The listed roads are hilly and narrow making passing and maneuvering around logging truck traffic dangerous. The exception to the Closure Order is access of Over Snow Vehicles as noted in the Order on the North Shore State Trail where it shares the 600 Rd/FR 166, and on the LeVeaux Snowmobile Trail where it crosses the 600 Rd/FR 166. 

Alternate Route

An alternate route is available via Minnesota Highway 61 during the closure. Vegetation management activities will occur on and around the Wringer Lake Road. There are two additional alternate routes via Richey Lake Road (Forest Service Rd 346) and County Road 2 to avoid heavy logging truck traffic. See Order 09-09-25-03 Exhibit A map.

This wildfire risk reduction project will increase the Superior NF’s ability to control wildfire activity through hazardous fuels removal and protect residents and communities in the area, ” says Ellen Bogardus-Szymaniak, Tofte District Ranger, Superior NF. “The road closures are needed to protect the public and workers.”

Superior NF staff and contractors understand that these updates may cause some inconvenience to everyday and vacation travels and seek upstanding and cooperation from the public. If you have additional questions, please contact the Tofte District Ranger Office at 218-663-8060 for up-to-date project information.