County continues its support of Forest Service trail proposal

Diane Greeley of the Arrowhead Coalition for Multiple Use (ACMU) asked county commissioners Tuesday, August 17, 2010 to consider submitting a comment on the Draft Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) regarding the South Fowl Lake Snowmobile Access project, a trail reroute on U.S. Forest Service land outside the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW). The45-day comment period opened Friday, August 13. She said she believes the county’s input is important, especially in light of the fact that the county joined the US Forest Service in a lawsuit defending the proposed trail.

Greeley lifted up her copy of the Draft EIS which was probably at least three inches thick. The Cook County ATV Club as well as local snowmobile clubs will be sending in their comments.

It’s been seven years since the trail reroute was first proposed, said ACMU board member Chuck Silence. “It’s time.”

Commissioner Bob Fenwick agreed to work with county Land Commissioner Mary Black on a response.

“What is objectionable is that this should have been done in 1978 [when the BWCAW Act was passed],” said Rhonda Silence. “Seven years for a two-mile trail is insane.”

With the money that has been spent on the lawsuit brought against the Forest Service in objection to the trail, the whole Border Route hiking trail could have been cleared of all the deadfalls blocking it, Mrs. Silence said.

Greeley said the Federal Register indicates that arguments are being made that the sound of snowmobiles would be detrimental to the BWCAW.

Commissioner Fenwick said the DNR is in support of the proposed reroute. He will consult with them because they very strongly believe the same way the county does. He expressed concern that if the sound argument is accepted as a reason to reject the plan, it could result in a new set of restrictions on use of the land all the way around the BWCAW. “This sound issue is exactly what they’re trying to use to create a sound buffer,” he said.

Greeley said the tribes agree with the DNR and Cook County board’s position as well.