After reviewing the environmental assessment and considering public comments, Gunflint Ranger District Ranger Michael Crotteau selected Alternative 2 for the ShokoShoe Project over Alternate 1.
Only one objection from the public was received concerning the proposed activities and impacts of the second alternative during the last comment period.
Initially, five alternatives were considered for the ShokoShoe Project, with two picked for further analysis.
In his determination letter, Crotteau stated, “Alternative 2 has an appropriate balance between creating a young forest and maintaining mature forest patches, thereby sustaining a diverse mix of wildlife habitats. Alternative 2 would create young forest providing valuable habitat for various species, such as moose and deer (browse habitat) or migratory birds (nesting and feeding habitat). Moose tend to favor early successional browse species, such as quaking aspen, paper birch, and certain shrubs, which will regenerate following harvest providing another 10-20 years of forage.”
The ShokoShoe Project Area encompasses the Mid- Gunflint Trail area and eastward including the Greenwood Lake area and extending to Grand Portage Reservation.
In determining which areas to prioritize, the Forest Service invited the public to work with it to identify the most critical needs and objectives for the area(s) as well as how to accomplish the agreed-upon goals.
In his decision notice, Crotteau says he picked Alternative 2 over Alternative 1 because, “Alternative 2 makes the most progress towards Landscape Ecosystem and Management Indicator Habitat Objectives,” and “Alternative 2 has an appropriate balance between creating a young forest and maintain mature forest patches, thereby sustaining a diverse mix of wildlife habitats.”
Alternative 2 will create 4,200 acres of young forest, states Crotteau, “providing valuable habitat for various species, such as moose, and deer (browse habitat) and migratory birds (nesting and feeding habitat).”
As part of the decision, Forest Road 146C will be converted to a ski trail and the 23.8 miles of temporary roads that will be constructed to access the work will be decommissioned after they are no longer needed for the project.
A plan to reduce fuel hazards on about 3,987 acres will occur through harvest, understory fuel reduction, and prescribed fire (burns).
Alternative 2 will create 4,417 more acres of upland forest which will afford 10 to 20 years of forage for moose.
The second alternative also calls for harvesting approximately 22,000 ccf (a hundred cubic feet) of wood products, while the first alternative would not offer any wood products.
“Since Alternative 2 provides more volume, it will also provide more total revenue and higher payment to the counties,” Crotteau states.
The plan also identifies 585 acres for underplanting with white cedar, white pine, and/or white spruce in the riparian area of those stands. Those conifers will eventually grow into tall trees which will create shade or aquatic and wetland ecosystems, thermal cover for wildlife, nest sites for riparian associated species (such as eagles and osprey) and provide wood and fine litter for the streams and lakes, creating structure and nutrients for the aquatic system.
During the lead up to a final decision, the district ranger and the interdisciplinary team that worked on ShokoShoe consulted with tribal representatives from the 1854 Treaty Authority, Grand Portage Band of Lake Superior Chippewa, Fond du Lac Band of Chippewa at various stages of the planning.
“The alternative I am selecting, Alternative 2, best addresses tribal interests in the project areas. Under Alternative 2 there will be an increase in the number of acres of young aspen, paper birch, and mixed deciduous and coniferous forests. Young forest acres provide valuable forage for species of interest to the tribes, such as moose, deer, and grouse for hunting and gathering purpose. Also, there will be an increase in the number of young forest acres to hunting. In comparison to Alternative 1, Alternative 2 will provide for greater opportunities to access land for hunting and gathering purposes.”
Public involvement was also a key component in making a final selection.
The interdisciplinary team worked with community organizations and collaborated with the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources specialists. Biologists and resource specialists shared data on moose habitat, native plant communities, biodiversity areas and forest management actions each agency was considering.
All told three public sessions were held during the summer of 2016 to discuss the ShokoShoe Project. In October 2016, over 900 individuals, groups, and agencies who either own land within the project area or who have expressed interest were sent a scoping letter.
Following an environmental assessment (EA) in March 2017, notifications of the EA and an additional comment period were sent to over 350 individual, groups, and agencies. The Forest Service received 11 responses expressing concern, asking questions and providing comments. None of the comment or concerns received raised any new issues that the interdisciplinary team had not addressed.
The project covers 115,000 acres, of which about 42,000 are National Forest System land. All told, the work should take approximately 15 years to complete.
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