Thanksgiving has come and gone, and everyone is waking up from his or her turkey naps. Snow has already been falling and sticking over the hill away from the big lake. Driving can be tricky this time of year, so be sure to give other drivers some additional space and be sure to plan on a few extra minutes for your daily commutes.
One type of recreation that is common this year is the search for holiday greenery such as boughs and Christmas trees. Remember that all of these forest products require a permit, which can be obtained from your local Forest Service Ranger District. An additional permit that can be important this time of year is a road use permit.
If you live along a Forest Service Road and have intentions on plowing that road, you are required to obtain a road use permit prior to completing any road plowing actions. Road use permits can be obtained from a local Forest Service Ranger District. Any unauthorized plowing is illegal and can lead to an unsafe road condition.
We are in the middle of grouse season, and muzzleloader season for deer runs through December 9. Please make sure you are wearing blaze orange anytime you are out in the woods. All might not have welcomed the snow, but skiers, snowmobilers, and other winter sports enthusiasts are happy to start preparing for their winter recreation activities.
As we transition into the season for winter recreation, remember that spring and fall tend to be the times when hypothermia strikes the most victims. If you haven’t already gotten the winter boots and gloves out of storage, now is the time to do so. In addition, please remember that even though some lakes are starting to freeze over, the ice is not yet safe for travel. Please refer to minnesotasnewcountry.com/minnesota-dnr-when-is-ice-safe/ for additional information on ice safety.
Also, don’t forget to outfit your car with additional survival gear. There are plenty of resources available online to help you figure out what belongs in your car during the winter, but at a minimum, make sure you have a shovel, gloves, and a flashlight in the event you experience any unexpected winter travel issues. More winter driving tips are available at: www.fs.fed.us/visit/know-before-you-go/driving
Once you’re prepared and headed out the road, you’ll run into truck traffic on the Tofte District on the Trappers Lake Road, Dumbell River Road, Wanless Road, Lake County 7, the Fourmile Grade, the Perent Lake Road, Ball Club Road, North Devil Track Road, and The Grade. The Gunflint District will have hauling on the Caribou Trail, the Murmur Creek Road, Greenwood Road, Firebox Road, South Brule Road, Lima Grade, and the Otter Trail. A good rule of thumb is if a back road is plowed in the winter, there is probably going to be log hauling on it.
Keep yourself warm, dry, and prepared for winter, and you’ll have a great week out in the Forest!
Leave a Reply