Partners Come Together to Support Superior National Forest

Extensive work to clear debris and open acces to forest areas affected have been in progress

A large amount of work has been in progress over the past five days to clear debris and open up access to Superior National Forest areas that were affected by last Thursday’s storm that swept across the Arrowhead region.

Numerous roads and trails were blocked by downed trees within and around the Forest, including a portion of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW).

The Kawishiwi Ranger District, based in Ely, was hardest hit with a concentrated impact area covering approximately 3 miles wide by 10 miles long. Roads are currently passable but may be down to one lane.

Since the event, the focus has been to open emergency access in the affected areas. At this time, all major roads and recreation sites have been cleared on Laurentian and LaCroix Ranger Districts.

Most roads are passable although some downed trees remain on the Tofte and Gunflit Ranger Districts.

Campgrounds are open and crews will continue to work on clearing and assessing access to in the Wilderness.

Many hazards still remain in areas, so Superior National Forest managers urge visitors to be aware of their surroundings when in the Forest. There are still many leaning trees and hanging branches that can easily fall, and saturated soils make trees prone to falling over.

Caution is also advised when driving through the impacted areas. Many trails and roads are narrow, a number are down to one lane and could be littered with debris. Please drive slowly and defensively.

For more details head over to www.fs.usda.gov/superior