Minnesota State Forest Designations
Minnesota’s 58 state forests are undergoing a process the Department of Natural Resources uses to determine how each forest should be used. Under the 2003 ATV Law each forest must be evaluated and then reclassified as a limited use forest or closed. The Minnesota DNR is planning to designate possibly hundreds of miles of OHV trails on each of 17 state forests.
Most forests are classified as 'managed', an Orwellian term meaning ATVs can be driven anywhere in a forest unless a sign is posted to prohibit them. Reclassifying a forest as 'limited' means ATV users can go only on trails posted open for their use. Forests classified as 'closed' prohibits ATVs use in a forest except on forest roads and during hunting season.
The push for reclassifying state forests is due to the damage ATV users cause forest habitat. The DNR’s inability to effectively patrol the state’s six million acres of forest gives opportunity for ATV users to wreak havoc on the environment.
DNR officials claim they will designate only as many miles of trail as they can adequately manage. They are mapping out and evaluate each forest’s unique characteristics and determine how it should be used. We need to make sure nothing derails this process from completion.
If you enjoy a vacation, own land, or have friends who live near one of the following 17 state forests, we urge you to join a group to develop a citizen’s alternative for these plans. We are also looking for volunteers to call members near the forests!
1. Nemadji
2. General Andrews
3. Foothills
4. Chengwatana
5. St. Croix
6. Pillsbury
7. Paul Bunyan
8. Snake River
9. Beltrami
10. Wealthwood
11. Solana
12. Whiteface River
13. Fond du Lac
14. Mississippi Headwaters
15. Buena Vista
16. Blackduck
17. Red Lake
The DNR has started the planning process for these forests, and we want to influence the process in its early stages. Volunteers who support sensible OHV use will chart a course for what they want to see in their state forests. By meeting with other concerned people in your community, you will discuss logical places for new trails, attend public comment meetings, and meet with local DNR officials to share your thoughts.