May 22, 2002
Dennis D. Neitzke, District Ranger
Gunflint Ranger District
P.O. Box 790
Grand Marais, MN 55604
Dear Mr. Neitzke:
Minnesotans for Responsible Recreation (MRR), a non-profit, educational organization concerned about the proven detrimental impacts of motorized recreation on our quality of environment and quality of life in Minnesota would like to provide comment on three proposed snowmobile trail projects in your district. The associated file code for these projects is 1950/2300 and includes:
MRR has recently requested and received an audit of the Grant-in-Aid (GIA) Trail Assistance Program to be conducted by the Office of the Legislative Auditor (OLA) over the course of the next seven months. As you may be aware, the GIA program has been established by the State to administer funds received via a percentage of the state gas tax (currently 1% of the .20¢ per gallon gas tax) to club sponsors (typically local units of government) which then distribute funds to snowmobile and ATV clubs. For example, statewide disbursements to snowmobile clubs in 2001 totaled $2,900,000. Legislative support for an audit of this program was driven by a well documented pattern of abuses and mis-uses of funds within this program.
Some of the concerns currently being investigated are unnecessary trail projects such as improvements made in the name of "safety". With an established funding scheme that encourages waste of tax dollars with a "use or loose" provision, motorized clubs often create projects to use available funding, particularly in low snow years as trail grooming revenue is reduced. Often done without oversight or permits, the end result is further environmental damage as corners are taken out and hilltops are scraped to fill in low areas. If enjoying the scenic beauty is an objective sought by snowmobile enthusiasts, a straighter, smoother trail will only encourage excessive speeds, thus reducing this opportunity.
Another concern raised in the legislative audit is the impact excessive motorized trail development has on the quality of life of individuals who live near these trails. A number of private landowners, who were once willing to accept a certain level of snowmobile use on their land, are now terminating easements and lease agreements due to noise, safety, littering, trespass and illegal ATV use. The adverse impacts of motorized recreation travel well beyond property or jurisdictional boundaries and must be addressed in the broader context of neighborhoods or soundsheds to be fully addressed and appreciated. With a current total of more than 18,000 miles of snowmobile trails in Minnesota, there are few areas left for those seeking a peaceful winter experience.
Given the above background, MRR strongly urges the Forest Service to account for the needs and desires of adjacent property owners and other forest users, as well as environmental effects by holding public meetings that adequately address concerns regarding all proposed motorized trail projects.
In the instance of the trail re-route near Leo Lake, MRR encourages all parties involved with management and oversight of the former portion of snowmobile trail now closed to use GIA or other sources of dedicated funds to: restore private and public property to its former condition (i.e. scarify and re-seed if necessary, fill in any ruts, plant trees, etc.), erect barricades to prevent continued use of areas now closed and provide for adequate enforcement to prevent trespass and ensure engine noise from snowmobiles or groomers do not disturb the rights of others to peace and quiet.
According to the project summary, the Swamper Trail "gets little use". MRR urges that this trail be closed and the former trail restored. GIA and Forest Service funds saved can be redirected for enforcement, restoration and maintenance of trails elsewhere.
Regarding the Gunflint Snowmobile Trail Improvement project, "reducing sharp curves and leveling the trail tread" appear to be part of the statewide pattern of abuse and mis-use of tax dollars by snowmobile clubs referenced above. Snowmobile trails are not highways and should not be maintained as such. Bumps and curves are part of the natural terrain and serve to calm traffic flow, providing for a well-rounded riding experience. One common theme echoed by snowmobile enthusiasts is the relatively benign impact this use has on the land itself. Once "trail upgrades" and "safety improvements" have been made with bulldozers and backhoes, however, this claim is no longer valid. MRR urges GIA funds be sought for additional signage and enforcement to improve safety in areas where appropriate.
Thank you for the opportunity to provide comment on the above proposed projects.
Sincerely,
Minnesotans for Responsible Recreation
Jamie Juenemann, Co-director