The Forest Service will restore, repair, and otherwise maintain numerous facilities in the near future, thanks to funding from the Great American Outdoors Act, which was signed into law last year. The bill sought to help federal land managers catch up on nearly $6 billion in overdue maintenance across the country.
The agency recently announced the projects chosen for the first round of funding. It includes four main projects on the Superior National Forest, and participation in another regional initiative. The work should have broad benefits for visitors.
“Our forests and grasslands are one of our nation’s greatest treasures and one of the most effective natural carbon captures that exist to help combat the effects of climate change,” said Secretary Vilsack. “Millions of people each year enjoy forests and grasslands, and these investments will promote public-private partnerships, tourism and recreation, protect public lands, and ensure our national forests are accessible to all. These investments will also serve as a catalyst for rural economic development and employment opportunities.”
Projects
Trail and portage maintenance on 13 trails over 20 miles. Will include replacing trail bridges, replacing wooden staircases with rock stairways, repairing and replacing the rough boardwalks used to cross wet areas, and improving erosion control. Sites include: Dry Lake, Old Baldy, Omaday Lake, Tin Can Mike to Horse, Tin Can Mike to Sand Pit, Thomas to Kekekabic, Pincushion Warming Hut, Pincushion North Advanced, Magnetic Rock, Flying Lake Gotter Lake, Rose to Duncan, Deepwater Lake, Long Lake All-Terrain Vehicle area.
Campground repairs at 20 facilities. Will include maintaining paths, erosion control, updating pavilions, replacing or repairing docks, replacing picnic tables, tent pads, fire rings, and other features. Campgrounds include Secret Blackstone, Snowbank Landing, South Kawishiwi, Fenske Lake, Birch Lake, Fall Lake, Prairie Portage, Echo Lake, Lake Jeanette, Pfeiffer Lake, Cascade River, MacDougal, Baker Lake, Little Isabella, Magnetic Rock.
Restoration and accessibility improvements at the South Kawishiwi pavilion. Two rotting logs will be replaced on the structure, and a new accessible entrance will be built. The structure is a historic Civilian Conservation Corps-era log building near the Kawishiwi River, popular for weddings, reunions, and other events. This year’s work will complete a restoration project which started in 2010, allowing the public to use the building once again.
Repair Cross River bridge. Designs to improve and restore the bridge, with construction planned in 2022. Currently, one abutment is cracking, and repair will ensure safe access to national forest lands.
New bathroom buildings. Part of a regional project, the Superior National Forest will replace seven toilet buildings.
The Great American Outdoors Act provided funding for five years of catching up on the country’s public lands maintenance backlog. Additional projects on federal lands in northern Minnesota could come in the years ahead.
More information:
- Great American Outdoors Act funds local projects in Minnesota – Superior National Forest
- S.3422 – Great American Outdoors Act – Congress.gov
- Great American Outdoors Act – U.S. Forest Service