National Forest News
by RGS's Rick Horton.

October 30, 2002
 

MN Grouse Enthusiasts -

I trust you have had a good grouse hunting season so far. I know birds are hard to find, but they are there for those willing to work for them. Following are some recent notable items on Minnesota's National Forests:

Chippewa
Chippewa National Forest Supervisor Logan Lee has taken a new position on the Midewin National Grasslands outside of Chicago. Duane Kick is acting supervisor until a replacement is hired.
Forest Planner Tracy Beck will be filling the Blackduck District Forester position vacated by the retired Fred Pick. RGS has worked extensively with Tracy and feel he will be an excellent District Ranger.
RGS appeals on the Winnie North (Blackduck) and Rice River (Marcell/Deer River) projects, as well as the Rice Lake (Walker) project (appealed by other parties) were turned down. The Regional Forester upheld these decisions because the Districts met the legal requirements pertinent to the projects. However, they admit that these may not have met the intent of the current Forest Plan. In strong language to the District Foresters, the Regional Forester reminded the Chippewa National Forest of the importance of implementing the current Forest Plan. "I strongly encourage District Ranger _______ to implement the primary purpose of Management Areas 1.1, 1.2 and 1.3 which is to manage for aspen through the use of clearcutting".
Superior

The Society provided comments on the Silver Island (Tofte), Big Grass (Kawishiwi), Junction (Laurentian) and Holmes/Chipmunk (LaCroix) projects on the Superior National Forest. We are becoming increasingly uncomfortable with the direction the traditionally reasonable Superior is taking its aspen management program. These areas encompass 133,500 acres, all primarily within Management Area 1. There is 46,500 aces of aspen on these areas, 43% of which is over 60 years of age! These projects will regenerate a mere 3,000 acres (7%), but will convert 4,000 acres (8.5%) to conifers over the next 5 years. Attached is a table displaying this information.

We have drafted a letter to Forest Supervisor Jim Sanders expressing the Society's concern about this trend and asking him to maintain aspen on the Superior by aggressively regenerating the remaining old aspen wherever possible. This will provide habitat for grouse, woodcock, songbirds, snowshoe hares and deer, as well as for the predators that rely on a strong prey base (wolves, lynx, goshawks, etc.). If you are inclined to express your own views on Superior Forest Management, you can write to Mr. Sanders at 8901 Grand Avenue Place, Duluth, MN 55808-1102, email jsanders@fs.fed.us or call 218-262-4302.


Rick Horton
Forest Wildlife Biologist
Ruffed Grouse Society

www.twincitiesrgs.org