Itascatur explains logging
This letter is in response to community members asking why or if Itascatur Ski Bike and Run Club was responsible for the recent logging done at Soaring Eagle Ski Trails north of Park Rapids. Itascatur was not a part of this latest logging.
We use this land as a grant-in-aid trail system with permission from the DNR. We were told they would be doing some selective logging, apparently to control a budworm infestation of Jack pines. When the logging actually happened we were very surprised to see the results, based on what we had been told. Many Itascatur members lament the loss of those trees as much as anyone else. The DNR told us they plan to replant Jack pines in these areas. They also plan to do more logging this winter.
In 1857, the US Congress set aside Sections 16 and 36 in each township in the Minnesota territory for the purpose of providing income for schools and education. By law the DNR is charged with management of these forests and is required by the state of Minnesota to periodically generate income to be used for schools. The Soaring Eagles Ski Trail system is located on school trust land.
We at Itascatur have put a lot of work into building and maintaining the ski trails. They are used by many locals and also people come from all over Minnesota to enjoy these unique trails.
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We hope to continue to work closely with the DNR to maintain a healthy relationship with this land, our land as citizens of this state, which allows both our intentions and the DNR's to be met.
If you have concerns about this land and preserving the aesthetics of these grant-in-aid trails, contact the DNR and let them know how you enjoy these ski trails.
Anne Ellefson, Itascatur Ski Bike Run Club
