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ELY— The Superior National Forest is seeking public comment on its proposed Fernberg Project, an extensive forest management effort intended to reduce wildfire risk along the Fernberg corridor, …
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ELY— The Superior National Forest is seeking public comment on its proposed Fernberg Project, an extensive forest management effort intended to reduce wildfire risk along the Fernberg corridor, where numerous homes, cabins, and resorts are located.
According to the forest service, the current vegetation conditions are not well suited to thrive, given future insect and disease outbreaks, wildfires, and changing climate conditions.
“The Fernberg Project is focused on creating resilient forests while protecting lives, private property, and firefighter safety,” said Aaron Kania, Kawishiwi district ranger on the Superior. “The project was developed in collaboration with the residents of Ely, our partners and the tribal bands but it’s important that everyone be allowed to provide their voice and submit a comment.”
The project’s draft environmental assessment is available for public review and comment through Feb. 14 at the project page link: https://www.fs.usda.gov/project/superior/?project=65214.
The narrow Fernberg Road corridor stretches 15 miles east of Ely and is bound on three sides by the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. The area encompassed by the project totals 174,873 acres of mixed ownership, including approximately 84,000 acres inside the wilderness. Within the wilderness, the forest service is proposing prescribed burning and related activities on approximately 26,000 acres.
Superior National Forest planners have been working with the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, area tribes, and other partners on this project.
The Kawishiwi District will host the following open houses to provide more information to the public about the Fernberg Project:
Virtual open house, Feb. 4, from 4-6 p.m., via Microsoft Teams. Virtual open house links are available on the project page link above.
In-person open house, Feb. 5, 4-6 p.m., where the public will be able to review the related documents and maps with staff. The Kawishiwi District Office is located at 1393 Highway 169 in Ely. You can call 218-356-7600 for directions.