Decision Notice and Finding of No Significant Impact South Fowl ...

Alternative 2 will be a slow speed, somewhat rough trail that shall only be used by
snowmobiles, typical of those in current use (see figure 5). All terrain vehicles (ATVs)
will not be permitted. Appendix A includes a series of photos demonstrating route
conditions. This decision includes the following actions:
Clearing vegetation (tree and shrub, primarily with chainsaws) on a corridor 8-10
feet wide and approximately 2.2 miles long. Emphasis will be on putting winding
trail through brushy areas along the route and cutting as few trees as possible.
Only minimal use of heavy equipment will be used. There is a short
(approximately 100-150 feet) slope near the center of the north section line of
section 10 (NE1/4, NW1/4, NE1/4, Sec 10) where the route will need to be cut into
the side slope.
There is a short section toward the middle of the route (approximately 100-150
feet) where some rock may have to be moved from the treadway. For this section,
logs may be used to help level the trail, but will generally be no more than 12
inches high.
Signs will be placed to guide and regulate snowmobile traffic as well as warn other
traffic at trail/road intersections.
The old Tilbury Trail is officially closed, however to ensure success of this
decision, physical closure will be implemented with this decision. Rocks and
natural debris will be placed in the trail to block use of the trail. Heavy equipment
such as a Bobcat or rubber-tired front-end loader may be used to place the rocks
and stumps.
For the purpose of this decision, a snowmobile is defined using the Superior
National Forest Plan definition of being self propelled and steered by skis or
runners (see figure 5). This trail will be constructed for snow machines that fit that
definition and that are designed solely for the purpose of snow travel. Since
technology is quickly advancing, it is difficult to predict what machinery might be
developed for snow travel. Future new and different types of machines are not
approved for use on this trail. For example, that would include vehicles that have
two or four tracks designed for both propulsion and steering.
Barriers and gates will be installed to reduce opportunities for illegal OHV use of
the Border Route Trail and other federal lands.
Initiate a Forest Supervisor’s closure order for motorized use other than
snowmobiles on the federal portions of the trail.
No mechanical grooming would be permitted for this alternative.
Monitoring will be done by the Forest Service and potentially a cooperating group
of citizens to assess any illegal use (particularly any ATV or OHV, as well as any
snowmobiles entering the Wilderness) of this trail, to ensure erosion and sediment
control measures are effective and to determine the presence or introduction of
noxious non-native invasive plants.
I am also approving hand planting of a variety of tree species in and around the trail
route, particularly on the bench area between the upper and lower cliffs. There has
been considerable natural mortality of trees in this area that are being replaced by
brush (primarily mountain maple). The objective would be to reestablish trees in
this area using native species (such as cedar, yellow birch, red and white pine).
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