Recreation

One requirement for a quality research forest is to provide a land base where research can be conducted, and to the extent possible, protected from disturbances that might alter or invalidate the results. To fulfill that requirement, the Cloquet Forestry Center has identified a number of activities that are not compatible with its research emphasis, and are thus restricted or prohibited.

Many of those activities fall under the category of recreation. As residential development continues to increase around the Center and as the local population continues to grow, interest in recreating on the forest also expands. The Center allows certain types of recreation, primarily foot-based activities (e.g., hiking, cross country skiing) on the forest access roads. No separate trails are maintained or groomed for recreational purposes. The Center prohibits mechanized forms of recreation (e.g., bicycles, ATVs, snowmobiles, vehicles, etc.), with the exception of a snowmobile trail along the northern boundary of the property. Horseback riders are strongly encouraged to ride at other locations.

The forest has been a designated game refuge since 1924 and unauthorized hunting and trapping is prohibited. This policy protects individuals working in the woods, protects research plots and Center equipment, and allows study of wildlife populations unaffected by hunting pressures. By state law, hunting and trapping are permitted on the forest for research or nuisance purposes only when the activity is authorized by the University of Minnesota and the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources.

The Center has only minimal financial and human resources available to control, direct, and monitor recreational activities on the forest. Access control gates and information signs are the primary means of restricting recreation on the forest. Reasons for the restrictions on recreational activities are communicated at local civic meetings and during orientation sessions for various user groups at the Center. Additional signs will be placed around the perimeter of the forest indicating it is a University of Minnesota research forest and that hunting is not permitted.

The snowmobile trail was established by special permit to Carlton County in 1975. Local snowmobile clubs constructed and maintain the trail, but its use is permitted only as long as the terms of the permit are followed. All gated entrances to the forest are posted with signs stating that unauthorized motorized vehicles are prohibited from entering.

The self-guided walking tour that was established in 1986 will be refurbished and re-routed so it begins and ends near the administrative buildings at the Center. The new route will permit easier access to overnight and extended stay visitors and will continue to highlight forest management activities and issues. The updated walking tour and a new information guide should be completed by October, 2008. Maintenance and improvements to the tour route will be implemented as needed.

New and unforeseen recreational uses that pose a threat to research and education activities on the forest will be addressed as they are identified. Efforts will continue to inform the general public and surrounding landowners about recreational policies for the forest and their rationale.