Voyageurs National Park staff have placed hazard markers and other buoys within park boundaries.
Boaters should remember that various hazards may develop at any time during the summer without warning, and these hazards may not be marked.
Lamplighters from the United States Coast Guard (USCG) are also working on placing navigational aids in the park’s four main lakes: Rainy, Kabetogama, Namakan, and Sand Point Lakes.
What a captivating sight Venus is in the western sky at dusk! The planet sets quite late – right around midnight from many locations – and displays phases like the moon’s when viewed through a small telescope. On May 1 Venus looks like a small gibbous or two-thirds-full moon. By month’s end it dwindles to half and grows larger as its distance from Earth shrinks. If you keep a close eye you’ll notice that the planet slowly gains on much fainter Mars, which crosses from Gemini into Cancer during May.
Saturn appears at dawn but remains rather low in the southeastern sky for the moment. The moon helps pinpoint it on May 13. Jupiter pops back into view in the dawn sky this month. I encourage you to catch its close conjunction with the thin, waning moon on May 17.
One of my favorite spring sky sights is the return of the summer Milky Way, that misty sash of billions of stars so distant they blend into a foggy haze. On May 1, it mounts the eastern sky around 1 a.m. local time. By month’s end – the same time the mosquitos return (grr!) – the puffy band stands over the horizon two hours earlier around 11 p.m. Is summer already so close? The stars say so.
May 4 – Waxing gibbous moon shines just 2° to the upper left (northeast) of Virgo’s brightest star Spica
May 5 – Full Flower Moon
May 6 (early a.m.) – Peak of the annual Eta Aquariid meteor shower. Shower meteors are bits and pieces of Halley’s Comet that strike the atmosphere at high speed, burn up and produce streaks of light called meteors. Unfortunately, the moon will be full, making viewing it a challenge. But if you like early morning adventures, plan to be out in the last hour before dawn around 3:30-4 a.m. and face south. Northern hemisphere sky watchers might see up to a couple dozen meteors per hour under better circumstances.
May 8-10 – Venus passes 1.5° to 2° above the star cluster M35 in Gemini the Twins on all three evenings. This is a binocular event visible starting in late twilight. Place Venus in the upper part of the binocular field of view and look a short distance below it to spot a little clump of stars. The cluster twinkles from 2,800 light-years away.
May 12 – Last quarter moon
May 12-30 – The International Space Station makes evening and morning passes from dusk till dawn over the next 2 1/2 weeks. The flying space laboratory looks like a brilliant, pale yellow star traveling from west to east across the sky. For local times, go to Heavens Above or NASA's Spot the Station.
May 13 (dawn) – Thick, waning crescent moon passes about 5° to the lower right (southwest) of Saturn in early morning twilight. Look low in the southeastern sky for the pair.
May 17 (dawn) – Wire-thin crescent moon hovers just a degree to the right of Jupiter very low above the eastern horizon about 45 minutes before sunrise. You’ll need an unobstructed view to the east to see the cool duo.
May 19 – New moon
May 22 and 23 – Lunar crescent shines about 5° to the lower right of Venus at dusk on May 22 and 6° to its upper left on May 23.
May 24 – Waxing crescent moon shines about 4° to the upper left of Mars at nightfall
May 26 – Almost-first quarter moon beams 3.5° above Leo’s brightest star Regulus at nightfall
May 27 – First quarter moon
Bob King is an amateur astronomer, author, and passionate educator. He served as a photographer and photo editor at the Duluth News Tribune for 39 years and taught at the UMD planetarium. Bob’s work had a great impact on Voyageurs National Park. To achieve International Dark Sky Park certification, the park was required to host dark sky education events. Through the Night Sky Explorer webinars, the Conservancy was able to fulfill this component and help secure the certification for Voyageurs National Park. We can’t thank Bob King enough for sharing his talents and knowledge with the Conservancy community to support dark sky preservation.
The National Park Service (NPS) will be developing a Frozen Lake Surface Access and Use Plan at Voyageurs National Park and is seeking your input.
More Information:
Frozen Lake Surface Access and Use Plan – National Park Service
Plan to limit ATVs on frozen Voyageurs Park lakes makes waves – Duluth News Tribune
During a typical winter in Voyageurs National Park, ice roads are plowed and maintained by park staff on Kabetogama and Rainy Lakes (depending on weather/ice conditions). Ice roads allow access to ice fishing locations among other sites, and provide visitors with a unique way to experience and drive through the splendor of Voyageurs in the winter. Winter visitors can also enjoy cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and use snowmobiles on a designated trail system and on lake surfaces.
The process to update the guidelines to manage ice roads and winter access on frozen lakes in Voyageurs National Park involves responding to changes in outdoor recreation trends and the need to protect natural and cultural resources. The park’s enabling legislation specifically allows for recreational fishing and includes provisions for winter sports, including snowmobile use. Past plans and regulations address snowmobiles, but not the use of off-road vehicles (ATVs, UTVs and others) on frozen lake surfaces. Off-road vehicles are prohibited in most national parks.
Adding another layer to park management questions, ice houses and shelters have evolved from simple shacks to large campers. With the rise of ATVs, side-by-side UTVs, off-road capable trucks, as well as new types of ice fishing shelters, the park is developing guidelines for its visitors on these winter activities.
Truck plowing ice road / National Park Service
The NPS has drafted a preliminary proposal (view it here) for the public to provide comment on. The National Park Service’s current planning process will not establish any changes to snowmobile use in Voyageurs. This planning effort aims to align winter recreation activities on and near ice roads with established NPS regulations and policies by defining allowable use to minimize or avoid adverse impacts to visitor experience and natural resources.
Preliminary proposal for zones, ice roads, and trails / National Park Service
In its proposed preliminary Frozen Lake Surface Access and Use Plan (view it here), the NPS is proposing:
Two zones for different frozen lake usage and management. On all of Kabetogama Lake and the western part of Rainy Lake, ice roads would be maintained and off-road vehicles and ice-fishing shelters would be allowed in a corridor along up to 26 miles of ice roads.
All other lakes in the park would be left ice road-less and accessible by snowmobiles or by non-motorized travel (per the current management plan).
Off-road vehicles would be allowed to operate within 300 feet of the edge of an ice road, where ice fishing shelters will also be allowed.
The moderate and low-use zones would be established by:
Evaluating appropriate areas for ice roads.
Identifying the types of vehicles allowed on different areas of frozen lake surfaces.
Identifying the types of ice shelters allowed in different areas of frozen lake surfaces and determining how long they should remain in place.
Determining appropriate uses of the Mukooda Truck Portage.
A Frozen Lake Surface Access and Use Plan is needed because:
The park currently does not have a plan for management of the frozen lake surfaces other than for snowmobile use.
Current park management of vehicles on frozen lake surfaces is not consistent with federal regulations governing the operation of vehicles off of park roads.
Ice shelters have evolved from homemade shacks to campers that can be lowered onto the ice. An increase in the number and weight of ice shelters on the frozen lake surface could have adverse impacts on safety, visitor experience, and natural resources.
Resources that can be impacted by winter recreation and need protections include:
Wildlife
Visitor Use and Experience
Safety
Water Quality
Air Quality
Socioeconomics
Acoustic Environment (Soundscapes)
Scenic views
Night Skies
Fisheries
Ice Fishing Shelter in Voyageurs National Park / National Park Service
We invite you to participate in the planning process by attending a public comment session and/or submitting your comments and ideas to help inform frozen lake surface management at the park. The public input period for this process will be open through June 3, 2023.
The information obtained from the public during this civic engagement period will be used to develop and refine alternatives for frozen lake surface management, identify issues, and ensure the NPS has the information needed to move forward with the planning process.
The park will host two in-person meetings and one virtual public meeting. Park staff will give a brief presentation from 5:00 to 5:30 pm and will then be available to answer questions from the public via an open house format until 7:00 pm. The meeting schedule is:
Tuesday, April 18, 2023
5:00 to 7:00 p.m. CST
Kabetogama Community Building
9707 Gamma Road Kabetogama, MN
Thursday, April 20, 2023
5:30 to 7:30 p.m. CST
Auditorium at Rainy River Campus of Minnesota North College
1501 Highway 71, International Falls, Minnesota 56649
Wednesday, April 19, 2023
5:00 to 7:00 p.m. CST
Virtual Meeting
Meeting link: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/83447266503
Telephone: If you would like to call in on listen only mode and not view the presentation, please call US: +1 312-626-6799 Webinar ID: 834 4726 6503
All meeting information is also available on the project PEPC page, under “Meeting Notices” https://parkplanning.nps.gov/VOYA-frozen.
Voyageurs Conservancy is the official philanthropic partner of Voyageurs National Park. Our members, partners, donors and volunteers represent some of the many stakeholders (hailing from the park’s gateway communities to all over the U.S.) that enjoy and cherish the lands and waters of Voyageurs National Park and choose to invest in its ongoing stewardship. The Conservancy works collaboratively with NPS on joint programs and projects (i.e Dark Sky Initiative, Wetland Restoration, Voyageurs Classroom), but continues to operate as an independent 501c3 organization, managed by a board of directors. Through our funding, advocacy, and education efforts, we work to balance the long-term preservation of the wild character of the Voyageurs landscape with sustainable human access.
The Voyageurs Conservancy was not involved in the internal formation of the National Park Service's draft proposed "Voyageurs National Park Frozen Lake Surface Access & Use Plan." Conservancy staff and volunteers viewed the draft plan on the same timeline as the public and have the same commenting options as the general public.
The Conservancy is still reviewing the proposed plan and formulating comments. Given this is the first phase of review of the proposed plan, the Conservancy will focus on listening to stakeholder input and formulating key questions for future plan drafts.
By far, Conservancy members and park users most value the “wild character” of the park (based on surveys and community listening sessions). Common sense regulations and policies should help preserve this core experience of Voyageurs.
The Voyageurs Conservancy supports the NPS’ need to come into compliance with federal regulations by establishing policies on this issue. In general, the Conservancy supports fees and permitting that allow the NPS to better fund park operations and manage sustainable levels of use.
Voyageurs National Park staff announce ranger - led boat tours and North Canoe Voyage reservations open at 9:00 am CST on April 15 for the 2023 season.
Tours departing from Rainy Lake Visitor Center
Please Note: No Rainy Lake tours on Friday June 19, 26, or July 3
· Discovery Cruise
· Gold Mine Tour
· Grand Tour
· Starwatch Cruise
· Kettle Falls Cruise
Tours departing from Kabetogama Lake Visitor Center
· Ellsworth Rock Gardens (June / July)
Tours departing from Ash River Visitor Center
Please Note: No Kettle Falls Cruises from Ash River on June 23, 30, and July 7
· Ellsworth Rock Gardens (August / Sept)
· Kettle Falls Day Cruise
· Kettle Falls Evening Cruise
Special Interpretive Programs
· Rainy Lake North Canoe Voyage departing from the Rainy Lake Visitor Center
· Ash River North Canoe Voyage departing from the Ash River Visitor Center
Park staff encourage visitors to make reservations as soon as they know their plans. Visitors may find tour descriptions and reserve their tickets by going to recreation.gov’s Voyageurs National Park Tours page for boat tours, and the Special Interpretive Programs page for North Canoe Voyage reservations. Tickets can also be purchased by contacting the National Call Center at (877) 444-6777. Walk-ins are allowed only if space is available.
During the summer of 2021 the National Park Service completed a Civic Engagement process to determine if changes to recreation fee rates are warranted for park amenities. From June 28 to July 25 of 2021, public meetings and online resources were offered as opportunities to provide comment. After evaluating the responses submitted, park and regional officials determined that the majority of the public supported the proposed changes. Commencing with the Special Interpretive Program Fee in the summer of 2023 completes the implementation of all fee changes approved in 2021.
Voyageurs National Park’s alternative transportation program is crucial for providing meaningful visitor experiences in a unique water-based park where much of the rich natural and cultural resources can only be viewed beyond where roads end. For visitors without a vessel, boat tours and North Canoe Voyage’s offer a way to experience the scenic and expansive waterways, abundant wildlife, ancient geologic formations, and remote Visitor Destination sites that are dedicated to sharing the park’s history and significance.
Fee revenue brought in from the transportation program allows these tours to be self-sustaining, covering costs for fuel, maintenance, and approximately 75% of the seasonal staff that conduct tours. This includes boat captains and deckhands to safely transport visitors, and knowledgeable interpretive rangers to provide engaging interpretive talks. Similarly, revenue from the Special Interpretive Programs will help cover costs for supplies and staff needed to offer these services.
All park ice roads are now closed for the season. Grooming operations have ended for the season on all park trails, but snowmobile trails remain open. When land portages lose proper snow cover, or ice conditions are no longer safe, stakes will be removed and trails will be closed. Ski trails remain open but are not being groomed. Remember, ice is never 100% safe so pay attention to signage and be aware of your surroundings. As a reminder, please only park in plowed, designated areas.
Snowmobile Trails:
International Falls to Kettle Falls (Purple Trail) - Open,
Rainy Lake/Black Bay to Kabetogama Lake to Ash River (Green Trail) - Open
Ash River to Crane Lake (Green Trail) - Open
Chain of Lakes (Dashed Black Trail) - Open
Ash River to Kettle Falls (Yellow Trail) - Open
East Namakan Lake to Sand Point Lake (Blue Trail) - Open
Ice Roads:
Rainy Lake Ice Road - Not Open
Rainy Lake Dryweed Loop - Not Open
Kabetogama Lake Ice Road - Not Open
Kabetogama Lake Ice Road West and East Spur Roads - Not Open
Ski Trails: Last groomed 3/24/2023
Kabetogama Area:
Echo Bay Ski Trail - Open
Rainy Lake Area:
Rainy Lake Rec Trail - Open
Black Bay Ski Trail - Birch Trail is open Pine Trail is open Ridge trail is open
Tilson Connector Trail - Open
Snowshoe Trails:
Rainy Lake Area:
Rainy Lake Recreation Trail - Open
Oberholtzer Trail - Open
Black Bay Beaver Pond Trail - Open
Ash River Area:
KabAsh Trail - Open
Blind Ash Bay Trail - Open
Sullivan Bay Trail - Open
Kabetogama Lake Recreation Area:
Sledding Hill - Not Open
Ice Rink - Not Open
For further information on land trails in communities surrounding the park check out these links:
Voyageur Trail Society - Trail Updates https://www.snowmobilevacation.com and https://www.facebook.com/VTSIGrooms
Trail Report (ridetheborders.com) http://www.ridetheborders.com/trail-report.html and https://www.facebook.com/IVSClub
Snow Depth and Groomed Trail Conditions | Minnesota DNR https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/snow_depth/index.html
Buyck Portageurs Snowmobile Club https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100057218389432
Ash River Kabetogama Snowdrifters - Ash River Kabetogama Snowdrifters Snowmobile Club. https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100068157102512
We welcome the return of warmer weather and the spring constellations this month. April is also a great time to watch for the northern lights as they tend to occur more frequently in the spring and fall. Leo the lion rules the southern sky at nightfall while brilliant, orange-red Arcturus climbs up the eastern sky.
If you’re up past 10:30 p.m. local time, look low in the northeast and you’ll spot Vega, the brightest star of summer. It makes it initial appearance every April. In the western sky Venus gleams like a shiny sapphire well into the night, setting after 11:30 p.m. at midmonth.
Highlights include the return of Mercury at dusk and the peak of the annual Lyrid meteor shower, our first major shower since the January Quadrantids.
April 1 – Waxing gibbous moon passes 6° above Leo’s brightest star, Regulus
April 5 – Full Pink Moon
April 10 (early a.m.) – Waning gibbous moon passes just 1° to the east (left) of Antares, the brightest star in Scorpius early this morning
April 5-15 – Best time to see Mercury, visible low in the evening sky around 45 minutes after sunset. Hold your fist at arm’s length against the sky and look about two fists to the lower right of much brighter Venus. April 9-12 – Venus passes below and then just to the left of the Pleiades star cluster, the one shaped like a little dipper. Best views start about 90 minutes after sunset. Face west. Venus is unmistakable and looks like an incredibly bright “star.” Binoculars will give a wonderful view!
April 13 – Last quarter moon
April 16 (early a.m.) – Waning crescent moon slides about 5° below Saturn low in the southeastern sky during morning twilight.
April 19 – New moon
April 20 – Annular-total solar eclipse visible from parts of Australia and Indonesia
April 21, 22 – Peak of the annual Lyrid meteor shower. With no moon to wash out the sky, conditions are ideal. Shower meteors originate from Comet Thatcher with about 15 meteors visible per hour coming from the direction of the bright star Vega. Watch late on April 21 into the early morning hours of April 22 and again from April 22 into the wee hours of April 23. Face your reclining chair east, lay back and enjoy!
April 22, 23 – Slender crescent moon passes below Venus on April 22 and then above the planet on the April 23.
April 25 – Thick crescent moon in conjunction with Mars. Both appear directly below Gemini’s two brightest stars, Pollux (left) and Castor.
April 27 – First quarter moon
April 29 – Waxing gibbous moon passes 5° to the upper left of Leo’s brightest star, Regulus.
Bob King is an amateur astronomer, author, and passionate educator. He served as a photographer and photo editor at the Duluth News Tribune for 39 years and taught at the UMD planetarium. Bob’s work had a great impact on Voyageurs National Park. To achieve International Dark Sky Park certification, the park was required to host dark sky education events. Through the Night Sky Explorer webinars, the Conservancy was able to fulfill this component and help secure the certification for Voyageurs National Park. We can’t thank Bob King enough for sharing his talents and knowledge with the Conservancy community to support dark sky preservation.
Winter Trails Report for 3/15/2023
Approximately 4 inches of new snow fell in the area. The ice roads are now established to their furthest extent for the season. Remember, ice is never 100% safe so pay attention to signage and be aware of your surroundings. As a reminder, please only park in plowed, designated areas, and clean up any pet messes left on the sledding hill.
You can find the most current trails report on the Voyageurs National Park website at: Alerts & Conditions - Voyageurs National Park (U.S. National Park Service) (nps.gov)
Snowmobile Trails:
International Falls to Kettle Falls (Purple Trail) - Open, groomed from green intersection to Lost Bay portage
Rainy Lake/Black Bay to Kabetogama Lake to Ash River (Green Trail) - Open, groomed
Ash River to Crane Lake (Green Trail) - Open, groomed
Chain of Lakes (Dashed Black Trail) - Open, groomed
Ash River to Kettle Falls (Yellow Trail) - Open, groomed
East Namakan Lake to Sand Point Lake (Blue Trail) - Open, groomed
Ice Roads:
Rainy Lake Ice Road - Open to Black Bay ski & snowshoe trailhead
Rainy Lake Dryweed Loop - Not Open
Kabetogama Lake Ice Road - Open to Sphunge Island sledding hill
Kabetogama Lake Ice Road West and East Spur Roads - Not Open
Ski Trails:
Kabetogama Area:
Echo Bay Ski Trail - Open, packed, and tracked
Rainy Lake Area:
Rainy Lake Rec Trail - Open, packed, and tracked
Black Bay Ski Trail - Birch Trail is open, packed and tracked. Pine Trail is open, packed and tracked Ridge trail is open and packed and tracked
Tilson Connector Trail - Open, packed, and tracked
Snowshoe Trails:
Rainy Lake Area:
Rainy Lake Recreation Trail - Open
Oberholtzer Trail - Open
Black Bay Beaver Pond Trail - Open
Ash River Area:
KabAsh Trail - Open
Blind Ash Bay Trail - Open
Sullivan Bay Trail - Open
Kabetogama Lake Recreation Area:
Sledding Hill - Open
Ice Rink - Not Open
For further information on land trails in communities surrounding the park check out these links:
Voyageur Trail Society - Trail Updates https://www.snowmobilevacation.com and https://www.facebook.com/VTSIGrooms
Trail Report (ridetheborders.com) http://www.ridetheborders.com/trail-report.html and https://www.facebook.com/IVSClub
Snow Depth and Groomed Trail Conditions | Minnesota DNR https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/snow_depth/index.html
Buyck Portageurs Snowmobile Club https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100057218389432
Ash River Kabetogama Snowdrifters - Ash River Kabetogama Snowdrifters Snowmobile Club. https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100068157102512
Voyageurs Conservancy is thrilled to welcome Sam Zimmerman, Jeff Hardwig, and Megan Dobratz to its board of directors. These new members bring a wide array of skills, and their commitment will help keep Voyageurs National Park wild forever and available for all to enjoy. The Conservancy is honored to benefit from the talent and knowledge of its incoming board members.
Sam Zimmerman, a Grand Portage direct descendant, is a painter, author, and educator based in Duluth, Minnesota. Zimmerman draws on his Ojibwe heritage to create vibrant images filled with symbolism. This led Zimmerman to return home to Minnesota to a life of painting, educating, and storytelling on the shores of Lake Superior. He passionately believes in artistic expression as a gateway for education and cultural understanding. His work continues the Anishinaabe tradition of storytelling, with themes of environmental stewardship and conservation through his public art commissions. He has illustrated a series of bilingual children's books for the Red Cliff Band of Ojibwe schools.
Sam Zimmerman / Photo by Jed Carlson
Sam has been a recipient of Minnesota State Arts Board, Arrowhead Regional Arts Council, and Duluth Superior Community Foundation awards. His first book, Following My Spirit Home, a collection of paintings and stories celebrating the beauty of the North Shore of Lake Superior was published this past April.
“Over the last two years, I have worked with the Voyageurs Conservancy as an indigenous artist and educator supporting the mission and vision supporting the goal of visitors to the park to learn, explore, volunteer, and enjoy sustainable recreation.”
Dr. Jeffrey Hardwig, MD is a retired Psychiatry Specialist in International Falls, MN with over 37 years of experience in the medical field. He graduated from Mayo Medical School in 1985. He was affiliated with Essentia Health, International Falls Clinic. Jeff has extensive volunteer experience as well as service on various non- profit boards, a long-standing attachment to the lake country.
Jeff Hardwig
“I hope to bring a local voice to the board as someone who developed a love of the lake country from an early age. This began when my parents purchased part of Kawawia Island, Rainy Lake in the 1960s. I bought my first canoe at age 11 with paper route earnings and have canoed the BWCA, Quetico, and Voyageurs for over 50 years, “ states Jeff. One of Jeff’s favorite experiences in Voyageurs National Park is exploring its frozen landscape on skis:
“Voyageurs Black Bay ski trail is amazing in that it’s accessible only by traveling across the ice on the Bay and the trail is rugged and beautiful. There is a condition that sometimes develops on the ice in late winter, when snow melts down and forms a crust that is fast on skate skis. Then, I’m not bound by a trail and I can go to any bay or island on the lake limited only by my energy reserve and time. The feeling of exhilaration is hard to describe. It’s also a best kept secret. The only people I see are ski club members and occasional people ice fishing. If you’ve ever heard ice cracking it’s thrilling and an eerily deep sound,” says Jeff.
Megan Dobratz, LEED AP, is founder/owner of Native Sustainability. For more than fifteen years, Megan has built meaningful relationships and broad work experience throughout the environmental field. Since 2012, Megan has run Native Sustainability, which works with diverse businesses and large venues including Bushel Boy Farms, the Metropolitan Airports Commission, the Minnesota State Fair and the Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community, advancing sustainable business operations.
Megan Dobratz
She engages clients by creating practical solutions, connecting a broad network of resources, and implementing resourceful and reliable project management. Megan has volunteered with the Urban Land Institute - Young Leaders Group, Camp Fire Minnesota and Voyageurs Conservancy. She is a LEED AP and holds a BA in Environmental Studies from Gustavus Adolphus College.
Megan is an avid traveler with Antarctica being her only remaining continent left to visit. Though her enthusiasm for new places keeps her exploring, Megan reveres time spent on her family cabin in Northern MN built by her grandfather. One of her favorite memories includes floating down the channel that connected their lake chain. These early nature experiences deepened Megan’s passion for sustainability and increasing outdoor access for others:
“I have committed my career to protecting the natural environment. I truly value wilderness, wild spaces and the opportunity for people to connect with nature. I believe that having meaningful experiences outside makes you more apt to work to protect those spaces and the planet as a whole. I would like to expand the outreach and recognition of Voyageurs to a new audience to help celebrate Minnesota’s National Park.”
Rainy Lake Ice Road / NPS Photo
The park’s ice roads are one of the most discussed park features in the winter. We receive all sorts of questions ranging from when it opens, where it goes, and if it is safe. We love talking about the ice road. Let’s jump into this fascinating subject and see if we can help answer some of those questions.
There have been people driving on these frozen lakes longer than Voyageurs National Park has been in existence. In fact, you might say that the ice road has existed before there were cars. The Rainy Lake Gold Rush in the 1890s required lots of heavy equipment and supplies before there were even roads in this area. The miners found it was easier to transport that equipment in the winter when the lakes were frozen than in the summer and that is exactly what they did. Miners used horses to pull sleds loaded with supplies and equipment over the frozen lakes to the operations centered near Rainy Lake City on Black Bay. Later, men like Harry Oveson used a Ford model A to drive on Rainy Lake to cut and collect ice for his commercial fishing operation.
Ice core sample / NPS Photo
When you first start to see ice, that doesn’t mean you can drive out on the lake quite yet. There are a lot of measurements that need to take place first. Once the ice is at least 3 inches thick, specially trained park staff working in a team of two or more people for safety will walk onto the ice to measure the thickness and quality of the ice. They are equipped with ropes, ice picks, and wear a flotation suit to ensure they could be rescued if fallen through the ice. Measurements are taken every 50-feet or less by cutting an ice core sample with a chainsaw. A close examination of the ice is the only true method to verify that the ice is of good quality. We want to see clear, solid ice and not white snow or slush that may have solidified.
In some locations, ice measurements are taken more frequently than 50-feet. In areas that we know to have significant current or moving water, such as a narrows, near beaver dams, or natural springs, measurements are taken more often to ensure adequate ice is present. The hope is that we will find 5-inches or more of good, solid high-quality ice. Once that is verified, things will move a bit faster. If we have more than 5-inches of quality ice, staff no longer must take these measurements on foot. They can cover more ground (or should I say ice) on a snowmobile.
Park staff checking ice / NPS Photo
When staff are seeing 5-inches of good ice, the team will now travel along the future ice road on snowmobiles, taking measurements in the same way as before but now every tenth of a mile. In areas that are known or suspected to be hazardous, measurements will be taken at shorter intervals. 5-inches of ice is adequate for snowmobiles, but not for a car or truck. Staff wait until there is a minimum of 12-inches of weight bearing ice before establishing the ice road. Once conditions are correct, a snowplow operator can begin turning the frozen lake surface into an ice road. The plow driver is always observed by a second vehicle ready to help with a potential rescue.
Safety is always our number one priority, for park staff and visitors. You may notice that ice roads are very wide – up to 60-feet more This helps staff deal with snowdrifts, and gives vehicles plenty of room to park and spread out. Parking lots on the ice can be established near areas like trailheads. The ice is checked more frequently in areas that will see many cars parked close together.
All these measurements are carefully recorded and monitored. When staff see the ice diminish to a level that no longer meets requirements, the area is closed. Always check the current conditions on our webpage Alerts & Conditions - Voyageurs National Park (U.S. National Park Service) (nps.gov) and obey posted signs and warnings.
After all that work establishing the ice road, what next? Once the ice road is declared to be open, you can take your vehicle and drive on the lake. You may want to ski on the Black Bay Ski Trail, go ice fishing or take the kids to the Sphunge Island Sledding Hill. Keep a couple of things in mind as you plan your trip out onto the ice. Keep your speed to 30 mph, dress warm, and give other vehicles lots of room as stopping distances can be longer than you expect on ice.
Kallie Kantos
We can never predict the exact dates that the ice roads may be open, but historically they open near the beginning of January, and are closed near the middle of March. Typically, there will be an ice road established on Rainy Lake, starting at the Rainy Lake Visitor Center boat launch which will lead to the Black Bay Ski Trail or possibly as far as Dryweed Island. There is also an ice road beginning at the Kabetogama Lake Visitor Center boat launch leading to the Spunge Island Sledding Hill, and further on to Ash River Visitor Center when conditions allow. A mild winter may result in a shorter ice road, in both distance and time open. You can rest assured that if the ice road is open, you can be confident in driving on it. Be alert, follow the safety guidelines, and enjoy the frozen lakes surfaces in Voyageurs National Park.
New snow has helped the snowmobile trails a bit, but warm weather is taking its toll. The ice roads are now established to their furthest extent for the season. Remember, ice is never 100% safe so pay attention to signage and be aware of your surroundings. As a reminder, please only park in plowed, designated areas, and clean up any pet messes left on the sledding hill.
Snowmobile Trails:
International Falls to Kettle Falls (Purple Trail) - Open, groomed from green intersection to Lost Bay portage
Rainy Lake/Black Bay to Kabetogama Lake to Ash River (Green Trail) - Open, groomed
Ash River to Crane Lake (Green Trail) - Open, groomed
Chain of Lakes (Dashed Black Trail) - Open, groomed
Ash River to Kettle Falls (Yellow Trail) - Open, groomed
East Namakan Lake to Sand Point Lake (Blue Trail) - Open, groomed
Ice Roads:
Rainy Lake Ice Road - Open to Black Bay ski & snowshoe trailhead
Rainy Lake Dryweed Loop - Not Open
Kabetogama Lake Ice Road - Open to Sphunge Island sledding hill
Kabetogama Lake Ice Road West and East Spur Roads - Not Open
Ski Trails:
Kabetogama Area:
Echo Bay Ski Trail - Open, packed, and tracked
Rainy Lake Area:
Rainy Lake Rec Trail - Open, packed, and tracked
Black Bay Ski Trail - Birch Trail is open, packed and tracked. Pine Trail is open, packed and tracked Ridge trail is open and packed
Tilson Connector Trail - Open, packed, and tracked
Snowshoe Trails:
Rainy Lake Area:
Rainy Lake Recreation Trail - Open
Oberholtzer Trail - Open
Black Bay Beaver Pond Trail - Open
Ash River Area:
KabAsh Trail - Open
Blind Ash Bay Trail - Open
Sullivan Bay Trail - Open
Kabetogama Lake Recreation Area:
Sledding Hill - Open
Ice Rink - Not Open
For further information on land trails in communities surrounding the park check out these links:
Voyageur Trail Society - Trail Updates https://www.snowmobilevacation.com and https://www.facebook.com/VTSIGrooms
Trail Report (ridetheborders.com) http://www.ridetheborders.com/trail-report.html and https://www.facebook.com/IVSClub
Snow Depth and Groomed Trail Conditions | Minnesota DNR https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/snow_depth/index.html
Buyck Portageurs Snowmobile Club https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100057218389432
Ash River Kabetogama Snowdrifters - Ash River Kabetogama Snowdrifters Snowmobile Club. https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100068157102512
On a Tuesday afternoon, students across the country gasped as a river of stars illuminated their classrooms. Students were transported to Minnesota’s Voyageurs National Park and Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness - two protected areas that are a part of the largest Dark Sky Region in the world.
“Imagine wearing sunglasses and flip flops on your way to school and a few hours later experiencing -2 degrees,” says LeAnn Simmerman, a teacher at Maury County Public Schools in Tennessee.
Simmerman’s class was a part of over 8,000 students who joined the STEM Challenge during Boreal Stargazing Week - a week of virtual school programs and community events celebrating the importance of dark, starry skies. Students tuned in as Expeditions in Education and a Voyageurs team broadcasted live from the ice roads of Voyageurs National Park. For many, it was their first time experiencing the vast frozen landscapes of northern Minnesota.
“My Tennessee students do not experience winter temperatures that leave lakes frozen deep enough for vehicles to travel on them. They do not see vast landscapes of white snow for months on end. Ice fishing is a foreign concept for them. But on that day, they were taken virtually to that world. The students zooming in got to see a snowy world and hear from the rangers who live there. They were able to ask questions and get real time answers. It was the virtual experience of a lifetime,” shared Simmerman.
Voyageurs team livestreams from the Rainy Lake Ice Road
Through the power of virtual education, the Boreal Stargazing Week attracted over 19,000 registered students from around the country, including classrooms in Minnesota, Maryland, California, Florida, Tennessee, and New Mexico. These programs highlighted northern Minnesota’s starbright skies to get kids interested in the fascinating world of astronomy and support the next generation of stargazers. Humans have looked to the stars for generations to tell stories, navigate through the night, and understand their place in the universe. Yet, dark skies are increasingly rare in the United States. At a time when 8 in 10 children can’t see the Milky Way from their backyards, programs that deepen connections to the stars are more important now than ever.
Gordy Lindgren
Boreal Stargazing Week featured virtual classroom visits with park rangers, amateur astronomers, Indigenous knowledge holders, and education specialists. Students were introduced to the diverse cultural stories of the cosmos and encouraged to engineer their own solutions to protect natural darkness. Students created slogans, presentations, and t-shirt designs advocating for dark sky preservation. Others engineered solutions to light pollution with designs of solar-powered and red-light devices that reduce unnecessary skyglow.
Dacia Jones, CEO of Expeditions in Education, explains these problems students are solving aren’t confined to the walls of a classroom. Park rangers see these projects and are generating ideas from these students. “It’s exciting to see kids thinking they are changing the future, and in reality - they are,” says Jones.
Simmerman explains there is nothing more uplifting than seeing her students engage, create, and believe in themselves: “If you give students a chance, they will create solutions we as adults never imagined. They are truly creative problem solvers.”
The Boreal Stargazing Week was a combined effort by Voyageurs Conservancy, Friends of the Boundary Waters Wilderness, Expeditions in Education, Voyageurs National Park, Superior National Forest, and Starry Skies North. Their goal was to inspire learning and stewardship of Minnesota’s boreal skies with free programs that deepened connection to the wilderness above our heads.
Gordy Lindgren
The week also featured evening excursions in the BWCAW and site-based learning opportunities at Voyageurs National Park. Visitors and local families embraced the wintry chill of February to enjoy brilliant starscapes on guided snowshoe hikes, telescope sessions, and evening ski programs. The allure of astro-tourism attracted attendees from as far away as Georgia and, for many, Boreal Stargazing Week marked their first time recreating in the parks in winter. The week concluded with a documentary premiere of Northern Nights, Starry Skies by Hamline’s Center for Global Environmental Education that brought the north country’s pristine night skies to a large audience in the Twin Cities.
Breanna Trygg, Education Director of Voyageurs Conservancy, hopes future Boreal Stargazing Weeks will continue to inspire individuals of all ages to keep looking up: “Stargazing is the perfect gateway to experiencing Voyageurs National Park and natural spaces. Whether you’re looking up at a starry sky on a clear night, or using a telescope to view the planets, anyone can take in the vastness of our universe and appreciate our place in it. We want all Minnesotans and visitors to be amazed by this experience and become inspired to protect it.”
Gordy Lindgren
Access FREE dark sky programs for your classrooms. Students will learn about these protected lands, the importance of dark skies, and how we can protect them.
Register for the Dark Sky Classroom to receive a live virtual classroom visit from a dark sky expert and access to standard-aligned lesson plans on Northern Lights, Light Pollution, and Moon Phases
Funding support for Boreal Stargazing Week was generously provided by the National Park Foundation and the Minnesota Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund as recommended by the Legislative-Citizen Commission on Minnesota Resources (LCCMR).
Voyageurs National Park’s Law Enforcement staff and the Polar Polers Ski Club have teamed up to offer a variety of ski events the weekend of February 24 through 26. Join us for a family-friendly ski on any of the three days for all skill levels and ages. Saturday and Sunday families and friends can also enjoy hotdogs, burgers, and cocoa along the trail, sponsored by the Polar Polers.
During the events all cross country ski equipment is free-of-charge. Those needing ski equipment must check-out the equipment at the Rainy Lake Visitor Center between the hours of 5 and 7 pm on February 24 and 10:00 am to 4:00 pm on the February 25 and 26. Equipment sizes are limited. No registration is necessary, first-come, first served. Other outdoor recreation, such as snowshoeing, is welcome on the Tilson Snowshoe Trail and Black Bay Snowshoe Trail during the events.
Ski Rainy Lake at Dusk
Date: Friday February 24
Time: 5:00 pm to 6:00 pm
Location: Meet at the Black Bay Ski Trailhead and then travel to designated ski location.
Matt Ackerman
Enjoy the companionship of friends while skiing at dusk on Rainy Lake. A trail will be groomed special for the event on the ice. Afterwards warm up at the fire and enjoy hot cocoa before the evening Stargazing event at 7:00 pm with Astro Bob.
Ski Black Bay Trails
Date: Saturday, February 25
Time: 10:00 am to 3:00 pm
Location: Black Bay Ski Trail, 1 mile north of the Rainy Lake Visitor Center Ice Road
Have you always wanted to ski the Black Bay Trail system but didn’t want to go alone? Here’s your opportunity to team up with community members and friends and enjoy time in Minnesota’s National Park. Participants can do the beginner trail or the more advanced trail. Afterwards, join the Polar Polers Ski Club for burgers and cocoa near the green trail shelter. Cross country ski equipment is free-of charge for this event. Equipment is limited and on a first-come, first-served basis and must be picked up and dropped off between the hours of 10:00 am and 4:00 pm the day of the event.
Ski Tilson Bay
Date: Sunday, February 26
Time: 10:00 am to 3:00 pm
Location: Tilson Bay Ski Trail, Highway 11 East, International Falls
Enjoy the day with friends old and new and explore the many miles of the Tilson Ski Trail system. From beginners to advanced are welcome to join in the event. Afterwards, join the Polar Polers Ski Club for hot dogs and cocoa near the new shelter on the beginner trail. Cross country ski equipment is free-of charge for this event from the Rainy Lake Visitor Center. Equipment is limited and on a first-come, first-served basis and must be picked up and dropped off between the hours of 10:00 am and 4:00 pm the day of the event.
Snow drifts are difficult to see on some of the trails and can appear quickly so slower speeds are recommended. Frozen slush can be found on trails, please use caution. Please be aware of your surroundings and pay attention to all trail signage. The ice roads are now established to their furthest extent for the season. Remember, ice is never 100% safe so pay attention to signage and be aware of your surroundings.
Alerts & Conditions - Voyageurs National Park (U.S. National Park Service) (nps.gov)
Snowmobile Trails:
International Falls to Kettle Falls (Purple Trail) - Open, not groomed
Rainy Lake/Black Bay to Kabetogama Lake to Ash River (Green Trail) - Open, groomed
Ash River to Crane Lake (Green Trail) - Open, groomed
Chain of Lakes (Dashed Black Trail) - Open, groomed
Ash River to Kettle Falls (Yellow Trail) - Open, groomed
East Namakan Lake to Sand Point Lake (Blue Trail) - Open, groomed
Ice Roads:
Rainy Lake Ice Road - Open to Black Bay ski & snowshoe trailhead
Rainy Lake Dryweed Loop - Not Open
Kabetogama Lake Ice Road - Open to Sphunge Island sledding hill
Kabetogama Lake Ice Road West and East Spur Roads - Not Open
Ski Trails:
Kabetogama Area:
Echo Bay Ski Trail - Open, packed, and tracked
Rainy Lake Area:
Rainy Lake Rec Trail - Open, packed, and tracked
Black Bay Ski Trail - Birch Trail is open, packed and tracked. Pine Trail is open and packed Ridge trail is packed
Tilson Connector Trail - Open, packed, and tracked
Snowshoe Trails:
Rainy Lake Area:
Rainy Lake Recreation Trail - Open
Oberholtzer Trail - Open
Black Bay Beaver Pond Trail - Open
Ash River Area:
KabAsh Trail - Open
Blind Ash Bay Trail - Open
Sullivan Bay Trail - Open
Kabetogama Lake Recreation Area:
Sledding Hill - Open
Ice Rink - Not Open
Winter Trails Report for 2/8/2023
The green trail is now groomed from Rainy Lake visitor center to Crane Lake . You will find smoother riding on staked trails. Portages are groomed with the exception of the blue and purple trail. Trails crews are working on improving the land based portages. Please be aware of your surroundings and pay attention to all trail signage. The ice roads are now established to their furthest extent for the season. Remember, ice is never 100% safe so pay attention to signage and be aware of your surroundings.
You can always find the latest winter trails conditions at: Alerts & Conditions - Voyageurs National Park (U.S. National Park Service) (nps.gov)
Snowmobile Trails:
International Falls to Kettle Falls (Purple Trail) - Open, not groomed
Rainy Lake/Black Bay to Kabetogama Lake to Ash River (Green Trail) - Open, groomed
Ash River to Crane Lake (Green Trail) - Open, groomed
Chain of Lakes (Dashed Black Trail) - Open, groomed
Ash River to Kettle Falls (Yellow Trail) - Open, groomed
East Namakan Lake to Sand Point Lake (Blue Trail) - Open, not groomed
Ice Roads:
Rainy Lake Ice Road - Open to Black Bay ski & snowshoe trailhead
Rainy Lake Dryweed Loop - Not Open
Kabetogama Lake Ice Road - Open to Sphunge Island sledding hill
Kabetogama Lake Ice Road West and East Spur Roads - Not Open
Ski Trails:
Kabetogama Area:
Echo Bay Ski Trail - Open, packed, and tracked
Rainy Lake Area:
Rainy Lake Rec Trail - Open, packed, and tracked
Black Bay Ski Trail - First loop is open, packed and tracked. Figure 8 is open and packed Ridge trail is not open
Tilson Connector Trail - Open, packed, and tracked
Rainy Lake Area:
Rainy Lake Recreation Trail - Open
Oberholtzer Trail - Open
Black Bay Beaver Pond Trail - Open
Ash River Area:
KabAsh Trail - Open
Blind Ash Bay Trail - Open
Sullivan Bay Trail - Open
Kabetogama Lake Recreation Area:
Sledding Hill - Open
Ice Rink - Not Open
For further information on land trails in communities surrounding the park check out these links:
Voyageur Trail Society - Trail Updates https://www.snowmobilevacation.com and https://www.facebook.com/VTSIGrooms
Trail Report (ridetheborders.com) http://www.ridetheborders.com/trail-report.html and https://www.facebook.com/IVSClub
Snow Depth and Groomed Trail Conditions | Minnesota DNR https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/snow_depth/index.html
Buyck Portageurs Snowmobile Club https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100057218389432
Ash River Kabetogama Snowdrifters - Ash River Kabetogama Snowdrifters Snowmobile Club. https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100068157102512
Ben Sunne
Winter at Voyageurs National Park can be extreme with frigid temperatures and heavy snowfall. Learn how moose, wolves, owls, and other north woods wildlife are adapting and behaving in Minnesota's national park this month.
Moose are busy finding nutritious shrubs and trees in the barren winter landscape. The impressive antlers of Moose are shed in a process called “casting.” Casting off heavy antlers lets moose shed weight and conserve more energy in the winter months. You are most likely to see a moose crossing roads (and maybe even enjoying roadside salt!)
Fishers lose body heat quickly due to their tube-like shape. As a result, fishers are very active in February - feeding on snowshoe hares, rodents, squirrels, and small prey. Unlike their short-tail weasel relatives, fishers do not turn white in the winter.
Wolves are in breeding season! Breeding season typically runs from late January until late March. Wolves have two-layered coats that protect them from the harsh Voyageurs winters. Outer-layer “guard hairs” grow up to four inches in length and protect the wolf from wind, rain, and snow. The undercoat is a thick, soft secondary layer that serves as insulation.
Red foxes are active and easy to spot on gray February days. These critters are entering breeding season and are active around Voyageurs National Park. Red foxes have incredible hearing and can locate prey under the snow and up to one hundred feet away!
Black bear cubs are born between mid-January and early-February. Newborn cubs do not hibernate, but the mother provides all their nourishment while she is hibernating.
Beavers are spending the winter months nestled in their lodges. Unlike bears, beavers do not hibernate in the winter. Instead, beavers survive off of branches they’ve stored. In February, beavers will swim out of the lodge to get food stored under the ice.
Wood frogs are partially frozen under leaves, rocks, and logs. These amphibians stop breathing and their heart stops beating due to an antifreeze they produce. This antifreeze prevents liquids from freezing inside their cells.
Great horned owls are nesting in February and lay their eggs in abandoned nests of squirrels, hawks, or crows. Great Horned Owls usually lay their eggs in abandoned nests of squirrels, hawks or crows but sometimes nest on cliff ledges or in hollow trees. The eggs are incubated by both parents and hatch in about four weeks.
Please enjoy wildlife from a distance at Voyageurs National Park. Particularly in the winter, wildlife are working hard to conserve their energy and require ample space. Thank you for respecting wildlife and keeping Voyageurs wild.
Voyageurs Wolf Project
Recent cold weather has allowed for some good progress in grooming the snowmobile trails on the large lakes. You will find smoother riding on staked trails. The Gold portage, Moose River Grade and Sullivan portage are groomed and in good shape. Please be aware of your surroundings and pay attention to all trail signage. Overall, the lake trails are in better shape than previous weeks, but snow drifts and stretches of frozen slush ruts can be dangerous and can cause the machine to tip or throw off a rider. Use caution and slow down where appropriate. Crews have been monitoring the ice road, and have found some inconsistent conditions. Plowing will begin as soon as it is safe to do so. Remember, ice is never 100% safe so pay attention to signage and be aware of your surroundings.
Snowmobile Trails:
International Falls to Kettle Falls (Purple Trail) - Open, not groomed
Rainy Lake/Black Bay to Kabetogama Lake to Ash River (Green Trail) -Open, not groomed
Ash River to Crane Lake (Green Trail) - Open, not groomed
Chain of Lakes (Dashed Black Trail) - Open, groomed
Ash River to Kettle Falls (Yellow Trail) - Open, groomed
East Namakan Lake to Sand Point Lake (Blue Trail) - Open, not groomed
Ice Roads:
Rainy Lake Ice Road - Not Open
Rainy Lake Dryweed Loop - Not Open
Kabetogama Lake Ice Road - Not Open
Kabetogama Lake Ice Road West and East Spur Roads - Not Open
Maintenance crews groom a snowmobile trail
NPS Photo/Nevalainen
Ski Trails:
Kabetogama Area:
Echo Bay Ski Trail - Open, packed, and tracked
Rainy Lake Area:
Rainy Lake Rec Trail - Open, packed, and tracked
Black Bay Ski Trail - First loop is open, packed and tracked. Figure 8 is open and packed. Ridge trail is not open.
Tilson Connector Trail - Open, packed, and tracked
Snowshoe Trails:
Rainy Lake Area:
Rainy Lake Recreation Trail - Open
Oberholtzer Trail - Open
Black Bay Beaver Pond Trail - Open
Ash River Area:
KabAsh Trail - Open
Blind Ash Bay Trail - Open
Sullivan Bay Trail - Open
Kabetogama Lake Recreation Area:
Sledding Hill - Not Open
Ice Rink - Not Open
For further information on land trails in communities surrounding the park check out these links:
Voyageur Trail Society - Trail Updates https://www.snowmobilevacation.com and https://www.facebook.com/VTSIGrooms
Trail Report (ridetheborders.com) http://www.ridetheborders.com/trail-report.html and https://www.facebook.com/IVSClub
Snow Depth and Groomed Trail Conditions | Minnesota DNR https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/snow_depth/index.html
Buyck Portageurs Snowmobile Club https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100057218389432
Ash River Kabetogama Snowdrifters - Ash River Kabetogama Snowdrifters Snowmobile Club. https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100068157102512
February is a transition month for the constellations. Although the winter groups still rule the roost, the first hints of spring appear low in the eastern sky later in the month, led by the sparkling orange star Arcturus in the constellation of Boötes the Herdsman. Come May, this peachy luminary will shine high in the southern sky.
In the western sky, Saturn is now lost in the solar glow and won’t return to view until early April at dawn. Venus and Jupiter tantalize as they gradually draw together in preparation for a very close conjunction next month. It will be fun to watch their separation narrow night by night.
If you haven’t yet seen Comet ZTF, named for the Zwicky Transient Facility in California where it was discovered, you still have time. It’s brightest early in the month just about the time the moon gets in the way. Darn! But starting about Feb. 7, we’ll see it again in a moonless sky. The comet gradually fades after that but should remain visible in binoculars from a fairly dark sky through about Feb. 20.
Events:
Feb. 1 – Comet ZTF (C/2022 E3) should be at its brightest and visible as a wedge-shaped, fuzzy glow in binoculars with possibly a short tail. I will post a map on Jan. 31 in my Astro Bob blog (astrobob.areavoices.com) to help you find the comet.
Feb. all month – Watch Venus (the lower and brighter one) and Jupiter gradually get closer during the month. Both appear in the southwestern sky about an hour after sunset. Their separation shrinks from 29° (three fists at arm’s length) on Feb. 1 to just 1° by month’s end.
Feb. 5 – Full Snow Moon
Feb. 10 – Use binoculars to spot fuzzy Comet ZTF just 1.5° to the upper left of Mars. They’ll both sit together in the same field of view. Mars is the bright, red-colored “star” in Taurus about one fist to the left of the Dipper-shaped Pleiades star cluster also known as the Seven Sisters.
Feb. 13 – Last quarter moon
Feb. 20 – New moon
Feb. 22 – Slender evening moon has a close conjunction with Jupiter with Venus nearby. Watch this beautiful gathering during evening twilight.
Late Feb. – The brilliant orange-red star Arcturus, harbinger of spring, rises in the northeastern sky around 9:30 p.m. local time. Look for it below the Big Dipper’s Handle.
Feb. 26 – Half-moon to the left of the Pleiades star cluster
Feb. 27 – First quarter moon. Moon and Mars in conjunction
Bob King is an amateur astronomer, author, and passionate educator. He served as a photographer and photo editor at the Duluth News Tribune for 39 years and taught at the UMD planetarium. Bob’s work had a great impact on Voyageurs National Park. To achieve International Dark Sky Park certification, the park was required to host dark sky education events. Through the Night Sky Explorer webinars, the Conservancy was able to fulfill this component and help secure the certification for Voyageurs National Park. We can’t thank Bob King enough for sharing his talents and knowledge with the Conservancy community to support dark sky preservation.
On Thursday, January 26, Interior Secretary Deb Haaland signed a Public Land Order (PLO) banning copper mining on 225,504 acres of federal land in the headwaters of the Boundary Waters, Voyageurs National Park and 1854 Treaty Area, for 20 years.
The PLO, called a mineral withdrawal, bans toxic mining on 225,504 acres of Superior National Forest land in the watershed of the BWCAW and upstream of the Wilderness. The PLO comes after the Forest Service published a comprehensive scientific review finding that sulfide-ore copper mining would pollute the Boundary Waters in ways that could not be fixed or mitigated. The PLO and the final Environmental Assessment (EA) are expected to be released soon
The EA explains that the purpose of the proposed 20-year mining ban is to protect andpreserve the natural and cultural resources in the watershed, including the Boundary Waters, the adjoining Mining Protection Area, and the 1854 Ceded Territory, from the known and potentially adverse environmental impacts arising from the exploration and development of federally owned minerals.
In particular, the ban was deemed necessary to protect and preserve the unique water quality, scenic integrity, important wildlife corridors, and high-quality recreation values found in the watershed. The draft EA further elaborates on how the Boundary Waters’ complex and interconnected ecosystem offers recreational opportunities and other uses, which make it an irreplaceable national treasure that would be at severe risk from sulfide-ore copper mining without the mineral withdrawal.
“Protecting a place like Boundary Waters is key to supporting the health of the watershed and its surrounding wildlife, upholding our Tribal trust and treaty responsibilities, and boosting the local recreation economy,” Haaland said in a statement. “With an eye toward protecting this special place for future generations, I have made this decision using the best available science and extensive public input.”
In January 2022, the federal mineral leases for Chilean mining giant Antofagasta's Twin Metals project were revoked by the Department of Interior (DOI). DOI concluded that the leases had been unlawfully renewed by the Trump administration. There are currently no active mineral leases on federal land in the withdrawal area. Under the PLO announced today, none can be issued for twenty years.
“We thank Secretary Haaland for protecting the BWCAW and Voyageurs National Park, a region that epitomizes the unique outdoor heritage of Minnesota. Voyageurs encompasses a vast system of interconnected waterways first traveled by the Ojibwe and other Indigenous peoples, and then European Voyageurs, and today is enjoyed every year by over 240,000 anglers, kayakers, houseboaters and more. This decision recognizes the importance of protecting these habitats and the outdoor recreation economy they support.” - Voyageurs Conservancy Executive Director, Christina Hausman Rhode
This decision is a further blow to the proposed Twin Metals mine (which is owned by the Chilean mining giant Antofagasta) near Ely, Minn. and other potential mines for copper, nickel and precious metals within the Rainy River Watershed.
Independent scientific studies confirm that sulfide-ore copper mining on lands adjacent to rivers and lakes that flow into the Boundary Waters and into Voyageurs National Park and Ontario’s Quetico Provincial Park would seriously harm the Wilderness and the Parks as well as the lands and waters on which mining activity occurs.
Even small amounts of acid mine contamination leaking into the Rainy River Drainage Basin would impact Voyageurs’ ecosystem for decades and threaten its pristine waters and wildlife, world-class fishing, and the family-owned small businesses that serve park visitors.
The risks associated with copper, nickel and other sulfide mining operations exist during all phases of mine development, implementation, closure and long-term remediation. Potential impacts to water resources include changes in water quantity and quality, contamination from acid mine drainage and seepage, and tailings basin failures. In addition there would be cumulative impacts with several projects being explored in Northern Minnesota.
To date, not a single sulfide mining project has operated and closed without producing polluted drainage.
The state of Minnesota is currently conducting its own review of whether sulfide-ore copper mining should be allowed in the Rainy River Headwaters. Northeastern Minnesotans for Wilderness (NMW) sued the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) alleging the state's current rules were inadequate to protect the BWCAW as is legally required. The DNR is currently evaluating these rules, and a decision is expected before May 31, 2023. If the DNR finds the rules to be inadequate, then an administrative process will be conducted to amend the rules so that they adequately protect the Boundary Waters. There is also pending legislation to permanently protect the BWCAW at the state level.
Voyageurs maintenance crews continue to check for adequate ice on snowmobile trails. Additional trails will be open and staked once the minimum amount of ice has been measured, and conditions are safe for use. The Gold portage, Moose River Grade and Sullivan portage are now groomed and in good shape. The Yellow trail remains closed due to waterflow and decreasing ice thickness. Some previously slushy spots are healing up, while other areas are appearing in new locations. Please be aware of your surroundings and pay attention to all trail signage. Overall, the lake trails are very rough. Snow drifts and stretches of frozen slush ruts can be dangerous and can cause the machine to tip or throw off a rider. Use caution and slow down where appropriate. Remember, ice is never 100% safe so pay attention to signage and be aware of your surroundings.
Snowmobile Trails:
International Falls to Kettle Falls (Purple Trail) - Not Open
Rainy Lake/Black Bay to Kabetogama Lake to Ash River (Green Trail) -Open, Staked and groomed portages are nice but lake is rough going
Ash River to Crane Lake (Green Trail) - Open, Staked, not groomed
Chain of Lakes (Dashed Black Trail) - Open, staked and groomed
Ash River to Kettle Falls (Yellow Trail) - Not Open
East Namakan Lake to Sand Point Lake (Blue Trail) - Open, not groomed
Ice Roads:
Rainy Lake Ice Road - Not Open
Rainy Lake Dryweed Loop - Not Open
Kabetogama Lake Ice Road - Not Open
Kabetogama Lake Ice Road West and East Spur Roads - Not Open
Ski Trails:
Kabetogama Area:
Echo Bay Ski Trail - Open, packed, and tracked
Rainy Lake Area:
Rainy Lake Rec Trail - Open, packed, and tracked
Black Bay Ski Trail - First loop is open, packed and tracked. Figure 8 is open and packed. Ridge trail is not open.
Tilson Connector Trail - Open, packed, and tracked
Snowshoe Trails:
Rainy Lake Area:
Rainy Lake Recreation Trail - Open
Oberholtzer Trail - Open
Black Bay Beaver Pond Trail - Open
Ash River Area:
KabAsh Trail - Open
Blind Ash Bay Trail - Open
Sullivan Bay Trail - Open
Kabetogama Lake Recreation Area:
Sledding Hill - Not Open
Ice Rink - Not Open
For further information on land trails in communities surrounding the park check out these links:
Voyageur Trail Society - Trail Updates https://www.snowmobilevacation.com and https://www.facebook.com/VTSIGrooms
Trail Report (ridetheborders.com) http://www.ridetheborders.com/trail-report.html and https://www.facebook.com/IVSClub
Snow Depth and Groomed Trail Conditions | Minnesota DNR https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/snow_depth/index.html
Buyck Portageurs Snowmobile Club https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100057218389432
Ash River Kabetogama Snowdrifters - Ash River Kabetogama Snowdrifters Snowmobile Club. https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100068157102512
Winter Trails Report for 1/18/2023
Voyageurs maintenance crews have been busy checking for adequate ice on snowmobile trails. Additional trails will be open and staked once the minimum amount of ice has been measured, and conditions are safe for use. Progress has been made in opening portages and the Gold portage, Moose River Grade and Sullivan portage are now groomed and ready. Overall, the lake trails are very rough. Snow drifts and stretches of frozen slush ruts can be dangerous and can cause the machine to tip or throw off a rider. Use caution and slow down where appropriate. Remember, ice is never 100% safe so pay attention to signage and be aware of your surroundings.
Snowmobile Trails:
International Falls to Kettle Falls (Purple Trail) - Not Open
Rainy Lake/Black Bay to Kabetogama Lake to Ash River (Green Trail) -Open, Staked and groomed portages are nice but lake is rough going
Ash River to Crane Lake (Green Trail) - Open, Staked, not groomed.
Chain of Lakes (Dashed Black Trail) - Not Open
Ash River to Kettle Falls (Yellow Trail) - Open, not groomed.
East Namakan Lake to Sand Point Lake (Blue Trail) - Not Open
Ice Roads:
Rainy Lake Ice Road - Not Open
Rainy Lake Dryweed Loop - Not Open
Kabetogama Lake Ice Road - Not Open
Kabetogama Lake Ice Road West and East Spur Roads - Not Open
Ski Trails:
Kabetogama Area:
Echo Bay Ski Trail - Open, packed, and tracked
Rainy Lake Area:
Rainy Lake Rec Trail - Open, packed, and tracked
Black Bay Ski Trail - Open and packed
Tilson Connector Trail - Open, packed, and tracked
Snowshoe Trails:
Rainy Lake Area:
Rainy Lake Recreation Trail - Open
Oberholtzer Trail - Open
Black Bay Beaver Pond Trail - Open
Ash River Area:
KabAsh Trail - Open
Blind Ash Bay Trail - Open
Sullivan Bay Trail - Open
Kabetogama Lake Recreation Area:
Sledding Hill - Not Open
Ice Rink - Not Open
For further information on land trails in communities surrounding the park check out these links:
Voyageur Trail Society - Trail Updates https://www.snowmobilevacation.com and https://www.facebook.com/VTSIGrooms
Trail Report (ridetheborders.com) http://www.ridetheborders.com/trail-report.html and https://www.facebook.com/IVSClub
Snow Depth and Groomed Trail Conditions | Minnesota DNR https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/snow_depth/index.html
Buyck Portageurs Snowmobile Club https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100057218389432
Ash River Kabetogama Snowdrifters - Ash River Kabetogama Snowdrifters Snowmobile Club. https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100068157102512
Voyageurs Conservancy
1400 Van Buren Street #200-235
Minneapolis, MN 55413
contact@voyageurs.org
612-333-5424
Voyageurs National Park Headquarters
360 Highway 11 East
International Falls, MN 56649
218-283-6600
Park Website
