Virginia Expansion of the Iron Range Off-highway Vehicle Recreation Area
Record of Decision on Environmental Assessment Worksheet (EAW)
The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (MDNR), as the Responsible Governmental Unit for environmental review of the Virginia Expansion of the Iron Range Off-highway Vehicle Recreation Area Project in St. Louis County, has issued a Record of Decision regarding the need for an Environmental Impact Statement for the project.
The MDNR has concluded that an Environmental Impact Statement is not required because the project does not have the potential for significant environmental effects. The justification for the determination is contained in the Record of Decision. The Record of Decision also contains the Department's responses to all substantive written comments received on the Environmental Assessment Worksheet.
Issuing this Record of Decision concludes the State environmental review process for this project according to the Minnesota Environmental Quality board rules, Minnesota Rules, part 4410.1000 to 4410.1700. This project can now proceed to permitting and approvals.
Environmental Assessment Worksheet (EAW)
Documents
Virginia OHVRA Environmental Assessment Worksheet 
Figures
Attachments
Review Period
A 30-day public review and comment period is open from November 16, 2009 through December 16, 2009. Public notice of the availability of this EAW is in the November 16, 2009 EQB Monitor.
The proposed project
The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (MDNR) proposes to develop a 2,704 acre expansion to the existing Iron Range Off-highway Vehicle Recreation Area (OHVRA), Gilbert, Minnesota. The proposed expansion site is located one mile north of the existing Iron Range OHVRA, partially within the City of Virginia, Minnesota. The Virginia Expansion site will be managed out of the existing facility, which will be linked to the expansion area by a connector road. This proposed expansion includes the development of the connector road, a core trail system, vehicle-specified trails, and perimeter fencing.
Send comments
Written and signed comments on the EAW must be received by Wednesday, December 16, 2009 at 4:30 p.m.
By mail:
Minnesota Department of Natural Resources
Division of Ecological Resources, Box 25
Attn: Ronald Wieland
500 Lafayette Road
St. Paul, MN 55155-4025
Electronically:
Send to environmental.review@dnr.state.mn.us. "Virginia OHVRA" must be included in the subject line. Include your name and mailing address so that you can be added to the mailing list.
By fax:
Submit signed comment letters by fax to (651) 297-1500.
Questions
Please call (651) 259-5157 if you have questions about this EAW.
