Prospectors Loop EAW

Prospectors Loop Trail System Phase 2 Project

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is accepting comments through May 4, 2023 on an Environmental Assessment Worksheet for a proposal from The Prospectors Trail Alliance (Club) for four new ATV trail segments and a connecting spur as part of Phase 2 (also termed “Connect Four” segments) of the greater Prospectors Loop Trail for off-highway vehicles. Approximately 59 miles of trail are included: 22 miles of existing route open to ATV use, 28 miles of existing route with new ATV use, and 9 miles of proposed new route with new ATV use. The segments provide new connections to existing trails and amenities in northern St. Louis County.

Documents

The Minnesota DNR has prepared an Environmental Assessment Worksheet (EAW) for the project. Public notice of the availability of these documents for public comment is in the April 4, 2023, EQB Monitor. A 30-day public review and comment period will be open from April 4, 2023, until 4:30 p.m., May 4, 2023.

• EAW – Prospectors Loop Trail System Phase 2
• Figures
  • Figure 1: Project Overview Map
  • Figures 2-1 through 2-7: Project Area Map
  • Figures 3-1 through 3-3: USGS 24k Topographic Map
  • Figures 4-1 through 4-7: Hydrology Map
  • Figures 5-1 through 5-7: Soils Map (SSURGO)
  • Figures 6-1 through 6-6: Land Cover Map (NLCD, 2016)
  • Figures 7-1 through 7-7: MNDNR NPCs and Sites of Biodiversity Significance
• Attachments
  • Attachment A-1: Tax Parcels
  • Attachment A-2: Public Land Survey ¼, ¼, Section, Township, Range
  • Attachment B: Trail Design Typical Sections
  • Attachment C: Soil Characteristics
  • Attachment D: NHIS letter
  • Attachment E: State Historic Preservation Office Correspondence

A hard copy may be requested by calling 651-259-5122.

A paper copy of the EAW is available for public review at the following libraries:

• Hoyt Lakes Public Library: 206 Kennedy Memorial Drive, Hoyt Lakes, MN 55750

Deadline for comments

Comments must be submitted no later than 4:30 p.m May 4, 2023.

• Mailed comments should be sent to the attention of Becky Horton, EAW project manager, Environmental Policy and Review Unit, Ecological and Water Resources Division, Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, 500 Lafayette Road N, St. Paul, MN 55155.
• E-mail comments should be sent to [email protected] with “Prospectors Loop” in the subject line.

Anyone providing a mailing address or submitting comments via email will receive a copy of the decision document, which includes responses to comments. Because all comments and related information are part of the public record for this environmental review, commenters’ names and email or postal addresses will be published and publicly available as they appear in the materials they submit.