National Geographic and Heart of the Continent Partnership Introduce Heart of the Continent Geotourism MapGuide and Website

Geotourism: Tourism that sustains or enhances the geographical character of a place — its environment, culture, aesthetics, heritage and well-being of its residents Travelers seeking unspoiled places and culturally authentic experiences now have a valuable new resource in a comprehensive “Geotourism MapGuide” and website for the Heart of the Continent region. The landmark project has taken two years to plan and execute and is a historically significant asset for everyone who visits or lives in the region.

The Geotourism MapGuide, with its Heart of the Continent Mobile App, highlights the enchanted landscapes and enduring people of northeastern Minnesota and northwestern Ontario. It is designed to showcase to local, national and international audiences the natural, cultural and historic attractions that define the region.

Roll-out events are planned for the Heart of the Continent Geotourism Mapguide and website:

• March 19, 10:00 AM at Glensheen Mansion in Duluth, Minnesota
• March 19, 4:00 PM at Grand Portage National Monument in Grand Portage, Minnesota
• March 20, 10:00 AM at Fort William Historical Park in Thunder Bay, Ontario

All sites and attractions that have been nominated and now reside on the website are invited to attend and receive their certificate of participation from National Geographic Society. The keynote speaker is James Dion, Director of Tourism Programs, Maps Division for National Geographic Society.

National Geographic’s acclaimed mapmaking and sustainable tourism expertise helped produce the Geotourism website along with the U.S. Forest Service, Ontario Parks, Voyageurs National Park, Fort William Historical Park, Tourism Northern Ontario, Iron Range Resources & Rehabilitation Board, Thunder Bay Tourism, St. Louis County, City of Duluth, Arrowhead Regional Development Corporation, Atikokan Economic Development Corporation and many others.

The Heart of the Continent area designated for the map stretches from the outer boundaries of Duluth, Minnesota northeast along the North Shore of Lake Superior to Thunder Bay and Sleeping Giant Provincial Park, then west to International Falls/Fort Frances and south along St. Louis County’s western border, including communities and private and public lands. Since the project was launched in February 2014, locals have nominated for inclusion more than 400 of their favorite points of interest; historic, cultural and natural landmarks; events; artisans; and attractions that capture the region’s unique character and beauty. The website may be viewed at www.traveltheheart.org. Residents and visitors may continue to nominate new sites, events and special places for the website, which will be dynamic and constantly changing.

"The Heart of the Continent Geotourism MapGuide and website showcase what makes the region so culturally and geographically significant,” said James Dion, Director of Tourism Programs, Maps Division for National Geographic Society. “More than ever, this project underscores the importance of connecting the local trans-border communities, smartly sharing the region’s tremendous scenic, historic and cultural assets, and helping them thrive together for future generations."

The Heart of the Continent Geotourism MapGuide:

• Is one of only 22 Geotourism programs worldwide
• Showcases many of the 400-plus sites nominated by local residents
• Is a resource designed to improve local, rural economic development
• Provides access to a niche national market of “geo-tourists”
• Will grow with the addition of hundreds of more sites and events
• Highlights the resources of the region encompassing a major portion of northeastern Minnesota and northwestern Ontario, including communities and over five million acres of public land
• Provides a long-term resource for promoting the Heart of the Continent to the nation and the world.

"Heart of the Continent Geotourism partners see this project as a great opportunity to work closely with other groups to promote the region and its assets," said Paul Pepe, Tourism Manager for the City of Thunder Bay.

“The Geotourism strategy for the Heart of the Continent will strengthen the case for responsible, meaningful tourism by embracing all tourism assets uniquely distinctive to the locale. Effective stewardship of these economic assets will produce benefits in a way that encourages the type of investment needed to preserve our unique heritage. We’re thrilled to see the partnership that has developed with National Geographic and local organizations in this regard,” said Frank Jewell, St. Louis County Commissioner.

The National Geographic Society has worked with community-based alliances to develop similar Geotourism MapGuides and websites in other regions around the world. Geotourism MapGuide projects have been completed or are ongoing including in the Central Cascades (Oregon, Washington), Four Corners (Arizona, Colorado, New Mexico, Utah), Greater Yellowstone (Idaho, Montana, Wyoming), Lakes to Locks Passage (New York, Quebec), Newfoundland, Portugal’s Douro Valley, Redwood Coast (California), Sierra Nevada (California, Nevada), and the Western Balkans (Albania, Bosnia-Herzagovina, Macedonia, Montenegro, Kosovo and Serbia.)

Founded in 1915 as the Map Department of the National Geographic Society, National Geographic Maps is responsible for illustrating the world around us through the art and science of mapmaking. Today, National Geographic Maps continues this mission by creating the world’s best wall maps, outdoor recreation maps, travel maps, atlases and globes that inspire people to care about and explore their world. For more information, visit natgeomaps.com.

CONTACT:

Chris Stromberg

HOCP Coordinator

807 598-1074

HOCP@heartofthecontinent.org RESOURCES

http://www.HeartoftheContinent.org

Voyageurs National Park Winter Ice and Trail Conditions Report - Mar. 18, 2015

All park ice roads are no longer open. All snowmobile, ski, and snowshoe trails are no longer open. With the swift onset of warmer weather, snow conditions have completely deteriorated. All stakes, signs, and barricades will be removed from trails and lake surfaces by the end of this week. If travel onto frozen lake surfaces is still necessary, use extreme caution. Heavy slush, cracks in the ice, and open water have all been observed.

Another winter season has concluded. Thanks to all park maintenance staff and gateway community snowmobile clubs, International Voyageurs, Ash River – Kabetogama Snowdrifters, and Voyageur Trail Society, that helped to make it a success.

This is the last Winter Ice and Trail Conditions Report of the season.

Voyageurs National Park Trail Conditions Report - Updated for Mar. 15, 2015

All park snowmobile trails are no longer open. Conditions are deteriorating quickly on the lake surfaces. There is heavy slush, open water near creeks, and lots of exposed earth on the portages. Trail signs, hazard markings, and trail stakes are being removed.

Thanks to everyone for another great winter season!

Snowmobile Trails

• International Falls to Kettle Falls (Purple Trail) - Not Open Rainy Lake/Black Bay to Kabetogama Lake to Ash River (Green Trail) - Not Open Ash River to Crane Lake (Green Trail) - Not Open Chain of Lakes (Dashed Black Trail) – Not Open Ash River to Kettle Falls (Yellow Trail) - Not Open East Namakan Lake to Sand Point Lake (Blue Trail) – Not Open Rudder Bay (Orange Trail) - Not Open

Ice Roads are no longer being maintained for the 2014-15 season.

• Rainy Lake Ice Road- Not Open
• Kabetogama Lake Ice Road- Not Open

Ski Trails: Grooming is no longer taking place for the 2014-15 season.

• Echo Bay Ski Trail- Open, Rocky Black Bay Ski Trail- Open, Rocky Tilson Connector Trail- Closed KabAsh Trail- Open, Rocky

Snowshoe Trails: Many trails no longer have snow cover on them. All trails can be hiked without snowshoes at any time.

• Black Bay Beaver Pond Trail- Not Open
• Blind Ash Bay Trail- Not Open
• Oberholtzer Trail- Not Open
• Sullivan Bay Trail- Not Open

All snowshoe and ski loans from the Rainy Lake Visitor Center have stopped for the season.

Voyageurs National Park Winter Ice and Trail Conditions Report - Mar. 4, 2015

All trails remain open and in good condition. Due to wolf interaction, short sections of the Green and Yellow Trails on Namakan Lake near the Moose River Grade have been closed and rerouted. The Green Trail Reroute is now staked and groomed from the closure on Namakan Lake to the connection of the Yellow Trail (Kettle Falls) and Orange Trail (Rudder Bay). The trail reroute follows the south side of Namakan Island to near Cemetery Island and the Green, Yellow, and Orange Trail junctions.

Park staff will monitor the cause of the temporary closures, and the closures will remain in place until conditions change or the winter season ends.

Due to high winds, snow drifts are widespread. Lake surface conditions are considered rough. Riders should use caution both on and off the trails.

The most up to date winter trail conditions are available at www.nps.gov/voya.

Important: Green and Yellow Snowmobile Trails Rerouted in Voyageurs National Park

Voyageurs National Park staff and visitors have recently witnessed a lone wolf near the Ash River area. The wolf appears to be alone with no pack and has followed three snowmobilers. In order to ensure visitor safety, park staff are taking precautions by monitoring the wolf and re-routing small sections of the park’s Green and Yellow Trails. Superintendent Mike Ward stated, “We are taking precautions for the protection of the visitors and the wolf. Visitors are encouraged to continue to enjoy the winter wonderland by accessing the open trails throughout the park and multiple gateway communities.”

Temporary Closures:

• The Green Trail (Voyageur Trail) from the Moose River Grade to Namakan Lake will be closed.
• A short section of the Yellow Trail (Kettle Falls Trail) from the Green Trail and Yellow Trail connection in Moose Bay to the Orange Trail (Rudder Bay Trail) and the Yellow Trail connection will be closed.

Reroute:

• The Green Trail will be rerouted from the closure on Namakan Lake to the connection of the Yellow Trail (Kettle Falls) and Orange (Rudder Bay Trail) running along the south side of Big Namakan Island.
• When travelling from Ash River south to Crane Lake, a visitor may take the Ash River to Crane Lake land trail. If travelling through the park, they may take the Green Trail northwest to the Rudder Bay Trail, then head northeast to the newly formed Rudder Bay Trail, Kettle Falls Trail, and Voyageur Trail connection.
• When travelling from Crane Lake to Ash River, a visitor may take the Crane Lake to Ash River land trail. When travelling through the park, a visitor may take the Green Trail to the Yellow and Orange Trail connections, turn onto the Orange Trail (Rudder Bay) until the Green Trail connection, and turn southeast to Ash River.

Yellow Trail Highlight & Voyageurs National Park Winter Ice and Trail Conditions Report - Feb. 25, 2015

Today’s snowmobile trail spotlight is the Yellow Trail, which extends from Ash River to Kettle Falls. A short ride from Ash River on the Green Trail over the Moose River Portage, the Yellow Trail begins. Sledding north on the trail brings the rider close to several past residences on Namakan Lake. Visitor Destination I.W. Stevens’ Pine Cove Resort preserves several structures from this notable Namakan Lake bachelor. The trail swings around the north side of Kubel Island where mail order bride Lydia Torrey lived for decades after her husband passed away in a drowning accident.

Just north of Kubel Island, the trail moves inland due to thin ice along the waterways. Thin ice is common in the areas of Old Dutch Bay and Blind Indian, Voyageurs and Squirrel Narrows, as well as near the Kettle Falls Dam. It is recommended to remain on the trail in these areas, and to always use caution whenever anyone suspects thin ice.

The Yellow Trail emerges briefly on Mica Bay, which passes Mica Island, where a short-lived mining operation, never profitable, extracted large sheets of Mica. As Mica is heat resistant and transparent in thin sheets, it was used in electrical conductors and woodstove windows until cheaper modern materials replaced it. The mines are now flooded and currently covered in snow.

After another ride through the forest, the Purple Trail junction awaits, which spurs to Rainy Lake. The Yellow Trail continues for a short distance and ends at the hibernating Kettle Falls Dam and Hotel. Winter solitude, quiet, and beauty grace the landscape. Be sure to spend some time at the overlook--if the sun should emerge, the view can be dramatic.

The Yellow Trail, 7.5 miles in length one-way, offers much to explore, from woodlands, wetlands, and wildlife to snapshots of past residents. Dress warm, prepare for the weather, and enjoy the trails within Voyageurs National Park.

The most up to date winter trail conditions are available on our website at www.nps.gov/voya.

All trails are open. Recent high winds have caused drifting. Use caution especially when off trail on large lake surfaces.

Snowmobile Trails

• International Falls to Kettle Falls (Purple Trail) – Open, staked, and groomed
• Rainy Lake/Black Bay to Kabetogama Lake to Ash River (Green Trail) – Open, staked, and groomed
• Ash River to Crane Lake (Green Trail) – Open, staked, and groomed
• Chain of Lakes (Dashed Black Trail) – Open, staked, and groomed
• Ash River to Kettle Falls (Yellow Trail) – Open, staked, and groomed
• East Namakan Lake to Sand Point Lake (Blue Trail) – Open, staked, and groomed

Ice Roads 

• Rainy Lake Ice Road - Open to Cranberry Bay and around Dryweed Island
• Kabetogama Lake Ice Road – Open

Ski Trails

• Echo Bay Ski Trail – Open, packed, and tracked
• Black Bay Ski Trail – Open, packed, and tracked
• Tilson Connector Trail – Open, packed, and tracked
• KabAsh Trail – Open

Snowshoe Trails

• Black Bay Beaver Pond Trail – Open, not packed
• Blind Ash Bay Trail – Open, not packed
• Oberholtzer Trail – Open, not packed
• Sullivan Bay Trail – Open, not packed

Have fun out there! Remember:

“STAKED TRAILS MAKE SAFETY SENSE”

ORANGE IDENTIFIES HAZARDS

Oberholzer Trail Highlight; Voyageurs Winter Ice and Trail Conditions Report - Feb. 4, 2015

Grab a pair of snowshoes and experience the 2 mile round-trip Oberholtzer Trail. Visitors to the park often hike this trail in summer due to its convenient location - near the Rainy Lake Visitor Center. In winter, the ice and snow cover creates a completely different trail experience.

The Oberholtzer Trail was named after conservationist Ernest Oberholtzer, who lived not far from the doors of the Rainy Lake Visitor Center. Ober (as he was known) built his home on Mallard Island in 1915. Years earlier, Ober met an Ojibwe Indian guide - Billy Magee and became fast friends. They traveled, by canoe, thousands of miles throughout the area and into Ontario, Canada.

After years of travel with his Ojibwe companion, Ober realized the area should be set aside for all to enjoy and spearheaded a movement to stop dam development in the region. Oberholtzer’s persistence led to the passage of the Shipstead-Newton-Nolan Act in 1930. This legislation, based largely on Ober’s alternative plan for the region, prohibited the changing of water levels in the Superior National Forest. It was the first legislation ever passed by the U.S. Congress that mandated wilderness values on federal lands.

Ober and the many other conservationists, with whom he worked, were successful in setting aside nearly three million acres of wilderness known today as the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. Many of his fellow conservationists would later help establish Voyageurs National Park.

After enjoying the Oberholtzer Trail, if you need a little more adventure, snowshoe across landscapes under water spring, summer, and fall; trek across frozen wetlands, across lake ice, and around the nearby islands for a unique winter view. On Saturdays, starting February 7, join a ranger to explore these different frozen landscapes, the history the snow shrouds, and the wildlife that adapts, survives, and thrives, during northern Minnesota’s winters.

The park has a variety of snowshoes styles and snowshoe sizes for all ages to enjoy. They are free-of-charge (donations welcome) and can be checked-out at the Rainy Lake Visitor Center Wednesdays through Sundays from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm.

The most up to date winter trail conditions are available at www.nps.gov/voya.

Snowmobile Trails

Pressure ridges, places lake ice has buckled or heaved due to winds or currents, have developed both on and off designated snowmobile trails within Voyageurs National Park. Pressure ridges have settled down but will continue to be monitored. Slush conditions have gotten better with the lower temperatures but pockets of slush exist off the trails. Trails are rerouted as hazards are found, but visitors are encouraged to check each pressure ridge prior to crossing due to changing conditions.

• International Falls to Kettle Falls (Purple Trail) – Open, staked, and groomed
• Rainy Lake/Black Bay to Kabetogama Lake to Ash River (Green Trail) – Open, staked, and groomed
• Ash River to Crane Lake (Green Trail) – Open, staked, and groomed
• Chain of Lakes (Dashed Black Trail) – Open, staked, and groomed
• Ash River to Kettle Falls (Yellow Trail) – Open, staked, and groomed
• East Namakan Lake to Sand Point Lake (Blue Trail) – Open, staked, and groomed

Ice Roads

• Rainy Lake Ice Road – Open to Cranberry Bay and around Dryweed Island
• Kabetogama Lake Ice Road – Open

Ski Trails

• Echo Bay Ski Trail – Open, packed, and tracked
• Black Bay Ski Trail – Open, packed, and tracked – Pine Loop rocky in places.
• Tilson Connector Trail – Open, packed, and tracked
• KabAsh Trail – Open

Snowshoe Trails

• Black Bay Beaver Pond Trail – Open, not packed
• Blind Ash Bay Trail – Open, not packed
• Oberholtzer Trail – Open, not packed
• Sullivan Bay Trail – Open, not packed

Need to borrow cross-country skis or snowshoes? They're available at the Rainy Lake Visitor Center.

“STAKED TRAILS MAKE SAFETY SENSE”

ORANGE IDENTIFIES HAZARDS

Voyageurs National Park Announces New Chief Ranger

"We are excited to announce Ben Welch as our new Chief Ranger at Voyageurs National Park. Ben brings a long list of experience, and the right characteristics to help the park and our communities continue to work towards successes,” says Superintendent Mike Ward.

Starting in 2002 as a Student Conservation Association (SCA) intern at Arches National Park, Ben has worked at Capitol Reef, Theodore Roosevelt and Everglades National Parks as an interpretive ranger. As a Visitor and Resource Protection Ranger, Ben has worked at Jefferson National Expansion Memorial, Redwood, and Yellowstone National Parks. Most recently, Ben served as the East District Ranger in Big Bend National Park.

Ben is looking forward to the opportunity to serve the visitors and other park stakeholders of Voyageurs National Park and to serve the community of International Falls and other communities of northern Minnesota. Although Ben thoroughly enjoys his work with the National Park Service, he is happiest when spending time with his beautiful wife Nancy and their two year old daughter, Marin, and one month old daughter, Sheridan. “We look forward to welcoming Ben and his family to Voyageurs and our surrounding communities,” says Superintendent Mike Ward.

Welch replaces Chuck Remus who faced mandatory law enforcement retirement in late October. Remus will stay on in the new position of Recreation Fee Specialist at the park. “Remus served in the ranger division for over 22-years at Voyageurs National Park and while we will miss him in that position we are very happy to keep his expertise and his great relationships working for the park.”

Voyageurs National Park Winter Ice and Trail Conditions Report - Jan. 21, 2015

Come out and drive to the end of the Rainy Lake Ice Road. For the first time in several years, ice conditions have allowed the ice road to extend all the way to the mouth of Cranberry Bay. From the Rainy Lake Visitor Center to the mouth of Cranberry Bay is seven miles, one-way. The road follows the purple snowmobile trail along Rainy Lake’s Inside Channel and meanders its way between the many islands. When returning from Cranberry Bay, make the loop around Dryweed Island, now complete.

Cranberry Bay is a great location to leave your vehicle and experience winter in the park. Have a snowmobile? You can pick up the purple trail a short distance from the Cranberry Bay parking lot. Like to ice fish? Search out an old hot spot for ice fishing, now more accessible than in past years.

Don’t have snowshoes or skis of your own? Borrow some for the day at the Rainy Lake Visitor Center, free of charge, though donations are welcome. At the end of the Rainy Lake Ice Road at Cranberry Bay, snowshoe around the islands and north shore of the Kabetogama peninsula. As Rainy Lake slowly froze, waves splashing against north facing shoreline created intricate ice formations against the rocks and trees.

For a longer adventure, trek east across the mouth of the bay and visit the Harry Oveson Fish Camp (about two miles one-way from the Cranberry Bay parking lot). Bring a map and prepare for any weather. Built in 1959, this location preserves the commercial fishing legacy of the region, and visitors can wander amid Harry’s ice house, fish house and two-roomed home. Winter in a place like Harry Oveson Fish Camp reminds us of the people who worked the land, enjoyed the land, and called this place home across different seasons.

This winter, Cranberry Bay is one of many places open for all to experience. Whether by car, snowmobile, or snowshoe, get outside and search for that ray of winter sunshine which illuminates the snow-covered landscape in a whole new way.

The most up to date winter trail conditions are available at www.nps.gov/voya.

Snowmobile Trails

Pressure ridges, places lake ice has buckled or heaved due to winds or currents, have developed both on and off designated snowmobile trails within Voyageurs National Park. Pressure ridges can raise, lower, widen, and develop into open water or pockets of deep slush, sometimes becoming a hazard within a few hours. Snowmobilers have reported riding a smooth trail during the day only to find a raised ice ridge, deep slush, or other hazard along the same trail a few hours later. Trails are rerouted as hazards are found, but visitors are encouraged to check each pressure ridge prior to crossing due to changing conditions.

• International Falls to Kettle Falls (Purple Trail) – Open, staked, and groomed
• Rainy Lake/Black Bay to Kabetogama Lake to Ash River (Green Trail) – Open, staked, and groomed
• Ash River to Crane Lake (Green Trail) – Open, staked, and groomed
• Chain of Lakes (Dashed Black Trail) – Open, staked, and groomed
• Ash River to Kettle Falls (Yellow Trail) – Open, staked, and groomed
• East Namakan Lake to Sand Point Lake (Blue Trail) – Open, staked, and groomed

Ice Roads

• Rainy Lake Ice Road – Open to Cranberry Bay and around Dryweed Island
• Kabetogama Lake Ice Road – Open

Ski Trails

• Echo Bay Ski Trail – Open, packed, and tracked
• Black Bay Ski Trail – Open, packed, and tracked – Pine Loop rocky in places.
• Tilson Connector Trail – Open, packed, and tracked
• KabAsh Trail – Open

Snowshoe Trails

• Black Bay Beaver Pond Trail – Open, not packed
• Blind Ash Bay Trail – Open, not packed
• Oberholtzer Trail – Open, not packed
• Sullivan Bay Trail – Open, not packed

“STAKED TRAILS MAKE SAFETY SENSE”

ORANGE IDENTIFIES HAZARDS

Voyageurs National Park Winter Ice and Trail Conditions Report - Jan. 14, 2015

All winter trails within the park are now open. Snowshoes and cross-country skis are available from the Rainy Lake Visitor Center (see details below). Snowmobile portages are groomed. Full grooming on lake surfaces will occur as ice conditions allow. Conditions on frozen lake surfaces are rough. Snowdrifts have frozen and create hazardous conditions off-trail. Use caution at night and during low visibility.

The Rainy Lake Ice Road is open from the visitor center to Cranberry Bay, and around portions of Dryweed Island. The Kabetogama Lake Ice Road is now open from the Kabetogama Lake Visitor Center Boat Launch to the Ash River Visitor Center Boat Launch.

Ski trails are open, packed, and tracked. Conditions are fair to good. Snowshoe trails are open, but not packed.

Please remember the snowmobile speed limit within the park is 45 mph on frozen lake surfaces and 25 mph on all overland portages. Speed limit signs are posted at trailheads and portages. The speed limit for the ice road is 30 mph.

When ice fishing, please remember holes must be drilled at least 50 feet from ice roads and snowmobile trails. To reduce hazards to snowmobile users, all ice blocks are to be immediately chopped up, submerged, or hauled to land. Placement of equipment or any type of structure must be greater than 50 feet off the edge of all ice roads and 50 feet off the centerline of all snowmobile trails. Written authorization from the park is required for individuals to plow greater than 300 feet on any lake surfaces within the park.

The Rainy Lake Visitor Center is open Wednesday through Sunday, 10:00 am to 4:30 pm. During business hours, the visitor center offers maps, information, and hot cocoa. Visitors may borrow snowshoe and cross-country skis, but must be returned the same day.

The most up to date winter trail conditions are available at www.nps.gov/voya.

Snowmobile Trails

• International Falls to Kettle Falls (Purple Trail) – Open and staked
• Rainy Lake/Black Bay to Kabetogama Lake to Ash River (Green Trail) – Open and staked
• Ash River to Crane Lake (Green Trail) – Open and staked
• Chain of Lakes (Dashed Black Trail) – Open and staked
• Ash River to Kettle Falls (Yellow Trail) – Open and staked
• East Namakan Lake to Sand Point Lake (Blue Trail) – Open and staked

Ice Roads 

• Rainy Lake Ice Road – Open to Cranberry Bay, and around portions of Dryweed Island
• Kabetogama Lake Ice Road – Open

Ski Trails

• Echo Bay Ski Trail – Open, packed, and tracked
• Black Bay Ski Trail – Open, packed, and tracked – Pine Loop rocky in places.
• Tilson Connector Trail – Open, packed, and tracked
• KabAsh Trail – Open

Snowshoe Trails

• Black Bay Beaver Pond Trail – Open, not packed
• Blind Ash Bay Trail – Open, not packed
• Oberholtzer Trail – Open, not packed
• Sullivan Bay Trail – Open, not packed

“STAKED TRAILS MAKE SAFETY SENSE”

ORANGE IDENTIFIES HAZARDS

61 Acres Added to Voyageurs National Park

This week, 61 acres were permanently protected within Voyageurs National Park. The land, located on the Kempton Channel of Rainy Lake, encompasses boreal forest and several hundred feet of sand beach shoreline. The site is on the north side of a 75,000 acre roadless area, the Kabetogama Peninsula, which provides habitat for wolves, black bear, moose, otter and eagles.

The Kempton Channel property is the largest land transfer yet under Voyageurs National Park Association’s Land Preservation Initiative. Under this innovative program, the park’s nonprofit partner works with willing sellers to acquire for the park the remaining private properties within Voyageurs’ boundaries. Through the Land Preservation Initiative, VNPA can quickly step in to acquire properties and hold them until the National Park Service completes the ownership transfer to the park. The acquisition of these private lands is one of the highest priorities for Voyageurs National Park, as it furthers their goals of restoring developed acreage to a pristine natural state, improving scenic views, and opening additional space for all park visitors to enjoy.

In 2012, Voyageurs National Park Association acquired this critical property before the opportunity for public ownership was lost. This was made possible through the Wallace C. Dayton Voyageurs National Park Legacy Fund − a critical land conservation fund created in partnership with the WM Foundation. It is named in memory of Wallace Dayton, a well-beloved conservationist, outdoor enthusiast and one of the founders of Voyageurs National Park.

In December 2014, the National Park Service used funding from the Land and Water Conservation Fund to acquire the 61-acre parcel from VNPA, officially adding this scenic place to Voyageurs National Park.

"The white sand beach, the tall pines and jagged rocks, the view − everything about this property is magnificent. I am so glad this is now a place we can all go and enjoy with our families as part of our national park,” said executive director, Christina Hausman. “We at Voyageurs National Park Association are so grateful to the many people whose efforts made it possible for us to add these 61 acres to the park. We particularly wish to thank our members and contributors to the Wallace C. Dayton Voyageurs National Park Legacy Fund for making this possible, as well as Fredrikson & Byron, P.A. for their pro bono support of land conservation efforts in Voyageurs National Park."

Voyageurs National Park, one of the nation’s wildest, most remote and unique national parks, stretches 55 miles along the Minnesota-Ontario border, encompassing 218,055 acres of land and water. Over 900 acres of privately-owned properties remain within the park.

Voyageurs National Park superintendent Mike Ward commented, “We are very excited to add this important site to the park, which will be enjoyed by visitors for generations to come. We are also grateful to Voyageurs National Park Association for their efforts. Nonprofit partnerships play a key role in the success of innovative programs like this.”

ABOUT VOYAGEURS NATIONAL PARK ASSOCIATION

Voyageurs National Park Association’s mission is to protect and promote the natural, recreational, and historic resources of Voyageurs National Park.  VNPA was created in 1965 to help establish Voyageurs National Park, a water-based national park that celebrates and preserves the treasures of the North Woods and border lakes, stretching 55 miles near the border of Minnesota and Ontario. Voyageurs National Park was officially created in 1975. Since then, VNPA has continued as Voyageurs’ leading voice for both protection and promotion of its resources, and as a partner with the National Park Service in empowering park stewards, implementing special projects with financial and volunteer support, and working together to preserve the visitor experience and wild nature of the park for future generations.

Love Voyageurs National Park? Get involved by becoming a member of Voyageurs National Park Association, or learn more by signing up for our enewsletter.

Voyageurs National Park Winter Ice and Trail Conditions Report for Dec. 11, 2014

The 2014-15 winter trail season is underway. The green trail from Rainy Lake/Franks Bay to Kabetogama Lake/Ash River is open and staked. All other snowmobile trails are closed at this time, but ice checking and overland portage clearing continues. Rangers have placed some thin ice signs in the park, but due to changing temperature conditions and the early nature of the season, anyone traveling onto frozen lake surfaces should use caution.

Please remember the snowmobile speed limit within the park is 45 mph on frozen lake surfaces and 25 mph on all overland portages. Speed limit signs are posted at trailheads and overland portages.

Ski trails do not have significant snow accumulation to allow grooming at this time. Snowshoe trails are open, but not packed, and snow accumulation is poor.

To reduce hazards to snowmobile users, all ice blocks are to be immediately chopped up, submerged, or hauled to land. Placement of equipment or any type of structure must be greater than 50 feet off the edge of all ice roads and 50 feet off the centerline of all snowmobile trails. Written authorization from the park is required for individuals to plow greater than 300 feet on any lake surfaces within the park.

The Rainy Lake Visitor Center is open Tuesday through Saturday, 10:00 am to 4:00 pm. During business hours, the visitor center offers maps, information, and hot cocoa. Snowshoe loans and cross-country ski rentals have not started for the season.

The most up to date winter trail conditions are available at www.nps.gov/voya.

Snowmobile Trails

• International Falls to Kettle Falls (Purple Trail) – Closed
• Rainy Lake/Black Bay to Kabetogama Lake to Ash River (Green Trail) – Open and staked
• Ash River to Crane Lake (Green Trail) – Closed
• Chain of Lakes (Dashed Black Trail) – Closed
• Ash River to Kettle Falls (Yellow Trail) – Closed
• East Namakan Lake to Sand Point Lake (Blue Trail) – Closed
• Rainy Lake Ice Road – Closed
• Kabetogama Lake Ice Road – Closed

Ski Trails

• Echo Bay Ski Trail – Not open
• Black Bay Ski Trail – Not open
• Tilson Connector Trail – Not open
• KabAsh Trail – Not open

Snowshoe Trails

• Black Bay Beaver Pond Trail – Open, not packed
• Blind Ash Bay Trail – Open, not packed
• Oberholtzer Trail – Open, not packed
• Sullivan Bay Trail – Open, not packed

“STAKED TRAILS MAKE SAFETY SENSE”

ORANGE IDENTIFIES HAZARDS

Fall/Winter Visitor Center Hours

Rainy Lake Visitor Center

September 21 - December 27, 2014: 10:00 am - 4:00 pm (CST) Closed Sundays & Mondays In addition, the visitor center will be closed November 11 for Veterans Day, November 27 for Thanksgiving Day and December 25 for Christmas Day.

December 28, 2014 - March 29, 2015: 10:00 am - 4:30 pm (CST) Closed Mondays & Tuesdays In addition, the visitor center will be closed January 1 for New Years Day.

March 30- Late May: 10:00 am - 4:30 pm (CST) Closed Sundays & Mondays

Kabetogama Lake Visitor Center

Closed for the season on Sunday, September 21, 2014.

Ash River Visitor Center

Closed for the season on Sunday, September 21, 2014.

Voyageurs National Park’s Tent Camping Reservations Start November 15 For The 2015 Summer Season

Park staff would like to remind all visitors that tent camping reservations are now required for all tent campsites within Voyageurs National Park.

The park is currently in the Low Use Season: September 16 through May 14, where there is a $10 charge for the use of www.recreation.gov but no fee for the site. Visitors to Voyageurs National Park must have a reservation and permit, in hand, prior to entering and tent camping in the park.

The park’s High Use Season - May 15, 2015 through September 15, 2015 requires a tent camping reservation and permit, in hand, for any tent campsite within the park. Fees apply.  Visitors may go to www.recreation.gov to make a reservation starting Saturday, November 15, 2014 at 10:00 am EST for the 2015 High Use Season.

If a visitor would like to tent camp the day they enter the park, a reservation must be made in advance.  Recreation.gov does not reserve same day reservations.  Questions may be asked at visitor centers but reservations are highly encouraged in advance.  The park is working on installing self-help kiosks at visitor centers for the summer season.

Visitors may make reservations by going online at www.recreation.gov or by calling the National Call Center at 877-444-6777. Reminder – Ask for Permits & Wilderness, not Camping.

You Are Invited to Antlers, Fangs & Fur

Please join us for Antlers, Fangs & Fur on the evening of Thursday, November 6, at REI in Bloomington, Minn. We'll start the evening with hot cider and delicious appetizers from Whole Foods at 5:30 p.m. At 6 p.m., the featured presentation will begin. Dr. Steve Windels will explore the latest wildlife research being conducted at Voyageurs National Park, and share his incredible photography and entertaining personal stories of working in the field.

If you've ever wondered what it would be like to radio collar a wolf, have been curious about how beavers shape the landscape of the park, or want an inside look at Voyageurs National Park, please join us. This member appreciation event is free and open to the public - but please RSVP if you plan to attend.

Special thanks to the generous sponsors of this event:

For Our Park,

Christina Hausman Executive Director

P.S. Give to the Max Day is almost here - it's November 13. If you've never been a member of Voyageurs National Park Association before, but you love the park and have thought about joining, it's the perfect time. Every dollar we receive that day, up to $6,000 will be matched by a generous donor so that we can reach our goal of $12,000. And each donation we receive increases our opportunity of winning additional prizes from GiveMN.org, ranging from $500 to $10,000. We've created a Facebook event for you, in case you'd like to participate and want a reminder. Thank you so much to each and every one of you for helping us!

Voyageurs National Park’s Water Levels Receding; Reopening of Closed Campsites

The waters within Voyageurs National Park have receded in some areas of the park allowing park staff to repair and clean previously closed campsites and trails. The following areas will reopen starting Monday, July 21, 2014. Kabetogama Lake:

All campsites

Happy Landing (K11) continues to be closed through August 1, 2014 due to eagles nesting

Namakan Lake:

All campsites

Hammer Bay South closed through the 2014 season due to necessary long term repairs

Sand Point Lake:

All campsites

Backcountry:

All campsites

All day use

All trails

The waters on Rainy Lake continue daily to recede. However, water levels are still two to three feet above park docks so campsites with docks remain closed until further notice.  Please note, there are over 130 small and large campsites and houseboat sites open and ready for visitors on Rainy Lake!

Visitors who wish to rebook reservations for campsites or backcountry boat rentals may do so starting July 21, 2014 at www.recreation.gov.

For updates and or changes to this press release please visit the park’s website at www.nps.gov/voya/feesandreservations.

Photo of roasting marshmallow by Nina Hale, courtesy of Wikimedia Commons.

2014 Moose Population Survey

Wildlife biologists at Voyageurs National Park recently completed an aerial survey of the park's moose population in February and March. The 2014 population estimate for the Kabetogama Peninsula was 40 moose, similar to estimates from 2009-2013 of 41-51. The Kabetogama Peninsula is a 118-square mile roadless area that contains almost all of the park’s moose population. Fewer calves were observed in 2014 than in the previous 3 surveys, and the calf:cow ratio of 0.23 was also lower than estimates from 2010-2013 of 0.54-0.61. Two adult collared moose moved from the park into Ontario a few weeks before the survey began and another died during the survey. If those moose had been present during the survey, the 2014 estimate would have been inside the range of past counts. Biologists also confirmed the presence of at least 3 moose in the southern portion of the park.

The continued apparent stability of the low-density population in Voyageurs is corroborated through ongoing monitoring of GPS-collared moose. Only 1 of 14 collared adult moose has died since the last aerial survey was completed in 2013. Overall, mean annual mortality of adult moose in Voyageurs National Park has been 10% since monitoring began in 2010. By comparison, annual mortality of adult moose in the declining northeastern Minnesota moose population in recent years has been around 20%.

Voyageurs National Park is at the current southern extent of moose range in North America. Warmer annual and summer temperatures may be stressing moose populations in the region. The moose population declined by about 50% between 2006-2014 in northeastern Minnesota and several areas in adjacent Ontario have also documented recent declines. There are likely multiple factors involved in the observed declines including climate-related stresses on health and reproductive status, diseases and parasites, predation, and changes in habitat. Moose in Voyageurs experience all of these factors, including the brainworm parasites and high densities of wolves and bears. It is unclear if population dynamics in the park are indeed different from those in adjacent areas or if the park, at the western and southern edge of these other populations, will experience similar declines in the near future. Park biologists are continuing studies to understand the complex relationships that drive moose population dynamics in the park.

The National Park Service will continue to monitor the Voyageurs National Park’s moose population on an annual basis. In addition, Voyageurs National is investigating other aspects of moose ecology in collaboration with University of Minnesota-Duluth, Bemidji State University, Lakehead University, and other partners. Other studies include how moose behave in response to high temperatures and other weather events, how and why moose use wetlands for foraging and temperature regulation, and the interactions of moose, deer, beavers and wolves.

The 2014 Voyageurs National Park Moose Population Survey Report can be downloaded from the NPS website: http://irmafiles.nps.gov/reference/holding/493661.

For more information contact: Steve Windels, Wildlife Biologist, Voyageurs National Park, 218-283-6692, steve_windels@nps.gov

Moose photo by Walter Ezell. Licensed under CC BY 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons.