According to state statutes passed by the 2003 Legislature, the DNR is mandated to review the classification of all managed lands and to change the classification to "limited" or "closed". The Department was not given the option of classifying the state forest as "managed", which means off- highway vehicles can go on any trails unless they are marked off-limits.

"There seems to be some confusion About the classifications that are required by law," Merriam said, "and citizens sometimes confuse roads with trails, ATV's with other OHV's, truck challenge areas with technical trails, and other aspects of related legislation, such as the big game and trapping exemption."

Legislators passed a law that directed the DNR Commissioner to complete a review of all forest lands under the authority of the Commissioner on a forest-by-forest and area-by-area basis in accordance with the process and criteria under Minnesota Rules, part 6100.1950.

Paul Bunyan Forest

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR), in a unique cooperative effort with Hubbard County, is proposing to change the forest classification and road and trail designations in the Paul Bunyan State Forest.

The state forest proposal, which was announced in the State Registrar on Monday November 8, 2004, recommends changing the current forest classifications for the Badoura and Paul Bunyan State Forests from "managed" to "limited". The new designations would mean that forest trails would be closed for motor vehicle use unless the DNR posts them as open (previously the rule was just the opposite: forest trails were open unless posted closed).

Draft Designation Plan
Classification Review Draft
MAPS
Road & Trail Inventory
Motorized & Closed Routes
Licensed Highway Vehicle Routes
ATV Routes
ORV Routes
OHM Routes

Information is in .pdf format. You will need Adobe Acrobat Reader to open them.

Copies of the documents can also be obtained from Helen Cozzetto, DNR Natural Resources  Planner, 6603 Bemidji Avenue North, Bemidji, MN 56601; or by calling 218-755-3954 or e-mail helen.cozzetto@dnr.state.mn.us

Comment period ended January 28, 2005 at 4:30 p.m. A Public meeting was held January 12, 2005, 6:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. at the Park Rapids Area High School.

See press release

In state forest land classified as limited:

• OHV use is prohibited on state land and on county administered land within the boundaries of a state forest, except on designated OHV roads and trails.

• Counties may adopt a resolution to modify the above restrictions on county-administered land within state forest boundaries.

• Motor vehicles may operate only on forest trails or other areas that are posted and designated open.

• EXCEPT: Persons lawfully engaged in hunting big game or constructing hunting stands during October, November and December, retrieving big game during September, or trapping during open seasons, may use ATV's off forest trails in a manner consistent with the general operating restrictions. This exemption does not apply in the Richard J. Dorer Memorial Hardwood Forest.