Prospectors Loop EAW

Prospectors Loop Trail System - Phase 2

Project Summary

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) prepared an Environmental Assessment Worksheet (EAW) for the Prospectors Loop Trail System Phase 2 (Connect Four) project, which proposes 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. The project is proposed by the Prospectors Trail Alliance Club. 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 would provide new connections to existing trails and amenities in northern St. Louis County. Public notice of the availability of EAW documents for public comment was in the April 4, 2023, EQB Monitor. A 30-day public review and comment period was open from April 4, 2023, until 4:30 p.m., May 4, 2023.

Record of Decision on Environmental Assessment Worksheet (EAW)

The DNR, as the Responsible Governmental Unit for environmental review of the Prospectors Loop Trail System Phase 2 (Connect Four) Project located in St. Louis County, Minnesota, has issued a Record of Decision regarding the Need for an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for the project.

The DNR has concluded that an EIS is not required because the project does not have the potential for significant environmental effects. The justification for this 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 during the 30-day public review and comment period.

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.

Record of decision documents

• Cover letter of record of decision (ROD)
• Record of decision
• Record of decision attachments:
  • Attachment A – public comment summaries
  • Attachment B – figures
  • Attachment C – parcel List

EAW Documents

• 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