Record of Decision on Environmental Assessment Worksheet (EAW)
The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR), as the Responsible Governmental Unit for environmental review of the Voyageur Country ATV System Phase 2 Trail Expansion EAW, has issued the Record of Decision (ROD) document 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 ROD. The ROD also contains the DNR’s responses to all substantive written comments received on the EAW during the 30-day public review and comment period.
Issuing this ROD 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 proceed to permitting and approvals.
For additional information, or copies of the Record of Decision, call (651) 259-5694.
Proposed project
The Voyageur Country ATV Club (VCATV) is proposing up to 125 additional miles of roadway and natural surface trail to be included in the Voyageur Country ATV System, connecting communities in Koochiching and St. Louis counties. The proposed project includes 39 possible miles of existing route, 78 possible miles of existing route with improvements, and 8 possible miles of new trail. The existing System connects communities in northern St. Louis County on natural surface trails, shared-use natural surface or gravel roads, and paved roads. These communities include Kabetogama to the north, Ely to the east, Orr to the west, and Cook to the south, with connecting routes in between. The proposed project would connect the existing System with communities in Koochiching County, including the City of International Falls, the City of Littlefork, and the unorganized territories of East Koochiching, Rainy Lake, and Northwest St. Louis County.
Phase 1 of the VCATV Trail Improvement Project underwent environmental review in 2021. Like the current proposed project, Phase 1 also involved improving, connecting, and constructing new trail along various trail segments across a large area of northern Minnesota.