December 14, 2005

Jim Sanders
Supervisor
Superior National Forest
8901 Grand Avenue Place
Duluth, MN 55808-1102

Dear Jim:

The Friends of the Boundary Waters Wilderness wants to thank the Forest Service for enforcing the snowmobile ban throughout the BWCAW, and particularly along the Tilbury Trail between McFarland Lake and South Fowl Lake. As the snowmobile season officially opened two weeks ago and snowfall accumulates, we urge the agency to be steadfast in continuing to monitor and enforce the ban on the Tilbury Trail.

After hiking Dec. 3 from Arrowhead Trail Road to the barricade blocking the Tilbury Trail, it is clear that people are intent on using the trail for motorized activity. The existing barricade has been compromised, as the large logs placed to the side of the steel posts have been cut to allow snowmobiles or off-highway vehicles to pass and ride on the trail.

The Friends hopes that in addition to reinforcing the barricade in the coming weeks, that the Forest Service commits regular enforcement patrols to the Tilbury Trail. While many snowmobile riders may be eager for a replacement trail to be constructed, a strong message should be sent now that snowmobiles are not permitted on the Tilbury Trail.

I appreciate your vigilance to ticket violators and look forward to the decision regarding the proposed alternative trail.

Sincerely,

Sean Wherley
Communications Director