Peterson Announces opening of the Dam 4 Trail Connector

Congressman Collin C. Peterson is pleased to announce the opening of the Dam 4 Trail Connector, which connects Morehouse Road and Elkwood Road within the Beltrami Island State Forest.

The North Star Trail Alliance, which is comprised of the Four Town-Grygla Sportsman’s Club (FTGSC) and the Roseau-Lake of the Woods Sportsman’s Club (RLWSC), sought to improve the North Star Trail by connecting the two existing roads via dead ends only a quarter of a mile apart.

The trail is utilized by snowmobiles during the winter season and in the past was used by ATVs and off-road vehicles during the warmer months. However, flooding on the Roseau River in the mid-2000’s washed out the land crossing which created limited access for off-road vehicle traffic during the summer season.

After hearing from sportsmen about the need to reconnect the trails, Congressman Peterson worked to facilitate a land exchange between the DNR and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) to connect the two State Forest roads. The DNR and FWS agreed to a parcel exchange and DNR Commissioner Tom Landwehr has signed off on the project as of last week.

“Local sportsmen’s clubs have been an invaluable resource in getting this project across the finish line,” Peterson said. “I am grateful to work alongside local sportsmen, the DNR, and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to expand access to public land and recreational opportunities for Minnesotans.”

FTGSC and RLWSC Presidents Jack Nelson and Miles Hogenson, and ATV trail coordinator Tony Moe praised the opening of the trail connection. “The North Star Trail Alliance trail connection is complete and open for use. Thank you to Congressman Peterson and Staff for your efforts in negotiating the Land Exchange to make the Trail Connection possible. This will connect the north and the south trail systems and create a safer and far more desirable trail experience for Beltrami Island State Forest Trail Visitors.”

In addition to riders from other parts of the State, the two sportsman’s clubs have over 400 local members all together.

The trail connection is now open for all ATV and off-road traffic to vehicles under 1000 lbs.