20180227-FS-LSC-0219 (27385354117)

U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Forest Service (FS) personnel use snowmobiles to pull the heavy trail grooming device over fresh snow to compact and flatten the snow trail, then implement an attachment to produce the iconic grooves for cross country skiers to use on the George Washington Pines ski trail in the Superior National Forest (NF) region near Grand Marais, Minnesota, on Feb 27, 2018. The trail is groomed for classic skiing on one side and snowshoeing or skate skiing on the other. This trail system is 100% maintained and groomed by the USDA FS personnel. Many of the other winter use trails on the Superior National Forest are maintained by cooperating organizations. In this East zone of the Superior NF there are more than 24 of these organizations to include: Arrowhead Coalition for Multiple Uses (ACMU), Banadad Trail Association, Bear Track Outfitters, Border Route Trail Association, Boundary Waters Advisory Committee, Chik Wauk Museum and Nature Center, Cook County ATV Club, Ely Igloo Snowmobile Club, Fournier Outdoor Services, Finland Snowmobile/ ATV Club, Kekekabic Trail Club, Lutsen Trailbreakers, National Forest Lodge, Norpine Trail Association, North Shore Adventure Riders, North Superior Ski and Run Club, Prospector's Alliance, Sugarbush Trail Association, Superior Hiking Trail Association, Superior Timberwolves Sports Club, Voyageur Snowmobile Club. Superior NF was established in 1909, the Superior is known for its boreal forest ecosystem, numerous clean lakes, and a colorful cultural history. Management by the USDA-Forest Service, under principles of ecosystem management and multiple use, the Forest provides for a diverse community of plants and animals as well as products for human needs. The concept of "all lands" management maintains strong partnerships and collaboration across the landscape. Popular recreational activities include fishing, hunting, camping, canoeing, swimming, hiking, snowmobiling, cross country skiing and ice fishing. Superior NF System is 2,174,993 acres, and its East zone includes the Tofte Ranger District in Tofte, MN and Gunflint Ranger District located in Grand Marais, with respectively 97 and 62 miles of cross country ski trails. USDA Photo by Lance Cheung.