Northern Wilds May 2021 by Northern Wilds Magazine

FISH TALES — ART ALONG THE LAKE — KOMBUCHA — COUGAR SIGHTINGS — GARDENING

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MAY 2021

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VOLUME 18 ISSUE 05

TWO HARBORS SILVER BAY TOFTE LUTSEN GRAND MARAIS GUNFLINT TRAIL GRAND PORTAGE THUNDER BAY NIPIGON

OUTDOORS EVENTS ARTS REVIEWS HEALTH DINING CALENDAR CATCHLIGHT

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It’s time to celebrate spring In the Northern Wilds, May is the month when you can put snow shovels away for the year, even though you may need to scrape frost (or snow) off your windshield on a brisk morning. Intrepid gardeners begin turning the soil, but it’s prudent to keep your precious seedlings indoors or in a greenhouse until the end of the month. While it is unlikely you’ll see blooming lilacs anywhere along the North Shore, you may need to fire up the lawn mower for its inaugural run. If you’re lucky—really lucky—you won’t have to swat any black flies until June.

Do you have a question for one of our writers? Or an interesting photo, recipe, or story you’d like to share with Northern Wilds? Please send it to storyideas@northernwilds.com.

And then there’s fishing. Many folks around here fish nearly year-round. But the May inland fishing opener marks the beginning of—dare we say—summer. Sure, opening day anglers sometimes brave snow, sleet and bone-chilling temperatures, but they take comfort knowing that more pleasant fishing days lie ahead. In this issue, a handful of our favorite writers tell their favorite fishing stories. We think the resulting feature is quite a catch! Elle Andra-Warner shares the history and current story of the “buffalo of the water”—the lake sturgeon. Should you tell anyone about your secret fishing spot? A parable from Joe Shead suggests you may not like the outcome if you do. Gord Ellis, our resident fishing expert, reports on very different catches: trail cam photos of mountain lions taken near Thunder Bay last winter. Gardening in the Northern Wilds is especially challenging, because you must contend with pool soils, a

short season, cool temperatures and the unpredictability of Lake Superior. Rae Poynter addresses all of these and more in her gardening primer. In another story, Poynter writes of planting trees to prepare for the future. Kim Casey introduces us to a Nipigon man whose flower gardens are a source of wonder for passersby. Indoors, Chuck Viren introduces us to local Kombucha brewers. Boat-builder Josh Tolken has a new project to locate and restore historic Minnesota boats. Eric Weicht gives us a fascinating look inside the Sivertson Gallery framing shop. Breana Roy provides a rundown of the new art showings. Although it really isn’t an indoor story, Casey Fitchett explains why it’s a good idea to stay inside when the Montana wind blows. If you plan to camp in the BWCAW this year, be sure to check out the information on how to get your Leave No Trace/Tread Lightly education, which you must complete to receive your wilderness permit. May is also the start of the road work season. We bring you up to speed with the major highway improvements planned for Grand Marais and Grand Portage this year. You will also find a map showing how visitors and residents can navigate downtown Grand Marais during the construction season. Best of all, summer is just around the corner. We can hardly wait.—Shawn Perich and Amber Pratt

Want a Good Read?

Check out our bookstore online. New

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of Lake Superior’s North Shore

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Portage to Skipper Lake

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Cook County, Minnesota

Where the Fish Are! Cook County, Minnesota is a guide to 366 lakes with data about the fish species and population status, public access and acreage. Contour maps for 68 popular fishing lakes are included.

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Cook County is justly famed for its quality fishing. From wilderness waters teeming with trophy walleyes to secluded ponds Prune Lake stocked with brook trout, this county provides wonderful fishing opportunities. Lake trout, smallmouth bass, walleyes, northern pike, black crappies, yellow perch, whitefish, muskies and stream trout swim in the county’s lakes. This book tells you where to find them.

Gunfl int Tra

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Where do you start? Right here.

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WALLEYES, BROOKIES, PIKE, LAKERS, BASS AND MORE

So many lakes…so little time to fish.

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PLANNING, RESUPPLYING, SAFETY, BEARS, BUGS, AND MORE

The Historic Beacons of Minnesota, Isle Royale and Ontario

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THE ALEC BOOSTROM STORY

Boundary Waters Boy

—Shawn Perich Outdoor Writer and Publisher

BY ANNIE NELSON

$14.95 ISBN 978-0-9740207-7-8

51495> Northern Wilds Media, Inc. of Grand Marais publishes the monthly Northern Wilds magazine, which is available at dozens of North Shore locations from Duluth to Thunder Bay. Printed in the United States by Northern Wilds Print & Copy. www.northernwilds.com

By Jack Blackwell

By EllE AndrA-WArnEr

A comprehensive guide to the lighthouses and navigational beacons from Duluth, Minnesota to Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario. Learn about the storms and shipwrecks that led to their construction, the lonely lives of the keepers and the role lighthouses play in present-day maritime navigation. $22.95

Veteran long-distance hiker Annie Nelson compiled the information and advice you need for a successful thru-hike adventure on the 310-mile Superior Hiking Trail. $14.95

Seventeen-year-old Jack Blackwell joined his grandfather, Alec Boostrom, on his northern Minnesota wilderness trapline. There he learned the story of his grandfather’s life of wilderness adventure on Lake Superior’s North Shore and deep within the canoe country. $14.95

Join the authors on the trails that lead to the magnificent waterfalls of Lake Superior’s North Shore. Maps and directions to over 150 waterfalls are included in this unique guide. $19.95

A guide to over 350 fishing lakes Includes 68 depth contour maps

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One devastating day in November, 1975, the Edmund Fitzgerald succumbed to gale-force winds, plunging to the bottom of Lake Superior and leaving no survivors. This haunting tale looks back to one of the most legendary, mysterious and controversial shipwrecks on the Great Lakes. $9.95

From wilderness waters teeming with trophy walleyes to secluded ponds stocked with brook trout, this guide contains data about fish populations and access for 366 lakes. Contour maps for 68 popular fishing lakes are included. $14.95

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MAY 2021

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VOLUME 18, ISSUE 5 w w w . n o r t h e r nw i l d s .c o m SERVING THE NORTH SHORE A ND T H E WI L D E R N E S S BE Y O N D PUBLISHERS Shawn Perich & Amber Pratt EDITORIAL Shawn Perich, Editor editor@northernwilds.com Breana Roy, Managing Editor breana@northernwilds.com

ADVERTISING Amber Pratt, Sales Manager ads@northernwilds.com Destry Winant, Sales Assistant destry@northernwilds.com GRAPHIC DESIGN Katie Viren • katie@northernwilds.com OFFICE Roseanne Cooley • billing@northernwilds.com CONTRIBUTORS Elle Andra-Warner, Kim Casey, Eric Chandler, Gord Ellis, Casey Fitchett, Deane Morrison, Annie Nelson, Hartley Newell-Acero, Christopher Pascone, Rae Poynter, Amy Schmidt, Joe Shead, Josh Tolkan, Chuck Viren, Eric Weicht, Sam Zimmerman Copyright 2021 by Northern Wilds Media, Inc. Published 12 times per year. Subscription rate is $28 per year or $52 for 2 years U.S. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part requires written permission from the publishers. Northern Wilds Media, Inc. P.O. Box 26, Grand Marais, MN 55604 (218) 387-9475 (phone/fax) PRINT & DESIGN print@northernwilds.com

Where can I find Northern Wilds Magazine? Go to: northernwilds.com/distribution

AD DEADLINE May 12

23 FEATURES 20 How Does Your Garden Grow? A gardening guide for beginners

22 Five Fishy Tales

From great catches to bad days

REAL ESTATE 42 Timber Wolff Realty 45 Bluefin Bay, Remax 46 Lutsen Real Estate Group 48 Backlund Realty 49 Coldwell Banker North Shore 52 Red Pine Realty

Take the North Shore home with you! From Duluth to Thunder Bay, Ont. and beyond, we cover the stories from the area featuring the people and places that make this place unique.

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DEPARTMENTS 7 Along the Shore 18 Points North 24 Spotlight 27 Events 29 Dining 31 Health 33 Northern Trails

Fishing by Davis Viehbeck

34 Fishing Hole 35 Following the Ancestor’s Steps 36 Northern Sky 37 Reviews 38 Travel 41 Strange Tales

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HERE IS WHERE I FOUND MYSELF

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Finishing a thru-hike on the SHT is incredible, sad and beautiful. | ANNIE NELSON

Prepare for a Superior Thru-Hike

Thru-hiking the Superior Hiking Trail offers adventure, deep connection with nature DULUTH—Thru-hiking the Superior Hiking Trail will take your breath away with its arduous climbs and stupendous beauty. Thru-hiking teaches hikers to adapt to life in the woods on nature’s terms—hiking through rain, mud and bugs as well as beautiful bluesky days—which can create a profound connection to the natural world. Planning a thru-hike of the 300-mile Superior Hiking Trail, also called the SHT, can be intimidating, overwhelming and scary. The best way to keep yourself safe and calm your nerves is to prepare thoroughly.

GET FEROCIOUSLY EXCITED

Defend your thru-hike like a mama bear defends her cubs—ferociously.

DO YOUR RESEARCH

Do thorough research. Read the Superior Hiking Trail Association’s website front to back. Buy all the guides. Get all the maps. Review everything. Ask questions of other hikers. Finally, read Thru-Hike the Superior Hiking Trail to start thinking and planning like a thru-hiker.

STUDY UP ON SAFETY SKILLS

When you start telling people your plan to thru-hike the Superior Hiking Trail, most people will get an excited gleam in their eye. You may also discover, especially if you are a woman planning on thru-hiking alone, that some people will seem desperate to convince you it’s too dangerous. What about the bears, ticks, bad weather, and people who want to hurt you? They’ll ask, brows furrowed.

Many first-time thru-hikers can get too focused on bears and overlook learning about more common dangers: getting lost, exposure, falling, dehydration, injury, experiencing a health emergency while on the trail, etc. The leading causes of death in the backcountry are drowning and falling, according to the Wilderness Medicine Institute of NOLS, not bears. Taking a Wilderness Medicine course is a great way to improve your safety knowledge.

The first few times you get a negative reaction won’t phase you, but the 20th time may make you doubt yourself if you are not absolutely committed to your adventure.

Thru-hiking is dangerous in different ways than life in city, suburban and rural communities, but not necessarily more dangerous. It

is important to learn what specific challenges and dangers you’ll face on the Superior Hiking Trail.

MAKE YOUR PLAN

Once you’ve studied the trail guides and maps, you can start forming your plan. How many days will you need for your hike? Where will you need to resupply food and fuel? How will you get to your starting point—northern or southern terminus? Will you take a day off periodically in town to rest, shower and do laundry? The Thru-Hike the Superior Hiking Trail guide will be your best resource to help plan your overall thru-hike. Every thru-hiking plan is a best guess. If this is your first thru-hike, the entire hike will be a learning experience. Set yourself up for success by accepting that whatever plan you make for your hike before you start isn’t likely to be perfect. You may hike faster or slower than anticipated. You may have an injury that doesn’t require you to end your hike, but may require a couple days off trail to rest. To give yourself the best chance of success, pad your plan with a couple extra days. Worst case scenario, you end up home early or you can slow down your last couple

days on the trail and really savor your accomplishment.

BUY AND TEST YOUR GEAR

If you don’t already have all the backpacking gear you need, acquire all your gear at least a few weeks before you plan to start your thru-hike to give yourself time to test it out. Thru-hikers call this doing “shakedown” hikes. If you live within driving distance of the Superior Hiking Trail, go do a shake-down weekend hike on the trail. If not, try to find a trail with as much elevation change as you can. During your shake-down hike, you want to accomplish three things: see how heavy your pack is fully loaded with all your gear, food and water; test all your gear to make sure you know how to use it correctly, and see how your body performs. Following these five simple steps will increase your chances of having a successful thru-hike. Happy hiking!—Annie Nelson

NORTHERN WILDS

MAY 2021

Reynard Abrahamson grows a botanical paradise NIPIGON— It is often said that the best way to know a person is not by their words, but rather by their deeds. When it comes to Reynard Abrahamson and the gardens he has carefully cultivated over the years in the heart of Nipigon, there can be no doubt that he is a nurturing and patient man. The 83-year-old shared that when he first moved to his house on the corner of Bell and Railway Street, the double lot did not have any formal garden. “Just a rudimentary place to grow potatoes.” He started out growing a mixture of vegetables and flowers. But now his gardens primarily consist of special landscape plants. Some of the most striking plants in his gardens are the pacific giant delphiniums. They grow so high that they can “reach the sky,” Abrahamson enthusiastically confided. One summer, a tourist from the United States was driving by and was so impressed with the dazzling spikes of clustered blue flowers, that she took several pictures. They were featured in the world-famous magazine Birds and Blooms. The dahlia is also an eyecatcher. It grows about 5 feet tall and produces flowers that are about 8-10 inches in width. They come in different colors, but Abrahamson prefers the red ones. He stated that they are a sensitive plant and cannot be shipped in cool weather. Nor can they get too hot. They arrive as roots which he keeps in the house until he is sure no frost can harm them, then he plants the dahlias along the fence. Another plant that cannot tolerate the cold is the gladiolus or glads. It has to be staked and comes in a variety of colors. Lower growing plants also grace the gardens. They include the multicolored tulips that bloom in early spring, the bulbous daffodils with their yellow stately blossoms, and Abrahamson’s favorite; the mallow with its rose-colored flowers.

Reynard Abrahamson is partial to the ruby passion sunflowers because of its crimson accented petals. | KIM CASEY Another plant that stands out for its splendor is the rudbeckia laciniata hortensia. It is also known as the golden glow because of the large yellow blossoms it produces. There was a time when people thought they were nothing more than weeds and were often used by farmers to divide their crops. Abrahamson is fond of them because they can grow over 6 feet tall and “wave at the cars as they go by.” Also, because they offer a great contrast to the sunflowers he plants each year. Abrahamson is partial to the ruby passion flower because of its crimson accented petals, and the Russian giants which have

When Reynard Abrahamson first moved into his house in Nipigon, there was no formal garden. | KIM CASEY

Wherever you go from here, you belong here. Walk into any one of our gazillion convenient locations using our mobile app. It’s the simple, secure way to check balances, pay bills, send payments and more— wherever, whenever. Take the next step at northshorefcu.org/NSFCUApp.

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The mallow is Abrahamson’s favorite flower. | KIM CASEY brilliant yellow heads filled with edible seeds. Late in the summer, the flowers on the blazing star or liatris appear in full bloom. Abrahamson refers to them as cat tails because their long spires are filled with white and purple flowers that have a fuzzy furlike quality to them. The only vegetables he plants are corn in the main garden and tomatoes. Abrahamson explained that he starts the tomatoes in the house. When there is no risk of frost, which is usually after the first week of June, he carefully transplants them outside. When it comes to giving advice to others, Abrahamson said, “You can amend the soil, but you can’t change the climate.” When he first started gardening, he made his own compost. He later switched to peat moss, because it was less time consuming. He has found that the plants that do the best in his area are identified on the United States National Arboretum map as belonging to Zone Two. Abrahamson always makes sure the containers he uses to hold the plants have holes in the bottom

for adequate drainage. When it comes to watering the gardens, he waits until the soil is dry but not “bone dry.” If there is a risk of frost, he uses plastic and stressed that this protective covering should never touch the plants. A few years ago, the township of Nipigon hosted a dinner for Abrahamson at the Legion. He was given a plaque that acknowledged his undisputed ability to grow magnificent plants. “I don’t know if I’m a good gardener, but I’m persistent,” said Abrahamson. Abrahamson went on to explain that gardening gives him a feeling of accomplishment and time to think. And there can be no doubt that his thoughts are grounded in a beauty that transforms his yard into a botanical paradise year-afteryear.—Kim Casey

Trees, shrubs, perennials Annual bedding plants & hanging baskets Veggies and herb plants House plants, mini plants, air plants & orchids Flower and veggie seeds Soils and Fertilizers Garden hand tools and gloves Garden art and metal work Ceramic flower pots Garden décor & zen gardens Open

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MAY 2021

North Shore Health creates Serenity Garden GRAND MARAIS— Until recently, a barren courtyard lay between the remodeled wings of the Hospital and Care Center at North Shore Health (NSH) in Grand Marais. In 2019, a woman was visiting a NSH Care Center resident whose windows looked out onto the courtyard. The resident said, “I thought something was going to be done with that area.” The visitor was pondering her friend’s comment when she crossed paths with CEO Kimber Wraalstad. When asked about that empty space, Wraalstad said, “Let me tell you my vision.” Wraalstad introduced the woman to Michelle Lewis, who studied environmental design and had worked at the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum. Wraalstad asked if Lewis was interested in a project to transform the empty space. She said yes. At a Care Partner meeting, the woman learned that Nancy Koloski, a fellow volunteer, belonged to the West End Garden Club. She invited Koloski to be part of the project. Koloski suggested that her neighbor Marilyn Morris might be interested. At a Grand Marais Garden Club meeting, Monica Anderson, an experienced local gardener, volunteered to join the group. The “Three M’s”—Marilyn, Michelle, and Monica—formed the “design team.” In 2020, the Serenity Garden Committee (SGC) was formed, including Wraalstad and Chris Lange, NSH facilities director, Koloski, Mary Sanders, the “Three M’s” and Gerry

Phase one construction of the NSH Serenity Garden began in August of 2020. Phase two will begin this spring. | SUBMITTED North Shore gardeners can help by donating local plants from their own gardens, sticking with the preferred colors of whites, yellows, pinks, purples and blues. | SUBMITTED Grant. They met monthly to plan projects, secure contractor bids and research grant possibilities. After an on-site interview, the Lloyd K Johnson Foundation awarded a $60,000

grant. Local donations from the community and Serenity Garden Friends raised more than $30,000. And a Great Place Project grant recently awarded $1,250 to NSH for the garden. Phase one construction began in August 2020. S&C Masonry & Concrete Co. contractor Rick Crawford and his crew were able to work on the “hardscape” including cement walkways, seating areas and a patio with a brick wall. The last cement was poured, leveled and brushed by September 15. Phase two construction begins this spring. W.Labor will be bringing in topsoil, creating berms, planting trees and shrubs and placing decorative rocks. Three custom-made tamarack wooden benches created by local artisan Dave Seaton will be installed this summer.

“Serenity,” the preferred colors are whites, yellows, pinks, purples and blues. To ensure success the SGC is requesting perennial plants only from North Shore gardens. Please contact project manager Nancy Koloski at nancykoloski@gmail.com or by phone at (218) 663-0147 if you want to donate a plant or fund a shrub. Another way to help the Serenity Garden is the “Pave the Way” campaign. A personalized paver brick can be purchased in memory of a loved one, as a tribute for a special person or to offer inspirational words. The bricks will be installed in the private seating area of the garden. For more information, please visit donationbricks.com/serenitygardenatnsh or contact Gerry Grant at (218) 387-4493.—Kay Rosenthal

HOW TO HELP

Bob and Rob, print by Liz Sivertson

North Shore gardeners can help the Serenity Garden by donating local plants from their own gardens that can be shared, divided or split. In keeping with the principle of

MAY 2021

NORTHERN WILDS

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Summer road work projects in Grand Marais, Grand Portage

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GRAND MARAIS—Two major Highway 61 improvement projects in Cook County are expected to be completed this year. Contractors will undertake a substantial overhaul of the highway where it passes through downtown Grand Marais. Repaving, a new bridge and the addition of turn lanes will occur in Grand Portage.

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Ed Welch, MNDOT project engineer in charge of the Grand Marais project, said work in the highway corridor from 8th Ave W. to Broadway will include road reconstruction, subsurface utility work, sidewalks, ADA-compliant ramps and a new, bituminous trail on the south side of the highway. In addition, a large amount of contaminated soil will be removed from the site of a former service station and replaced with clean fill.

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All of the work will affect the traffic flow through town during the summer.

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“We’re doing our best to maintain northbound traffic through town,” Welch said. “During the first part of the project, there will be a short detour on Wisconsin St. Otherwise, northbound traffic will remain on the highway.”

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Drivers headed southbound on 61 will be detoured throughout the project, taking County 7 to 8th Ave. W.

In Grand Portage, 15 miles of the highway from Reservation River to just south of the Canadian border will be reclaimed and repaved. The culverts at Hollow Rock Creek

MNDOT project engineer Sam Anderson said the new Hollow Rock bridge will allow water to pass during periods of high flows. The natural stream bottom will be restored, improving fish passage. There will be a bypass to get drivers through the bridge construction zone. Since the stretch of Highway 61 passing through the Grand Portage Indian Reservation becomes exceptionally rough during the winter, local drivers should be pleased with new pavement. Anderson said the top couple of inches of pavement will be milled off

the roadway and reclaimed. The reclaiming machine’s teeth will then tear up the remaining pavement and mix it with the base. New pavement will be laid over the ‘reclaimed’ base. During the paving process, flaggers and a pilot vehicle will guide traffic through the construction zone. Lighting and turn lanes will be added at the intersections in the Grand Portage townsite. A switchback sidewalk will be constructed at the pedestrian crossing near the Grand Portage Trading Post. A pedestrian crossing will be built at Blaze’s Pit Road.—Shawn Perich

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“We’re looking forward to getting the project underway,” Welch said. “We’re asking for some patience and understanding from the public this summer. We should end up with a nice product at the end of it.”

will be replaced with a bridge. Construction in Grand Portage will begin May 17 and is expected to be finished by late August or early September.

MNDOT has worked in close collaboration with city and county officials, Visit Cook County tourism and business owners along the corridor to address concerns. Grand Marais is anticipating a robust summer tourist season.

Downtown Grand Marais will be busy this summer with a substantial overhaul of highway 61 on top of a robust summer tourist season. All of the work will affect the traffic flow through town, starting in May. | STAFF

The project is slated to begin May 17, but the contractor is hoping for a somewhat earlier start. Unusually warm March weather led to early road restrictions, which may mean those restrictions will be lifted early as well. When they are lifted, the contractor is ready to get to work. The project is anticipated to be completed by the end of September.

IL TRACK

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MAY 2021

Welcome to Grand Marais

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THE BIG DIG project

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Downtown Grand Marais Construction Project Mid-May through Early October The Big Dig involves removing contaminated soil under Highway 61 in downtown Grand Marais, during which the highway will be totally reconstructed. When complete, the project will add walking and biking paths, art installations, landscaping, trees and more.

PARKING

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Please try to park on the residential streets north of Highway 61. We are a pedestrian friendly town.

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PLEASE WEAR A MASK. Thank You!

Grand Marais Businesses are Ready and Open to Serve You!

BOOKS, GIFTS, & HAND CRAFTS 218-387-9762 • 500 W HWY 61

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MAY 2021

Superior National Forest changes group size rules DULUTH—The Superior National Forest is adjusting group size in accordance with the Stay Safe MN maximum group site size of 50 people or less. A previous Forest Order limiting groups to 25 people or less has ben rescinded, and a new Forest Order limiting group size to 50 people or less is now in place. This new rule includes events, gatherings, recreation activities and group campsites.

Northshore Shuttles GET A LIFT! • Return to your car or to the trailhead. • Reservations are accepted, and recommended. • Special rates for thru hike hikers

MAY SPECIAL

10% off shuttles for thru hikers for the 2021 hiking season. This offer will apply to all hikers

that are planning on hiking the entire Superior hiking trail in 2021. Reservation must be paid in full at the time of booking in order to receive the 10% off.

608-921-9400 facebook.com/hikethenorthshore

Summer reservations for group sites are available. Reservations for these sites can be made at: recreation.gov. Group size at the sites will be limited to site capacity or 50 people, whichever is less. Visitors are also urged to take the precautions recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention along with local health and safety guidance. For tips from the CDC on preventing illnesses like the coronavirus, visit the CDC website. The Superior National Forest has more than 277 backcountry sites, 18 rustic campgrounds and 23 developed “fee” campgrounds to choose from. You can find an interactive map of recreation opportunities on the forest, including a list of campsites, online at: fs.usda.gov/recmain/superior/recreation. While visiting the forest or any of your public lands, please remember to recreate responsibly.

The Superior National Forest is currently offering virtual services. Please visit: fs.usda. gov/superior for the latest updates on the facilities. You can also receive updates by following them on Twitter or Facebook. Here are the campgrounds that allow more than the typical group site max of nine people. • Crescent Lake Campground group site: max 18 people • Echo Campground group site: max is 24 people • Whiteface Campground group site: max is 25 people • Fall Lake Voyageur group site: maximum 30 people • Fall Lake Woodland group site: max 20 people • Fenske Lake group site: max 25 people • Birch Lake group site: max 45 people • South Kawishiwi River pavilion/group site: max 35 people

We proactively identify opportunities to expand equitable health care and healthy living in Cook County, Minnesota and champion solutions through funding, education, and advocacy.

Love spending time in Cook County? Help Support Our Health & Emergency Services Maybe you live here year-round, seasonally, own a cabin or condo or just love to visit for soul refreshing weekends. The health and safety of every person in our neck of the woods matters to us. We develop unique home-grown health solutions to help address gaps, support our local health care and emergency services, and provide grants to many community organizations, so they can be there for you. NSHCF@boreal.org l 218-387-9076 PO Box 454, Grand Marais, MN 55604 14

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A donation to the Foundation is an investment in health on the North Shore. Make a tax-deductible donation today. A little goes a long way.

NorthShoreHealthCareFoundation.org The same trusted organization working to improve health services over the last 28 years in Cook County. Now, with a new look and located in the Cook County YMCA.

Two ways to get Leave No Trace/Tread Lightly education and 2021 BWCAW permits DULUTH—The Superior National Forest will offer both virtual and in-person Leave No Trace/Tread Lightly education and permit issuance for Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW) 2021 permit holders beginning on April 30. Permit holders must attend one education session to receive their permit.

• Attendance by the group leader (the permit holder or alternate permit holder) is mandatory.

VIRTUAL LEAVE NO TRACE/ TREAD LIGHTLY EDUCATION AND PERMIT ISSUANCE

• Virtual sessions are approximately 20 minutes in length and are designed to replicate the in-person education experience when picking up a permit. During the session, visitors will watch the third BWCAW Leave No Trace video, review the BWCAW Regulations and Rules, and receive the latest forest alerts. It is highly recommended to install Chrome and use it as your browser prior to joining a virtual session.

Virtual education sessions will be offered via Adobe Connect every day of the week from April 30 to September 30. Sessions are scheduled for 9 a.m. CDT. Permits will be issued the day before or the day of Wilderness entry. What to expect: • Permit holders that have selected an issuing station that is operating virtually must attend one virtual Leave No Trace/ Tread Lightly education session to receive their permit via email from the Forest Service. • Permit holders will receive an email approximately seven days in advance of their entry date with a URL link to click to join an online session.

2. Click the arrow next to your name and select “My Reservations” from the dropdown.

• Groups may choose to attend any wilderness education session offered within 48 hours of their entry date; however, permits will only be emailed on the entry date or one day prior.

3. Click on the “Reservation Details” button to modify your permit.

• Once the virtual education requirement is met, permits will be emailed to the group leader on the entry date or one day prior in accordance with BWCAW Quota Permit Requirements. • Always remember to have your permit with you. Print it or have the capability to show an electronic copy. • Before joining a session, you must follow these instructions to update your final group size and enter the names of your group members (all names must be on the reservation to issue your permit via email):

fo D Mo rge on m t ab ’t Ma o y 9 ut !

• Permit holders will forward this email to alternates and group members to maximize group education opportunities.

1. Log in to your account at: recreation.gov.

4. In the cart summary, click “Modify” (under View Receipt). 5. Add or delete group members and click “Proceed to Checkout” to save the changes.

IN-PERSON LEAVE NO TRACE/TREAD LIGHTLY EDUCATION AND PERMIT ISSUANCE

• In accordance with federal policy, visitors must maintain social distancing and wear a mask. • Services are subject to change depending on COVID 19 pandemic conditions. • Permit holders will watch the third BWCAW Leave No Trace video, review the BWCAW Regulations and Rules, hear the latest forest alerts and receive their permit. • Before arriving at your issue station, you must follow these instructions to update your final group size and enter the names of your group members (all names must be on the reservation to issue your permit): 1. Log in to your account at: recreation.gov.

The forest will offer in-person services to provide Leave No Trace/Tread Lightly education and to issue BWCAW permits beginning on April 30. COVID 19 mitigation will be in place. This is in addition to the virtual sessions.

2. Click the arrow next to your name and select “My Reservations” from the dropdown.

What to expect:

4. In the cart summary, click “Modify” (under View Receipt).

• Kawishiwi and Gunflint Ranger District offices will provide in-person Leave No Trace/Tread Lightly education and issue BWCAW permits seven days a week, while Tofte, LaCroix and Laurentian Ranger Districts and the Supervisor’s Office will be operating Monday-Friday only. Office hours are 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

3. Click on the “Reservation Details” button to modify your permit.

5. Add or delete group members and click “Proceed to Checkout” to save the changes.

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MAY 2021

Fish farming considered for Lake Superior A Thunder Bay CEDC report says there’s a growing market for rainbow trout THUNDER BAY— A new study suggests it may be economically feasible to farm rainbow trout near the Lake Superior shoreline between Thunder Bay and Nipigon Bay.

ply, early rearing requirements, fish health, species growth rate, and fish health, the authors determined that rainbow trout scored the highest.

The Thunder Bay Community Economic Development Commission has been exploring the feasibility of a local aquaculture industry.

This is largely due to the longstanding success of the commercial cultivation of the species in Canada.

It points out that aquaculture is the fastest-growing food production sector in the world, and that trout is seen as a widely desirable fish by North American consumers. However, while per capita consumption of seafood has increased over the past decade, trout consumption has remained stable due to a shortage. “The North American market for rainbow trout is domestic supply-limited,” notes a report prepared by ReThink Inc., a consulting firm with expertise in the fisheries and aquaculture sectors. Its recent evaluation for the CEDC initially considered three fish species—Arctic char, lake whitefish and rainbow trout. Using a ranking system that considered a variety of factors including the status of existing culture technology, seedstock sup-

Aquaculture in Ontario is conducted with either land-based systems or net pen systems. Land-based systems may include either freshwater ponds, raceways or circular ponds, while net pen systems such as those in operation on Lake Huron generally use cages made from steel pontoons. According to the CEDC report, there are likely several existing business development parks, vacant light industrial properties or warehousing sites in the Thunder Bay area that could be suitable for land-based aquaculture. It also identifies several suitable areas for net pen aquaculture on Lake Superior: • Pie Island to Victoria Island south of Thunder Bay • Black Bay • Nipigon Bay

An Ontario economic development group is exploring establishing fish farming in Lake Superior with Nipigon Bay considered a prime location. | SUBMITTED All three locations are said to be suitable from an environmental standpoint, but Nipigon Bay is considered to be the best candidate.

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The study authors estimate that a land-based system would need a total investment of $5.6 million, and would have a Cost of Production of $6.43/kg.

the Canadian Aquaculture Industry Alliance have developed a multiyear strategy that envisions doubling the domestic consumption of fish and seafood.

They believe a lakebased net pen system would require a $2 million investment, and would have a COP of $5.57/kg.

Currently, the largest trout processor in the country is the Cole-Munro Foods Group, which operates net cages to grow rainbow trout at four sites around Manitoulin Island on Lake Huron.

The report quotes a prominent seafood analyst as noting that investors consider aquaculture to be beyond a safe bet, “a thing beyond the (COVID-19) pandemic and a good place to put your capital.”

The company has a partnership with area First Nations. The Thunder Bay CEDC report also identifies First Nations communities as potential participants and investors in the development of a local industry.—Gary Rinne of Tbnewswatch. Reprinted with permission.

The Fisheries Council of Canada and

Cook County Firewise has programs available that assist property owners with free Firewise Assessments, hazardous fuels reduction projects, sponsoring chipper days, and providing county-wide brush disposal areas.

Contact us for more information about Firewise and what you can do to better protect your property from wildfires. COOK COUNTY

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MAY 2021

NORTHERN WILDS

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Violating the fisherman’s code NORTH SHORE— Ryan Bybee had won the lottery. He had discovered a pretty little gem of a lake tucked back in the woods, and he had it all to himself. In fact, going there actually felt kind of wrong. The south shore of the lake was the southern edge of the Boundary Waters. But you didn’t have to paddle or portage to get there; you could drive right to it! I know because I begged and pleaded and threw so many tantrums that he finally relented and brought me to his secret lake.

“You didn’t!” I screamed at him over the phone. Now this was back before Google Earth made everything easy to get to. Nowadays, it sort of takes the fun out of exploring when you can just look at a little blue ball on your phone and know exactly where you are. No, this was legit backwoods exploration. Forgive me if I don’t remember things precisely. Things in my brain are a little fuzzy. Some would say that “fuzz” is actually dust from lack of use. But as I recall, you turned where a logging road meets the main road at a sharp angle. You knew you were on the right road when you saw the pink ribbon hanging from a tree. Then you drove down the old logging road, weaving over a fallen log here or driving over a rock there. You swerved left and hooked back right, but you were more or less heading north the whole time. By the time you were halfway there, the road had narrowed and the long fingers of roadside branches scraped along the side of your truck like fingernails on a chalkboard. And you definitely wanted to keep the windows closed, or one of those branches would spring into the truck and slap you across the face, just like the time back in high school when I asked Susie Thomas—well, never mind. Eventually, you popped out of the woods to the shoreline of Lake Wouldntyouliketoknow. But that’s where it got real interesting. There was no place to turn around at the end of the road. It just dead-ended at the lake. You had to make a hard left, then back up—into the lake, mind you—and go forward again. You had to repeat the process at least three or four times before you could spin your truck all the way around and drive out of there, but you had to be quick about it because all the while your tailpipe was underwater chugging and gasping for air. Ryan loved that darn lake. He’d unload his canoe from the roof rack (which had to really be tied down securely, lest the low-hanging branches strip it right off the truck) and paddle out to this hole that he had found through trial and error. (No lake maps on your phone back then, either). He’d drop anchor in that hole, soaking a nightcrawler on a jig. And then he’d just sit and wait. And wait. And wait.

ESCAPE TO THE GUNFLINT TRAIL

Ryan shows off a nice walleye from a different lake, not Lake Wouldntyouliketoknow. | SUBMITTED The guy has the patience of a Vikings fan awaiting a Super Bowl victory. He’ll hunker down in one spot, knowing that sooner or later, the fish will gravitate to him. It drives me absolutely bonkers. If I don’t have action in the first five minutes, I move. Huh, maybe that’s why Ryan never invited me back. Well anyway, Ryan would sit there and eventually he’d start catching fish. As I recall, it was a lot of smallmouth bass, with a smattering of small walleyes thrown in for good measure. He usually left that lake with a full stringer. I only left with a tailpipe full of lake water. I can’t recall if I fished that lake just once or maybe twice. But that became Ryan’s go-to lake whenever he was fishing up the Shore. One year, he and his wife Jen were camping for several days. After a few days of fishing, the weather turned and it poured rain. The idea of fishing in a downpour sounded miserable, so they decided to just take a drive. They ended up at the ranger station in Tofte and Ryan went inside to kill some time and ask a couple questions. “Say, I was wondering, if you’re in the Boundary Waters, do you need to have a permit?” he asked. “Yes,” the ranger replied. “You have to get a permit in advance if you’re spending the night. But if you’re just doing a day trip, you can fill out a self-registration form.” “Oh,” Ryan said. “Where do you get a self-registration form?”

“There should be one at the entry point to every lake,” the ranger responded. As Ryan related this tale to me over the phone, I slapped my hand against my forehead so hard that it left a permanent scar. “You didn’t!” I screamed at him over the phone. “I did,” he whimpered sheepishly. Ryan explained to the ranger that there was no self-registration kiosk at the entrance to Lake Fullstringer. But as those words escaped his mouth, he immediately realized his mistake. The ranger was very intrigued by this information. “Now, what lake did you say this was?” he asked. If they ever invent a time machine, I know just what Ryan will do. He’ll go back to that day at the Tofte ranger station and before he can drop the name of that lake, he’ll dash out the door and race off, tires squealing in the parking lot. But Ryan—dear, dear Ryan—violated the fisherman’s code and spilled his guts. And guess what? There is now a self-registration kiosk at the south shore of Lake Whatevertheheckitwas. And coincidentally, there is also a giant boulder in the logging road blocking you from ever driving to that lake again. You know what? We haven’t fished that lake since.—Joe Shead

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www.rockwoodbwca.com 218.388.2242 NORTHERN WILDS

MAY 2021

Points North Do we need more anglers and hunters? By Shawn Perich

When the Minnesota Legislature adjourns the session, the statewide walleye bag limit may be reduced from six to four fish. The lower bag limit was called for by some anglers who are concerned walleyes are being overharvested. Some fisheries biologists, on the other hand, say there is no biological evidence overharvest occurs. What can’t be argued is that walleyes and other game fish face increasingly intense fishing pressure, winter and summer, from anglers armed with sophisticated boats and winter wheelhouses, fish-finding electronics and GPS, and up-to-the-minute fishing reports from social media. From that perspective, reducing the limit may be justified. Reducing bag limits and encouraging anglers to practice catch and release are pillars of modern fisheries management. We’ve seen special regulations intended to prevent overharvest and improve the average size and abundance of Minnesota northern pike, sunfish, crappies, lake trout, muskies and more. This conservative approach to fisheries management suggests that even in the Land of 10,000 Lakes, our fisheries are a heavily utilized resource. So why do agencies like the Minnesota DNR, the tackle industry and angling advocacy groups tell us that we desperately need more anglers to prevent fishing from slowly withering away? R3—recruit, retain and reactivate—has become the mantra for those within the angling and hunting community that are convinced more is better. They believe fishing and hunting are falling by the wayside in our fast-paced, urbanized world. They point to population demographics, where baby boomers are aging out of active lifestyles and urban dwellers may not have opportunities to go fishing or hunting. They also point to participation rates based on license sales, where activities such as duck hunting have declined in recent decades. Since license sales are the primary funding for state fish and wildlife agencies, maintaining or increasing sales is a matter of self-preservation. Another statistic often cited is the decline in the percentage of the overall population who hunt and fish over the last 60 years. According to the Minnesota DNR’s R3 Toolkit, “During certain years in the 1950s, 1970s and 1980s more than 40 percent of Minnesotans age 16 or older had a fishing license. Today, it’s about 26 percent. Similarly, from the late 1960s to the mid18

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Aside from a blip when large numbers of Baby Boomers came of age in the late 70s, the number of hunting and fishing license buyers has remained relatively steady for over 60 years. | U.S. FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE 1980s about 16 percent of Minnesotans age 16 or older purchased a hunting license. Today, it’s about 11 percent.” But there is a little more to the story. Minnesota’s population in 1950 was about 3 million. In 2020 it was 5.7 million. Perhaps it is unrealistic to expect to have nearly twice as many anglers and hunters today.

days, far fewer people grow up that way. Many have little or no opportunity to experience fishing or hunting, even if they have a desire to do so. Should we find ways to provide them with these opportunities? Yes. Should we bank on these outreach efforts to secure the future of fishing and hunting? No.

If we did have twice as many anglers and hunters, where would they go hunting and fishing? In 1957, folks were less mobile than today. A lot of hunting and fishing happened close to home. Good hunting for ducks and pheasants was available near the Twin Cities in places that have since been lost to sprawl. Most of the state’s lakes were relatively undeveloped and offered good fishing. Big pike, bluegills, walleyes and bass were not uncommon. You could keep your catch and not feel guilty. On the flip side, some of today’s popular species were less abundant, or nonexistent. White-tailed deer were primarily found in the northern forest. Muskies were only in waters where they were a native species. There were no wild turkeys.

Little data exists to demonstrate that R3 efforts are successful. Simply put, taking a kid fishing for a day isn’t likely to create an angler, especially if there is no way to go again on their own. If we want to attract new anglers and hunters, we have to provide them with places to go. In most of Minnesota outside of the metro region, those nearby places still exist, but many already see moderate to heavy use. It is fair to say crowding and overuse are real issues in Minnesota’s outdoors. More troubling, we continue to face long term declines in game species ranging from ducks to deer. The bottom line is we need healthy habitat where fish and wildlife thrive in order for fishing and hunting to attract newcomers and retain old hands. The reason we no longer have as many duck hunters as we had in 1957 is because we have far fewer places to go duck hunting and far fewer ducks in the hunting areas that remain. Given that reality, we are unlikely to see new hunters flocking to the marsh.

In 1957, fishing and hunting were much simpler. Most of the equipment and clothing common today simply didn’t exist. You dropped a line over the side to find out how deep the water was and lined up shoreline landmarks to locate fishing hotspots. In the woods, you sat on a stump to wait for a deer to pass bay and then dragged out your kill by hand. When you went fishing or hunting, nearly everyone you encountered was male and white. Times have changed. I was born in 1959. My father took me fishing and hunting from the time I was a toddler. As a kid, fishing and hunting opportunities were within bicycle distance of home. Many of my peers had similar upbringings. Nowa-

Shawn Perich’s POINTS NORTH online

Some young folks are coming into hunting and fishing on their own. A developing trend is the increased participation by women. The R3 Toolkit notes a steady increase in deer hunting license sales to women, although they remain a small percentage of hunters. Nationally, however, women now comprise about 30 percent of the fly-fishing community. That said, we also need to recognize the obstacles facing folks who want to go fishing or hunting but are not white males, because they are real. Very often, those folks feel neither welcome or safe in the outdoors, or within the fishing and hunting community. Creating the societal change necessary to attract more diverse anglers and hunters may be beyond the scope of any agency or industry R3 program. That change may be occurring on its own. By all accounts, the pandemic led to overwhelming participation in all outdoor activities and purchases of outdoor gear. Will it continue beyond the pandemic? Who knows? But it seems unlikely that participation in outdoor activities will return to pre-pandemic levels. Which leads us to a new challenge: where will we put all of the people? The answer is the same as it always has been: Habitat. Protect it. Restore it. Acquire more of it. When it comes to sustaining fishing and hunting, it’s a proven recipe for success.

Follow outdoor writer Shawn Perich as he reports on conservation issues and explores the North Shore wilderness with his dog Rainy. Sign up for this web exclusive blog at northernwilds.com

Planting trees today that will thrive tomorrow GRAND MARAIS—They say the best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago. And the next best time? Now. But as anyone who loves the Northern Wilds knows, the North Shore is a unique place: with a harsh climate and challenging soils, not all trees will thrive in this area. On top of that, many of the forests along Lake Superior are in a fragile position, and changes in the future climate will only exacerbate some of the issues present today. So, how can landowners help the future of forestry on the North Shore? John Paulson is the coordinator for the North Shore Forest Collaborative (NSFC), an association formed in 2011 to promote a healthy forest ecosystem along the North Shore. Among the NSFC’s many participants are governments agencies, private landowners, and nonprofit organizations, all united with the goal of restoring and preserving Lake Superior’s forest. The North Shore is part of the boreal forest, the coniferous forest which forms the largest biome on Earth. Originally, the North Shore was dominated by a healthy coniferous forest, but according to Paulson, the forests have been in decline for over 100 years. In the late 1800s loggers arrived to the area, and took with them most of the old-growth pine and cedar. The late 1800s and early 1900s also saw wildfires that damaged the forests along the shore. In the areas along Lake Superior that had been cleared by loggers or fires, the forest regrew, but it was not the same conifers returning; instead, paper birch began to take over. “Birch are opportunists, but the North Shore is not suited to their longevity,” Paulson said. “On the North Shore you’ll see emaciated birch trees collapsing on themselves, and where the birch has taken over there is grassy understory with very little biomass of long-lived species.” Also prevalent along the North Shore is balsam fir, which is currently experiencing a periodic outbreak of spruce budworm. Significant balsam die-off will create a wildfire risk. “We need to replace those trees with younger, healthier, diverse species which will help prevent infestations and wildfire risk,” Paulson said. Specifically, what is most needed for the health of the North Shore ecosystem is a return of long-lived species including white pine, white cedar, white spruce and yellow birch. These tree species are critical to the North Shore’s wildlife and are also expected to have a good chance of growth in a warm-

er, wetter climate, which is projected for the area long-term. The area within the NSFC’s focus—a strip of land the length of the North Shore, from Lake Superior to 3.5 miles inland—consists of 270,000 acres with over 6,000 private parcels within that strip. The sheer number of landowners involved creates a challenge when it comes to communicating the importance of planting certain tree species along the whole North Shore. But Paulson said that a love of Lake Superior and the desire to protect wildlife is a common ground that can unite landowners to take action on their land for the good of the whole ecosystem. That being said, encouraging people to plant trees is just the first step. Landowners need to fence seedlings to protect them from their biggest threat: whitetail deer. The cutting and burning of the old growth boreal forest brought increased numbers of whitetail deer to the area, and their increased presence on the North Shore has been a factor preventing the rejuvenation of the coniferous forest. “The tree seedlings we need are often targeted by deer in the winter,” Paulson said. “We have a unique circumstance on the North Shore where deer congregate near Lake Superior in the winter because it’s milder, but their high concentrations mean that they eat more of the seedlings.” The best way to prevent deer browse is through fencing, which is vital in the winter but helpful all year long. Trees need to be fenced for about seven years, or until they get above browse height. Fencing is available at most local hardware stores along the North Shore, and the NSFC also has a fencing program which provides free fencing to landowners within 3.5 miles of Lake Superior who are planting seedlings like white pine and white cedar. The program is funded through a grant from the Weaks Family Foundation, and has been estimated to have protected over 10,000 trees withing a six-year period. “We think of those trees as ‘seed islands.’ As those trees grow to maturity and produce cones, they can start populating the surrounding areas,” Paulson said. There are a few ways to get involved in preserving the North Shore’s forests. Those interested can visit the NSFC’s website, northshoreforest.org, to get informed and to get connected. People can also get involved with organizations like Sugarloaf: The North Shore Stewardship Association, or the Northwoods Volunteer Connection.—Rae Poynter

The best way to prevent deer browse is through fencing, which is vital in the winter but helpful all year long. Author Rae Poynter used fencing from the NSFC grant program to protect this white pine. | RAE POYNTER

HOW TO PLANT A TREE:

Start by investigating the area where you want to plant your tree. What kind of soil is it? Is it in direct sunlight or shaded? How wet is the soil? Pick a species that will grow well in the area you have. (Be sure to know your zone hardiness, too!) Species that are long-lived on the North Shore include white pine, white spruce, white cedar, and yellow birch. You can also consider what kinds of trees will thrive in the area in the future: forestadaptation.org allows you to select your area and find a list of tree species with predictions for how well they will survive in a changing climate. Pick the right time to plant. Plant when the tree is dormant: this will be in the spring before the tree buds, or in the fall after the leaves drop. Dig your hole. Prepare a hole that is 3 times wider than the root ball, and just deep enough so roots are covered but the trunk flare (at the base where the trunk widens) is partially visible. If you are plant-

ing a grafted tree (such a fruit tree) the graft union needs to be about 2-4 inches above ground. Don’t plant your tree too deep. Make sure the tree is straight and refill the hole. Pat down the soil during the refilling process to eliminate air pockets. Water your tree. New trees need watering until they become established. In the first two weeks, water daily (barring sufficient rainfall). For the next 3-12 weeks, water every 2-3 days. After 12 weeks and until established (which can take a year or two) water once a week. Water directly over the root ball, and slowly rather than all at once. The goal is for the roots and backfill to remain damp without drowning the tree. Add mulch and fencing. Adding organic mulch around your tree will help it absorb water. Mulch layer should be about 3 inches deep. Fencing should be at least 6 feet high to prevent deer browse. Maintain care and enjoy watching your tree grow!

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MAY 2021

How does your Garden Grow?

A Gardening Guide for Beginners By Rae Poynter

Kids helping out in the Cook County Community Center’s community garden. | DIANE BOOTH

n Cook County, with short growing seasons and challenging soil types, gardens grow with much love and care. While gardening is a lot of work, the satisfaction of bringing your own vegetables to the dinner table is well worth the effort. But for beginner gardeners, starting a garden for the first time can be a daunting task. How do you know if you have the right kind of soil? When is a good time to plant? And what grows well so far north? Diane Booth, director of Cook County Extension, shared tips and resources to help gardeners in the area plant and grow a fantastic garden, even if you’ve never tried gardening before. The first step to starting a garden is determining the right place to plant your garden. Garden plots need to receive at least eight hours of sunlight a day, and should be far away from trees or large shrubs, since their root systems will compete with your garden for nutrients. Additionally, garden plots should be relatively flat. If flat land is not available on your property, terracing (whether in the ground or with raised beds) 20

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can do the trick. It’s also what’s underground that will determine whether you have a good plot for a garden. First-time gardeners should take soil samples to determine what kind of soil they have, and if they have enough of it. For in-ground gardening, the soil should be at least 12-18 inches deep. “Cook County is notorious for having either beach rock and gravel for soil, or heavy clay,” Booth said. “If you have just beach gravel, it would be best to build raised beds at least 18 inches deep for growing vegetables.” Soil tests that give a report of soil quality, including texture and pH, are available through the University of Minnesota Soil Testing Laboratory. The Lawn and Garden testing form can be found in person at the Cook County Extension office, or at: soiltest.cfans.umn.edu. The result of the test will determine whether there is proper soil to plant in the ground, or whether raised beds are a better option. Even for those with deep enough soil to plant in-ground,

some along the North Shore opt for raised beds due to the difficulty of working with clay soil.

it may contain jumping worms, a potentially devastating invasive species that has not been seen in Cook County yet.

“You can make it work with clay, but it’s a lot of work,” Booth said. “Raised beds are probably easier for beginner gardeners. You can determine the exact soil for what you want to grow. The soil heats up earlier in the spring and has better drainage. You don’t have to till to prepare the soil, and raised beds can be temporary if you are renting your home.”

Another step that can seem daunting for beginners is deciding which vegetables to plant. In Cook County, which has different microclimates and hardiness zones, gardeners have to take their particular location into account when deciding what to grow. Along Lake Superior, where summers are cooler, cool season crops like spinach, lettuces, radishes, and peas tend to do well. Farther inland from the lake, warm season crops like tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers, and beans can be planted. If you live along the lake and want to plant warm season crops, a small greenhouse or season extenders can help warm the area where you’re planting. For those considering what to plant, the Extension office offers a pamphlet called “Vegetable Varieties for Northern Minnesota.” Everything in the pamphlet has been trialed in Cook County for at least three years, and it also includes a directory of places to purchase seeds.

If raised beds are the route you decide to go, the soil in the beds should be at least 18 inches deep to successfully grow root vegetables. Raised beds can be constructed out of all sorts of materials including straw bales, cement blocks, corrugated metal, free pallets, or even rocks. (Just avoid reclaimed wood that you don’t know the history of, as it may have been stained with substances you don’t want in your soil.) Once your bed is constructed, it can be filled with soil, though Booth said to be careful about bringing in soil from outside of the area as

As your plants become more established, they can be watered less frequently with more water per watering. Raised beds need to be watered more thoroughly since they drain easier. | DIANE BOOTH Whether to purchase seeds or transplant seedlings is another point to consider: due to the short growing season in Northern Minnesota, most gardeners who plant from seeds start planting and growing indoors, with indoor seed planting happening any time from February through early May. (Cook County Extension offers a list of when each seed type needs to be started indoors.) Seedlings started indoors are then “hardened,” or exposed to the elements bit by bit until they are strong enough to endure outdoor conditions. For those who haven’t started seeds indoors this spring, buying seedlings to transplant into your garden will help you make the most of the 2021 growing season. Either way, a soil thermometer will help you determine whether your garden is ready for planting: the soil should be at least 50-65 degrees F for cool season crops, and 65-85 degrees F for warm season crops. As anyone who has ever tried gardening knows, preparing and planting your garden is just the beginning: keeping your plants alive for the rest of the summer is the other half of the story. Gardens need to be protected from threats including deer and bugs. With a small garden, fencing high enough to stop a deer from leaning over and eating your vegetables will protect them. For larger gardens, however, deer may attempt to jump the fence, in which case having fencing 9 feet tall will deter them from jumping. For other pests, lightweight fabric like Reeman or Agribon can be placed over your vegetables for the entire planting season, which will keep away flea beetles. “Cutworms can be devastating,” Booth said. “All transplants that are put into the vegetable garden should have a 2-3-inch layer of newspaper wrapped around the transplant, 1 inch into the soil and at least 1 inch above the soil. This is an easy way to keep cutworms from cutting off your tender transplants. Beans, which are usually direct seeded, you either have to plant before and/or after the cutworms are out.

As anyone who has ever tried gardening knows, preparing and planting your garden is just the beginning: keeping your plants alive for the rest of the summer is the other half of the story. | DIANE BOOTH

It is good to purchase enough seed for several sowings in case you have a bad bout with cutworms.” Early on in the season, your garden will need frequent, light weeding and watering. Frequent early weeding helps get rid of weeds before they can become established, and light watering keeps the soil moist without washing away delicate seedlings. As your plants become more established, they can be watered less frequently with more water per watering. Raised beds need to be watered more thoroughly since they drain easier. “Put a thin layer of straw or light mulch over your seeds to prevent them from drying out,” Booth said. “You will want to add 1-2 inches of composted manure or other compost products to the top of your entire area where you are growing vegetables. Do not incorporate this into the soil. You want it to slowly release nutrients over time, not all at once. Additionally, you will need to side dress your vegetables with a higher N-P-K than compost to make sure they are receiving enough nutrients when growing a lot of greens, starting to flower and beginning to fruit.” (N-P-K is the ratio of the nutrients nitrogen, phosphorous and potassium.) Even with the best preparation, all gardeners experience failure at some point. Luckily, the Extension office offers many free resources that can be checked out from their library. A guide on planting a vegetable garden can be found online at: extension.umn.edu/planting-and-growingguides/planting-vegetable-garden. Gardeners can also contact Diane Booth at 218-387-3015 or diane.booth@co.cook. mn.us. “Ask long-time vegetable gardeners in Cook County any questions you may have as they are happy to share the knowledge they have gained over their many years of gardening,” she said.

While gardening is a lot of work, the satisfaction of bringing your own vegetables to the dinner table is well worth the effort. | DIANE BOOTH

NORTHERN WILDS

MAY 2021

Fishing Stories

A Professional Catch (No Release)

By Casey Fitchett Technically, I used to fish professionally. But before you start jumping to conclusions, let’s dissect this a bit. The definition of professional is “engaged in a specified activity as one’s main paid occupation rather than as a pastime.” Just because you get paid to do something doesn’t mean that you deserve to be getting paid. Self-deprecation has a place here, I promise! I moved to the North Shore when I was 22 years old. Fresh out of college, I hopped in a car and committed to living in a place called Lutsen for the next few months of my life. Having never been to Minnesota, much less the northern part of this already northern state, it was easy to use the word “flabbergasted” to describe my reaction as I melted into the otherworldly blue of Lake Superior the first time I drove up Highway 61. A proud moment at the end of the Gunflint Trail. I don’t remember who caught it, but I’m sure Jake does. | CASEY FITCHETT

Walking into my stunning, unique, architecturally-significant resort of employment for the first time garnered a similar reaction. I was reporting for duty as a member of the Activities Staff: an elite group tasked with the daunting responsi-

bility of taking resort guests out kayaking, hiking and fly-fishing during their respective stays. Our job was to help others have fun and I took that expectation seriously. I had been kayaking throughout my life, and slowly but surely I learned enough area information to be able to entertain the tourists on hikes. Whenever there was a fly-fishing lesson scheduled during my shift, however, I cringed internally. This was, without a doubt, basically the antithesis of my skill set. Would they be able to see through my simple regurgitation of fishing facts or would I be able to feign enough confidence to convince the travelers that I could be trusted to give them the trout truths and Chinook certainties they deserved? You would have to ask my participants for an honest review of the clinics, but I can tell you that I certainly gave it a good just-post-college try. My story really comes full circle over five years later: February 16, 2018. That was the day that I began dating a true fisherman. A man who did research ahead of time about the types of fish that a particular body of water held and committed that information to memory. He knew about types of underwater

formations and the depths you should fish at different times of year. While this may seem basic to many fishing fanatics, I can tell you this is not the type of information that typically gets a spot in my brain vault. As our relationship progressed and we moved in together, I realized the true extent of the mild obsession as I stared at the mound of fishing gear that was now a part of my life as well. Over the course of our three years together, I have fished more than I ever thought I would in my life. We’ve casted in perhaps the fly-fishing capital of the world in Patagonia, frozen lakes in the middle of the wilderness, and nationally-recognized streams and rivers in Montana. After learning what the phrase meant, I can confirm I’ve “horsed” it on more than one occasion, and I still haven’t quite gotten to the level where I want to learn how to clean the fish we catch (but I’m getting there). Always willing to share his knowledge patiently and clearly, he’s much more deserving of the professional title than I am. I’ve landed myself a good one.

Living Life Against the Wind By Joe Shead The stresses of a busy summer had taken their toll. I needed to get away. Spur of the moment, I drove to one of my favorite lakes. The lake was placid when I arrived. The still water was just what I needed to calm my frayed nerves. But soon after launching, the wind picked up. Within an hour, it was howling. I can fish in rain or snow, but when it gets windy, I stress out. It’s hard to control the boat, tie knots, heck, just function. I was trying to escape stress; not add more to my life! Soon, I was drifting at trolling speed, which I could almost feel delighted the wind in a sick, twisted way. Well, maybe I could harness the wind to my advantage. I could sure cover water in a hurry, but I was moving too fast to fish effectively. I tried to take shelter on a leeward shore to fish a weedbed, but no luck. Now I motored far down the lake to try another spot. If that didn’t produce, I’d try all the way across the lake. I finally plucked one perch out of the weeds, but that was it. I fired up the motor to try another spot, but the prop wouldn’t spin. Neither forward or reverse worked. I dropped the electric trolling motor in the drink, but even on high speed I could barely make headway against the unrelenting waves. I anchored to think things through before I lost ground. I could drift 22

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with the wind to the far shore. After all, there was a boat landing there. But the boat would be pounded at the dock and perhaps even swamped. Plus, I’d have to walk or hitchhike several miles to reach my truck on the leeward shoreline. As I contemplated my next move, an approaching pontoon boat made it for me. I flagged down the operator and he drew up alongside. The wind was so fierce we could barely hear each other, but he agreed to tow me to the boat landing where he was heading. Imagine my good fortune! That was the first boat I’d seen on that secluded end of the lake. Hooking up was a tricky proposition. I remained at anchor and he would swing near, but the furious wind swung him away or maniacal waves pushed him out of reach of the rope I threw. After a few attempts, he finally grasped the rope. He had to get on the throttle right away or risk getting swept downwind and backing into me or over the rope. I scrambled to pull up the anchor and attach the towrope to my boat before it tightened and cut into my hands. All of this was complicated further by the waves, which made maneuvering in my boat akin to trying to stand in a child’s bouncy castle occupied by several exuberant children. Somehow, I got the anchor rope pulled up and the towrope attached. And then, for the first time in hours, I just sat. There was no boat to steer. No trying to keep my

A pontoon boat tows my boat after the motor wouldn’t shift into gear on a windy day. | JOE SHEAD fishing line out of the prop. No concentrating just to stand without being knocked overboard. The tow ride was the most relaxing thing I did all day. It was slow going against the waves. The pontoon driver towed me at 3 mph. At times my boat swung back and forth. During gusts, I feared the rope would snap, but everything held tight. For 45 minutes, I just relaxed and

watched the waves go by. Back at the landing I thanked my rescuer and tried to slip him some cash for gas and a nice dinner. He wouldn’t take it. I told him I could make the half-mile back to the resort on my trolling motor, now that I was on the lee side of the lake. Of course, I had to stop a few times and cast and managed to pick up enough perch for supper. All in all, not a bad day.

My First Opener By Christopher Pascone My identity as a non-native Minnesotan “looking in” is strongly defined by what happens on fishing opener. I get one day a year to prove to myself, and everyone else, that I belong here. Probably nobody else cares how “Minnesotan” I am, but that doesn’t diminish the significance of the day for me. I take it seriously. I know that fishing opener traditions are what make Minnesota the place it is. That’s why creating my own opener tradition was one of my main aims when I moved my family to Duluth from St. Petersburg, Russia in 2014. Even if I wasn’t “one of us,” I had to get some skin in the game. I was desperate for a proud experience to relate to my new Minnesota friends. On the big first opener, my friend David Leason and I headed to Boulder Lake, a reservoir a half hour north of Duluth. May I add that it was cold, windy and raw. Of course, snow had to fall as well. Boulder is

a big, open body of water, and we would be paddling those waves from a College of St. Scholastica rental canoe. A day for dreams to be made. A day to “earn it.” We got our sea legs under us as we paddled into the north wind, the chop occasionally sending spray over the gunwales. We were clueless where to go on the windswept lake, but observed a couple of old timers fishing very successfully from shore, so we pulled into the sandy beach to greet them and plead our ignorance. Turns out they were routinely catching walleyes by waiting patiently with minnow rigs off bottom. We, of course, hadn’t caught a thing. We got renewed energy and inspiration from the friendly fishermen and their awesome catch. It was a beautiful interaction: we didn’t have to beg for information, but rather were treated to the kind of support and advice that experienced fishermen have shared with beginners for millennia. We thanked them profusely, and since we had a canoe, were able to get off shore a

Pascone and Leason during the 2015 fishing opener. | SUBMITTED ways to show them a respectful distance. Using the local tip, we anchored, and— braving the surf—spent the next hour jigging up three beautiful walleyes and two jumbo perch. The largest walleye—a 24-incher—was my personal best (to this day!). Needless to say, we were hooting and hollering into the wind each time we

netted another one. It was the ultimate feeling of achievement and belonging. As one of my Minnesota fishing mentors commented to me later that day: “Wear your honorary lefse bib and lutefisk badge of courage with pride and honor.” How little he knew how important that was to me.

A Sucker for the Sucker By Eric Chandler

My fly-fishing guide Andy with the Rifflin’ Hitch Lodge in the background. | ELLE ANDRA-WARNER

Learning to Fly-fish in Labrador By Elle Andra-Warner Over the years I’ve fished in Lake Superior, inland lakes and rivers around Thunder Bay and even cod-jigged in the ocean waters off Newfoundland, but fly-fishing was something I had never tried. So, when an invite came to learn fly-fishing on the Eagle River in Labrador—one of North America’s world-class fly-fishing areas for wild Atlantic salmon—I gladly accepted. A Twin Otter bush plane flew us the 150 km (90 miles) from Happy Valley-Goose Bay to our river base, the remote Rifflin’ Hitch Lodge located about 37 km (23 miles) from the mouth of the Eagle River. What was really cool about this lodge was it was designed by a woman Gudrig “Gudie” Hastings. She and her construction crew had lived in tents while clearing over 3.5 acres of land along the Eagle River, then choppered in native spruce, pine and juniper and built a 7,000-square-foot luxury wilderness lodge.

I was the fly-fishing novice among the other three guests, all Americans. The lodge provided us with the fishing gear plus a fishing guide for every two people. My fishing partner for the five days was an award-winning photographer from Idaho on a magazine assignment; as a bonus, he provided photography tips including how to take the ‘perfect’ fishing picture (good credentials—his ‘laughing horse’ image had earned him already more than $1 million in royalties). And how did my fly-fishing go? Pretty well, thanks to our boat’s guide Andy. I learned to fly-cast (it’s all about the technique, not power), read the slick water (a whole new angler lingo) and do the easy method of dead float fly-fishing (cast and just let the fly float with the current but keep the line off the water). The lodge’s catch-and-release policy included letting us keep one salmon for the culinary staff to prepare for dinner and yes, the last afternoon I did finally land an Atlantic salmon to contribute to the evening meal.

I’m a terrible fisherman. But, so help me, I did my best to catch a steelhead for a decade. My buddies tried to teach me how to land one of these rainbow trout in the spring. They took me to the Arrowhead Brule, the Knife, the Lester, and the Baptism. I just never got the feel for how to bounce my egg pattern down the river so one of those steelhead would hit. Then, finally, on the Sucker River the line screamed out of my reel as I hooked a steelhead. I tried to horse it in like a rookie and lost it. But, the tug is the drug, as they say. I went back to the Sucker over and over trying to replicate that moment. I stalked the riverbank like a penitent for years, thinking that the river would reward me for studying it so closely. Early on, I turned to fishing the Sucker in the fall as a substitute. The water was lower and clearer. I saw king salmon make their fall run. They were so big they looked like dolphins. For two years, I caught a king salmon in the fall and simulated the feeling of a steelhead. After those first few years, I never saw a king again. Then, the smaller pink salmon were the only show in town on the Sucker in the fall. Fourteen years ago, my daughter helped me scout the river down to the shore. Eight years ago, I helped my daughter land a pink. A while back, years of people littering and abusing the land along the lower Sucker finally came to a head. The pri-

Grace Chandler lands a pink salmon with her dad along the Sucker River; September 2013. | SHELLEY CHANDLER vate landowners on both sides of the river don’t allow access below Scenic Highway 61 anymore. Sad, but justified. From now on, I’ll only have the fond memory of walking out of the tunnel under Highway 61, through the trees, past the wide lagoon where the sky opens up, the water flows into Lake Superior, and smelling the fresh breeze. I’m a sucker for the Sucker. Maybe more so now that the opportunity to walk to the mouth is lost. Six years ago, I finally caught a wild steelhead after a decade of trying. I knew every little bend and rock in the Sucker, but that’s not where I caught it. In a fit of desperation, on the way back to Duluth from getting skunked on the Baptism River, I pulled over at Silver Creek. The one and only time I fished there, I caught and released my first steelhead. I almost wept. All this makes me think I should try to catch my second steelhead. One per decade is my limit, I guess. NORTHERN WILDS

MAY 2021

By Breana Roy

Grand Marais Art

Grand Marais is the place to be this month with various art exhibits and events. First up is the Celebrating Tenacious Woman Art Gala at Joy and Company, held May 7-9 and featuring various artists and artwork of all kinds. Then, the Art Colony Summer Exhibition opens May 21 and lasts until August 31. This exhibit features artwork by Moira Bateman, Annie Hejny, Moheb Soliman and Nick Wroblewski. Next is Art Along the Lake, held May 28-31. Also, visit the Johnson Heritage Post for Nan Onkka’s woodblock prints exhibit, open now until May 23.

Nan Onkka’s woodblock exhibit at JHP is titled Northern Horizon and features this piece, titled “Growing Darkness Big.” | NAN ONKKA

This watercolor, titled “Bark No. 54” by Annie Irene Hejny, is part of the But It Was Still There art exhibition at the Art Colony. | ANNIE IRENE HEJNY

Also part of the Joy and Company art gala are these “Phoenix” earrings by Jill Bolin’s Blue North Jewelry Creations of New Brighton, Minn. | JILL BOLIN Moira Bateman created this sediment and water dyed silk piece, titled “Hand of the River.” It is part of the Art Colony’s summer exhibition. | MOIRA BATEMAN This cyanotype print of Frida Kahlo, titled “I Am My Own Muse,” is by Finland artist Janae Lee. It is part of the art gala at Joy and Company. | JANAE LEE 24

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Every Boat Tells a Story BEHIND THE CRAFT: Josh Tolkan Recently, I wrote about my interest in documenting the historic boats of the Land of 10,000 Lakes. I recently received a grant from the State of Minnesota Arts and Culture Board to support my work documenting historic craft in Minnesota. This project was inspired by the success of the herring skiff replica that we started at North House in partnership with the Cook County Historical Society. This year I am working to tell the story of more watercraft from Minnesota’s history by documenting lines and construction details of boats built or used locally.

ciety’s collection, as well as possibly a sailboat from the Twin Cities and a river craft from the southern part of the state along the Mississippi River. In a world of mass market production where you can find Boston Whalers and Alumacrafts all over the country, my aim with all of this is to empower and inspire hobbyist builders to build boat designs from local history, and to encourage Minnesotans to desire boats designed to our unique local conditions. To this end, I encourage readers who know of an old boat they think others should know about, to reach out to me and tell me about

…my aim with all of this is to empower and inspire hobbyist builders to build boat designs from local history, and to encourage Minnesotans to desire boats designed to our unique local conditions. In documenting the boats from an architectural perspective, I am also interested in understanding unique historical values of these boats. The product of this work will be hand drawings similar to the drawing produced from my study of the old Croftville Herring Skiff, and that were used to build the replica. Additionally, I am currently learning how to model boats in an architectural drafting computer program called Rhino and will be modeling some of these boats in Rhino as well. And finally, the stories that go along with these technical drawings are necessary to place them in context and appreciate their full value. In this broader project, I will document boats such as canoes in the collection at the Chik-Wauk Museum of the Gunflint Trail Historical Society, other Lake Superior fishing craft in the Cook County Historical So-

your boat! Maybe I’ll make a nice drawing of it and help tell its story. Speaking of boats with local history, the wood canvas canoe, a western adaptation of the native birch bark canoe, is the boat with the most local history in northern Minnesota. I have recently been doing repairs and restoration work on old wood canvas canoes, as well as other boats for clients. Boats are something that hold a lot of memories and bring a lot of joy to people. I really connect with client’s stories and enjoy hearing about what is important to them about the boat I am repairing. One canoe I worked on recently started its restoration over 30 years ago. For various reasons it was never finished and now I was finally able to give it new life. For another client, I recently restored a Seliga canoe that Joe finished in 1988. Joe Seliga

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Josh Tolkan recently received a grant from the State of Minnesota Arts and Culture Board to support his work in documenting historic watercrafts in Minnesota. | JOSH TOLKAN was a legendary canoe builder from Ely, having built over 600 canoes over a 60-year career. It was really a treasure to work on a Seliga, seeing the detailed work of a true master. Interestingly, this boat was the only canoe Seliga ever showed at the Minneapolis Boat Show. I heard several Seliga stories while working on that boat and it was a treat. I am currently repairing a fishing boat for a client who takes immaculate care of and derives much joy from his trusty aluminum fishing boat. But 30 years will undoubtedly do what they will with plywood seats. So, his prideful fishing boat will shine like never before with beautiful oak seats. I love being able to have personalized intentions in each repair project. I’d love to be a part of your boats story.

dents in January of 2020. We had planned to finish it with events filled with local volunteers last summer, however the Pandemic had other plans. So, after a year and a half intermission, we will write the next chapter in the Herring Skiff’s story this coming June. I will be down on North House’s campus every Wednesday through Saturday in June finishing the Herring Skiff. Come down to check out the progress and tell me a Lake Superior story. Josh Tolkan is a boat builder in the Artisan Development program at North House Folk School, where traditional craft is taught on the shore of Lake Superior.

And finally, speaking of that Croftville Herring Skiff; we started building that in a class filled with local Cook County resi-

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[ABOVE] The Epson

printers and the computer. | SUBMITTED

[LEFT] Sherman

demonstrating the dry mount press used for adhering images to mount board. | SUBMITTED Neil Sherman posing with a completed framed image from Rick Allen entitled, “Coffee Break.” | SUBMITTED

Sivertson Frame and Print Shop CREATIVE SPACE: By Eric Weicht Jan Sivertson—co-founder and owner of both Sivertson galleries and the frame and print shop—has seen her business expand significantly over the past 40 years.

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“I moved to Minneapolis to study landscape painting,” says Sherman, “and got a job at a frame shop to keep myself ‘afloat.’” “Then,” continues Sherman, “during the winter of 2004 a painter friend of mine and I were in Duluth painting before the Christmas holiday, when we stopped in the Sivertson Gallery in Canal Park (Siiviis) to check out the artwork.”

Sherman started his career framing for Sivertson by working alongside the master framer Steve Byers who was in charge of the frame shop at the time. According to Sherman, Byers was key to much of the early success and development of the Sivertson framing business, and “made it easy” for Sherman to “jump into the job and fit into the community.”

Last winter, Sivertson grew the business further by expanding the galleries’ website to offer online ordering and framing. Now, after a spectacularly busy 2020 spurred at least in part by the success of the new website, Sivertson and her team have plans to grow the framing and printing side of the business by moving operations into the Kennedy building next door.

According to Sherman, the framing business has been booming since the pandemic, something he correlates to the success of the gallery and the uptick in online orders made possible by the new website.

Sherman first got into framing in 1997 after moving to Minneapolis from the Iron Range to pursue a career as a painter.

“I was chatting with one of the sales people there,” continues Sherman, “and it came up in conversation that I did picture framing and they were like ‘Oh! We’re looking to hire a picture framer at our Grand Marais store.’ A couple of weeks later I got an interview, was hired, and have been in Grand Marais ever since.”

What began as a simple art gallery that Sivertson ran out of her father Howard’s basement in 1980, is today a successful, community-focused business that boasts a destination gallery in downtown Grand Marais, a second gallery—Siiviis—in Duluth, and a professional frame and print shop based out of Grand Marais.

“We just purchased the space behind us where the bike shop used to be,” says Neil Sherman, master framer at the Sivertson Frame shop, “and we plan on expanding into that building to help keep up with growing demand.”

In addition to expanding the frame shop into the newly acquired building next door, Sherman will be hiring a second part-time framer to help keep up with orders.

Sherman stapling a printed canvas image onto stretcher bars. | SUBMITTED “Previously our website did not offer framing options,” says Sherman, “so that’s new within the last year and has been driving a lot of business, especially this winter which is usually a slower time of year for us.”

While a majority of the work that Sherman does involves the galleries, he is increasingly being kept busy by a variety of business and personal orders from within the community. “Obviously, we do lot of work for both of the Sivertson Galleries,” says Sherman, “but we also have a walk-in custom framing service where people can bring in their own items or something that they purchased from the store to have framed.”

“Most customers don’t initially have an idea of what sort of matting and frame will complement their piece,” continues Sherman, “so what I do is lay out a few samples that I think would look good, and then from there it is kind of an editing process until the customer finds a combination that they like.” Sherman also works with framing three-dimensional objects, and recently framed an old package of gum for a customer along with a series of magazine articles that had sentimental value to the customer. The frame shop is not the only aspect of the business expanding into the newly acquired Kennedy building, however. Mark Tessier is the project manager at the Sivertson Galleries and does the photography and digital work on all of the original works that utilize the Sivertson giclee printing business. Just like Sherman, Tessier is excited to expand the printing business into the new workspace. Tessier typically works with artists who bring in pieces of original work that they’d like prints of, however he will print and offer photoshop services to anyone with a photo or piece of artwork that they’d like printed. “We’ve got a couple of printers here,” says Tessier. “An Epson P 5000 that we use for anything 17x22 and smaller, and then for the larger reproductions like for canvas and large paper we utilize an Epson P 9000 that can handle widths up to 44 inches and a maximum canvas length of 40 feet.” “Mostly we work with artists,” continues Tessier, “but every now and again we’ll have a local or tourist come in with a photo that they’d like printed or edited. Most newer phones even can make a fairly decent sized photo.” Further information on the Sivertson frame and print shop can be found on the Sivertson website, sivertson.com.

VIRTUAL SPRING CRAFT REVIVAL

May 1-2 Normally held in Thunder Bay, this year’s annual Spring Craft Revival will take place online and will feature more than 200 local and area artisans. Shop artwork of all kinds, from paintings and jewelry to pottery, fiber art and vintage furniture. The Craft Revival portal opens at 10 a.m. on Saturday, May 1 and closes at 8 p.m. on May 2. To learn more, find Craft Revival TBay on Facebook or visit: thecraftrevivaltbay.com.

ACCORDION FESTIVAL

May 6-8 H a r r i ng to n ARTS Center (HARTS) and A World of A cco rdio ns Museum (AWAM) will be hosting a live-music accordion festival at 1401 Belknap St. in Superior. Music and lectures will be ongoing from 10 a.m.-7 p.m. with refreshments available. Open and free to the public will be a polka service on May 8. AWAM’s large concert hall allows for 6-foot seating distances; masks will be required. Tickets can be ordered or paid at the door for $75 per day, or $125 for the first two days. Many of the performances will be live-streamed on AWAM’s Facebook and YouTube channels. The links and schedules will be posted on AWAM’s Facebook page and website. To learn more, visit: worldofaccordions.org.

NORTHERN LANDSCAPES FESTIVAL: ONLINE EDITION

May 6-20 Each year, the North House Folk School in Grand Marais celebrates the arrival of spring in the north woods with coursework and speakers that explore natural history and our connection with the natural world. This year’s Northern Landscapes Festival will be held online and all events are free and open to anyone who can Zoom in. Topics include “Spring Ephemerals with Master Naturalist Margie Menzies,” “Dragonflies of the North Woods,” and “An Evening with Bob Janssen.” Registration required to attend. To learn more, visit: northhouse.org.

CELEBRATING THE TENACIOUS WOMAN ART GALA

May 7-9 Joy and Company in Grand Marais is holding their first annual Celebrating the Tenacious Woman Art Gala from 10 a.m.-5 p.m., May 7-9. The art gala is a celebration and tribute to women and girls everywhere and is free and open to the public. The gala will highlight the art of

This year’s Le Grand du Nord gravel cycling races will take place Saturday, May 29. | CLINT AUSTIN more than 30 artists inspired by tenacious and strong women. Gala activities and art installations will be both indoors and outdoors at Joy and Co. and will provide opportunities for viewer participation in art activities and in judging of art installations. The gala will also feature an array of locally made and organic skin care products, fresh cut flowers, slogan buttons, and artisan sugar cookies by Superior Cookie Co. of Grand Marais. The gala will culminate on Sunday with raffle drawings, an artist award ceremony and additional art and story activities. COVID safety measures, such as hand sanitizing, social distancing and mask wearing, will be implemented for this event. To learn more, visit: facebook.com/joyandcompanymn.

FIRE FIGHTERS VIRTUAL TEN MILE ROAD RACE

May 15-25 The Fire Fighters Ten Mile Road Race has been a Thunder Bay tradition since 1910, promoting an active, healthy lifestyle for runners of all skill levels. This year’s race will be held virtually; run 10 miles in one “go” any time and place between Friday, May 15 and Tuesday, May 25. Beginning May 15, registrants will be able to submit their 10-mile run through the Fire Fighters 10 Mile Road Run website, and every registrant who completes the 10-mile run will get a commemorative buff and finisher’s medal. No official times will be kept this year, and no awards (overall or age-group) will be presented. Regis-

tration deadline is Friday, May 14. To sign up or learn more, visit: 10mileroadrace. org.

ART COLONY SUMMER EXHIBITION

May 21-Aug. 31 In 2019, artists Moira Bateman, Annie Hejny, Moheb Soliman and Nick Wroblewski completed a seven-day residency at the Grand Marais Art Colony, focused on “The Water Cycle.” Each of them explored the nature of water and how it inspires, informs and challenges their work. They are now back with artwork that was begun during that time. The summer exhibition, titled “But It Was Still There,” will be held at the new Grand Marais Art Colony building downtown (Studio 21 on Hwy 61), from May 21 through August 31. An opening reception will also be held from 5-7 p.m. on May 21. To learn more, visit: grandmaraisartcolony.org.

DULUTH DYLAN FEST

May 22-30 Head to Duluth to celebrate Minnesota’s native son Bob Dylan with his 80th birthday. This year’s Duluth Dylan Fest has a great line-up of mainly virtual events, as well as some in-person opportunities following CDC safe social distancing guidelines. The festival will feature a songwriters contest, poetry contest, lecture, tour, and a number of musical events. To learn more, visit: bobdylanway.com.

ART ALONG THE LAKE

May 28-31 Spend Memorial Weekend exploring the numerous art galleries and studios in Cook County with the annual spring Art Along the Lake event. This year’s participating locations includes Jeweler of the North Shore and JNS Gallery, Cross River Heritage Center, North Country, Thomsonite Beach Jewelry Shop, The Blue Moose, Art of the Elements Gallery at Frykman Art Studio, Johnson Heritage Post, Grand Marais Art Colony, North House Folk School, Yellow Bird Fine Art, Betsy Bowen Gallery and Studios, Joy and Company, The Big Lake, Upstate MN, Sivertson Gallery, Eight Broadway Galleries, and Niingii-Ozhitoomin Ojibwe Art Gallery. Then, celebrate the 15-year anniversary of Harbor Park with a multi-layered, immersive “sound garden” experience, held from noon to 5 p.m. May 29-30. Composer JG Everest’s Spring Sound Garden at Harbor Park is a self-guided, site-specific sound and performance installation on the shore of Lake Superior, featuring roving live music, dance, painting, poetry, history, storytelling and more. To learn more or for a list of gallery locations and hours, visit: visitcookcounty.com/events.

LE GRAND DU NORD

May 29, Saturday The Le Grand du Nord gravel cycling races are back this year on May 29 with Covid-19 protocols in place. Held by Heck of the North Productions, the Le Grand du Nord offers three events for cyclists: a 110-mile, 54-mile and 26mile race. Beginning in the Grand Marais harbor, all three events follow the shores of Lake Superior before climbing to their final destinations. All events will run on the Heck/Le Grand principles of cue card/ GPS navigation, self-supported riding ethics and physically challenging courses. After the ride on Saturday, visit Voyageur Brewing for live music and craft beer. To register or learn more, visit: heckokfthenorth.com. NORTHERN WILDS

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The North Shore Dish A Passion for Kombucha Motivates Brewers By Chuck Viren

I am often curious about how particular foods are discovered and developed. Take haggis, for example, or lutefisk. How did people make these discoveries? Cheese making is another. Traditional rennet is found in the stomachs of unweaned calves, lambs and goats. Who thinks to isolate this, add it to milk or cream then set it in a cool, dark place until it hardens? Likewise, who thought to ferment tea? Whoever developed it, kombucha, a fermented sweet tea, has a devoted following. Some of those devoted followers began brewing it in their homes. When demand for their kombucha spread outside their homes, they channeled their inner entrepreneurs and went into business. Three such businesses are Duluth Kombucha, Uffda Kombucha in Superior, and the combined businesses of Narrow Gate Foods and Kumbaya Kombucha in Thunder Bay. Rachelle Rahn at Duluth Kombucha was drawn into the business in just such a manner. She moved to Minnesota from Arizona in 2006, and in 2013 purchased a house in Duluth. She quickly fell in love with Lake Superior and now considers the area her home. She started brewing kombucha when she was overworked and started getting stress colds. She wound up with more than she could consume and started offering it to her friends and family, who in turn offered it to their friends and family. Her business evolved from there. The business officially began in 2016 with Rahn doing home deliveries and pop-up events around town. In 2018, Bent Paddle Brewing began selling Duluth Kombucha on tap in their new taproom. From there the business greatly expanded, and the kombucha can now be found on several tap lists in the area. In 2020 they opened their own taproom/kombuchary at 12 S. 15th Ave. East. The pandemic has restricted their activities at this location, but they do offer to-go cups and growlers of kombucha curbside and contactless deliveries on Saturdays. Once such activities are safe, they plan to offer brewing workshops, board game nights and simply provide a cozy place for a flight of kombucha and a chat with a friend. They brew their kombucha in repurposed oak whiskey barrels sourced through Duluth Barrel Works. Most commercial brewing of kombucha is done in tanks similar to those used for brewing beer. They use fresh fruits, vegetables and herbs for flavor-

Uffda Kombucha brew their kombucha in 30- and 50-gallon oak barrels that are charred on the inside. | UFFDA KOMBUCHA NORTHERN WILDS

MAY 2021

ing and experiment with different flavors often. Some of their most popular flavors are Tread Gingerly with pineapple, ginger and turmeric, Mama Mia with watermelon and hibiscus, and Peach on Earth, with peaches and chai. They are continually developing seasonal flavors. Their teas for their sweet tea bases are supplied locally from Anahata Herbals. The sweet tea goes into the barrels with the SCOBY (Symbiotic Culture of Bacteria and Yeast) and is fermented for 10 to 24 days. They also sell brewing kits for the budding home brewer. Colin Zervas and McKenna Dagger, owners of Uffda Kombucha, were coworkers at a group home in Duluth. They talked about wanting to create a business they could be proud of and serve the community. Dagger had learned about kombucha in 2015 and started brewing it in her tiny apartment. Zervas’ interest in fermentation comes from his background in micro-biology developed as a pre-med at St. Scholastica. Dagger’s parents and brothers own a barrel mill in Avon, Minn. As Zervas says, “Everything just sort of worked out.” Both are married and live in Duluth, and their families are very supportive of their business venture. Their goal has been to produce kombuchas that can be enjoyed by experienced kombucha drinkers and newbies alike. They felt that some commercially produced kombuchas were not very drinkable, and that they could do better. Toward this end, Zervas is the fermentations scientist and Dagger does a lot of the flavoring. Their kombucha is fermented in oak barrels that are charred on the inside. According to Zervas, one can tell the difference between

she is married with five children and nine businesses. “I’m a slow learner,” she says. She too began her kombucha journey as a home brewer. Eventually, her family grew tired of her home-based science experiments, and she had to move her brewing off site. She realized no one was brewing kombucha to scale in Thunder Bay and began marketing her Kumbaya Kombucha for Narrow Gate Foods at outdoor events. Her kombuchas were a hit, and she began selling them in grocery stores. As for her brewing philosophy, she uses wild fermentation and trusts the fermentation process. She goes by taste to determine when her batches are done, though she also tests the ph, sugar and alcohol levels. The Narrow Gate products are bottled and sold in grocery stores and other retail locations. During the pandemic, online sales of her products have gone crazy. Narrow Gate currently has eight blends and also produces seasonal blends. In addition to kombucha, they sell kimchee, sour kraut, water kefir, and home brewing kits.

Duluth Kombucha officially began in 2016 with owner Rachelle Rahn doing home deliveries and pop-up events around town. | DULUTH KOMBUCHA kombucha made in charred oak barrels and that which is fermented in glass. The carbon pulls out tannins and interacts with the cellulose in the wood, producing a mellower flavor. The wood allows air to pass through, producing gluconic acid, which apparently is a good thing. They now brew their kombucha in 30- and 50-gallon barrels. Dagger tests her flavors on a small scale, using her friends and neighbors as her test tasters. Their most popular flavors are their raspberry and their honey ginger. Additional popular flavors include orange cranber-

ry, blueberry acai, strawberry, and peach cobbler. More flavors will be coming in the summer months. They use organic and locally-sourced products whenever possible. They sell growlers online at their website and deliver in the Duluth/Superior area. People can also order for pick-up at their brewery. Their kombucha can be found on tap at locations such as Ursa Minor, Twisted Pastries, Lake Avenue Café and 7 West at Miller Hill. Nadia Kukkee labels herself as a serial entrepreneur. Thunder Bay born and raised,

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Kumbaya Kombucha uses a different blend of teas and a different business model, one that was greatly affected by the pandemic. They were recently purchased by Narrow Gate and rebranded as Kumbaya Foods. Their kombuchas can be ordered online and are available for non-contact pickup at their location on 4497 Oliver Road. A passion for kombucha and an entrepreneurial spirit have motivated these brewers to share this fizzy and healthful drink. As a result, kombucha devotees are finding it easier to satisfy their cravings.

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Finding the Funny By Hartley Newell-Acero & Amy Schmidt,

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Should we be lighthearted in the midst of serious things? When hardship and loss are everywhere, and hope seems hard to find, should we find occasion to laugh? The short answer is “Yes!” and here’s why. We are still in the midst of a pandemic, a very serious situation by any definition. To minimize infection risks, we must be serious about how we run mundane errands and have casual conversations. To be well-informed and make good decisions, we must be serious about vetting information sources. To slow the spread of an “infodemic,” we must be serious about how we share that information. But taking a serious stance on our health and the health of others doesn’t require a lack of lightheartedness. Laughter and hardship are not mutually exclusive. On the contrary; a robust response to serious situations often includes, or even necessitates, a generous dose of humor. When it feels like the rug has been jerked out from under us, humor helps us find the places where we still have con-

trol. Laughter can help discharge anger and anxiety, leaving us more emotionally balanced. We’re then able to better control our thoughts, feelings and behaviors—to better “self-regulate.” Additionally, when we shine a light on the ridiculous aspects of a situation, we’re no longer completely at the mercy of that situation. Making jokes about what’s happening in our lives can remind us that we still have the power to shape our experiences. Laughter can create connection. Most funny things, when shared, become funnier or at least, become funny a second time. Mourning together draws us closer together. So does humor. In examining a shared experience, we find places of similarity and are strengthened by these links. We’re reminded that even when times are scary, we’re not alone. Have you ever noticed how good laughter feels? It should! Laughter does our bodies literal good. When we laugh, we increase our heart rates and breath more deeply, thus pumping more oxygen to our hearts, brains and muscles. This “mini-workout” results in lowered blood pressure, heart rate and muscle tension. Over time, plenty of laughter can bolster our immune system, relieve pain and improve our mood.

Laughter can help discharge anger and anxiety, leaving us more emotionally balanced. | STOCK But not all laughter heals. The childhood lesson about laughing with someone instead of at someone always holds true. If a joke is meant to degrade, manipulate, or inflict pain upon someone (even if that someone is yourself), is it really just a joke anymore? Let your laughter be abundant but let it also be kind and prudent. If you’re having difficulty finding anything to laugh about, or if the things that you’re laughing at cause hurt, please

consider connecting with a counselor or therapist. Let them help you add healthy laughter, that “best medicine,” back to your medicine chest. And now for a little humor—My sweetheart hung a world map in the kitchen, gave me a dart and said, “Throw this. Wherever it lands—that’s where I’m taking you when this pandemic ends.” Turns out, we’ll be spending two weeks behind the fridge.

2021 Summer Exhibition

But It Was Still There

Moira Bateman, Annie Hejny, Moheb Soliman & Nick Wroblewski May 21 – August 31 Open Saturdays, 9 AM – 4 PM

Join us for an Opening Reception May 21 | 5 – 7 PM Studio 21 | 21 West Highway 61, Grand Marais, MN

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Northern Trails Cougars in the Northwest By Gord Ellis

As forest creatures go, the cougar is among the most mysterious. Although an apex predator, they are also a cat, which means they can hide in trees and stay out of the human eye with ease. Cougars also are largely nocturnal predators, so they are a rare thing to witness even where they are common. And they are not common in Ontario. Anywhere. Cougars are considered an endangered species in the province. That’s a designation that underscores how uncommon they are. Yet for as long as I can remember, I’ve been hearing stories about cougar in northwestern Ontario. This is partially due to the large number of cougar stories I’ve written or broadcast over my career. Because of that connection, the cougar sighting is often one of the first things shared when I meet someone new. The stories vary from highway fly-bys, to encounters while hunting or historic sightings passed on. For many years, I joked that I was the only person in the northwest who hadn’t seen a cougar. For a long time, there was little physical evidence of cougars in the northwest. Yes, there were some track impressions in the mud that looked good, some scat from the Kenora area that was cougar, but there was no smoking gun. No carcass. Then, in March of 2017, that changed. My first inkling something big had happened was a picture that flashed across my Facebook feed. It was a picture of a vehicle with a frozen looking cougar carcass tied to the roof. The background included an identifiable Thunder Bay landmark. It was the weekend, but I went to work. The discovery of a frozen cougar carcass northwest of Thunder Bay was the first verified ever. It was a big deal. The animal had been brought to a Thunder Bay taxidermist by the people who found it and the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources was contacted. Because it was an endangered species, the carcass became property of Ontario. The animal seemed to have died of starvation, due to a face (and mouth) full of porcupine quills. One can only guess that the animal had tried to eat a porcupine out of desperation. There were many questions about the animal, but the biggest one was its origins. Was it a local animal, a traveller or a released “domestic” cougar? The OMNRF sent some tissue samples away for genetic analysis.

[ABOVE] Trail cam photo by Adam

Massaro of a cougar outside Thunder Bay, taken on January 25 of this year. | ADAM MASSARO [LEFT] Screenshot of Chris Maley’s

cougar video. | CHRIS MALEY

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The DNA results showed it was closely related to animals from the region of the Black Hills of Wyoming, South Dakota and Nebraska. The ministry also said at the time the animal found dead was not part of a resident cougar population in northern Ontario. In other words, not an “Ontario” cougar. Whatever you made of that conclusion, one thing was irrefutable: an adult cougar had been living (and died) in the northwest of Ontario. As exciting as that finding was, it was followed by several years of relative quiet on the cougar front. There were noticeably fewer northwestern Ontario cougar stories floating around after that animal was found. Fast forward to the fall of 2020. In November, some trail camera shots of an adult cougar turn up attributed to being from the Lappe area, a rural community just north of Thunder Bay. Efforts to track the trail camera owner went cold. Yet it was an intriguing development. Then, on the last day of December, I received an email from a gentleman named Chris Maley. He sent me a line of text that basically said he had an interesting trail camera video. Attached was a 15 second video of a very mature and live cougar. It was shot at night. But the cougar was in the frame long enough to be easily identified. Maley, who lives on Hwy 61 just west of Thunder Bay, said he was checking his trail camera’s SD card and scrolled through several short videos. The last one had something on it he had never seen before. Maley said he could barely believe his eyes.

Maley’s video showed a healthy, active cougar skulking his backyard acreage in rural Thunder Bay. The video was incredible evidence of at least one—possibly transient—cougar living in the Thunder Bay area. If that wasn’t enough, even more trail camera pictures of a cougar surfaced in late January of 2021. Adam Massaro, who lives off Dawson road, north of Thunder Bay, had a cougar visit on January 25, at 8:31 p.m. Massaro got a number of pictures of the animal, with the last being about five minutes after it first appeared. Once again, the cat looked robust and healthy and it appeared to be on the hunt. Massaro said the cougar was possibly looking for deer or snowshoe hare, which are both common on his property. It is certainly possible this was the same animal that had turned up on Maley’s camera three weeks earlier, as the two locations are a couple of dozen km apart. Cougar are here. It’s possible the warming climate has made northwestern Ontario more hospitable for the big cats. Or perhaps they are just passing through more often. The recent rash of cougar sightings prompts more questions than answers. But the amount of cougar activity in the northwest does suggest something is going on. And maybe, just maybe, I’ll finally see a northwest Ontario cougar in the flesh before I punch my card.

“I knew right away what it was,” Maley said. “I’ve seen cats before and pussycats. And that was no pussycat. There’s no mistaking it.”

This cougar was found dead off the Boreal Road in March of 2017. | MANDI WEIST

HAZELWOOD LAKE

VITALS: If you’re looking for a quiet getaway just a short drive from Thunder Bay, this is it. In addition to hundreds of acres of park and 7 km of trails to explore, you won’t have to deal with the buzz of outboard motors in this semi-wilderness setting. No gas motors are allowed (electric motors are OK). Also, no snowmobiles or quads. This makes the lake popular with canoeists and kayakers. There is a $5 daily access fee per vehicle.

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TRAILS: Visitors will find more than 7 km of hiking/snowshoeing trails at Hazelwood Lake. The Orange Trail is an easy 2.5 km loop with gorgeous lake views. The Forest Community Trail runs 2.5 km through riparian forest. The Dam Trail is a 1.5 km trail along the river, leading to the dam.

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ACCESS: Hazelwood Lake Conservation Area is an easy 25-minute drive from Thunder Bay. Take Dawson Road (Highway 2) northwest out of Thunder Bay, then turn right onto Hazelwood Drive. HLCA is located at the end of Hazelwood Drive. A canoe launch with parking is located in the river on the east end of the lake. Shore fishing is available.

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WHY GO: Hazelwood Lake is a great place to take the whole family. The entire surface of the lake is managed by the Lakehead Region Conservation Authority. In addition to fishing, the 618-hectare Hazelwood Lake Conservation Area offers a swimming beach, 7 km of hiking trails, picnicking and birding and wildlife-watching opportunities.

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FISHING: Hazelwood offers reasonably good fishing for all available species, but many anglers enjoy the quiet atmosphere and the fishing is secondary. Anglers do well fishing for walleyes from shore in the early summer using leeches or nightcrawlers on a jig or plain hook, fished below a slip float. The same technique works for canoe anglers. Trolling with a nightcrawler harness or leech on a bottom bouncer or Lindy rig is an effective way to cover water and find fish. Get your exercise with paddle power or attach a small electric trolling motor to your canoe to save your strength and cover more water. Perch can be caught incidentally, using the same methods. For pike, try casting spoons to the shallows or troll a spoon or crankbait behind your canoe or kayak. Winter is the best time to catch whitefish. Small spoons jigged enticingly can produce these tasty fish.

BY JOE SHEAD

Gidaanikeshkaagonaanig Gidaanikoobijiganinaan Following the Ancestor’s Steps

Niimi (She Dances to the Sky) By Sam Zimmerman Niimi (She Dances) is a figure who has her own journey home to Gitchi Onigaming (Grand Portage) captured in a number of my paintings. Her shawl incorporates the different colors of not only the medicine wheel, but also the colors of ziigwan (spring) flowers. In this painting, Niimi has returned to her home, to dance both to honor her doodem (clan) and to surround herself with the natural beauty. The diindiisi (bluejay) has joined Niimi and shares his song with her as he sits in the giizhikaatig (white cedar). Niimi’s journey will continue in future paintings as her story unfolds, now that she has returned to Gitchi Onigaming. Note: Find Sam Zimmerman on Instagram and Facebook under the name Crane Superior and at: cranesuperiorstudio@gmail.com.

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NORTHERN SKY MAY 2021 By Deane Morrison, MN STARWATCH

As the winter constellations head into the sunset, Mars struggles to avoid the same fate. May Day finds the fading red planet on course to glide between the bright stars Procyon, in Canis Minor, to the east and Capella, in Auriga, the charioteer, to the west. At the end of the month, Mars will be close to Pollux, the brighter Gemini twin. All the while, the planet is steadily dimming and, despite its relatively fast orbital motion eastward, sinking toward its inevitable exit from the evening sky this summer. In the southeast to south, Spica, Virgo’s only bright star, is outshone by brilliant Arcturus, high above it in Bootes, the herdsman. To Spica’s lower right is a misshapen rectangle of stars marking Corvus, the crow. To the north, the Big Dipper—part of Ursa Major, the great bear—begins the month upside down, “spilling its water” on Polaris (the North Star) and Ursa Minor, the little bear. To identify Polaris, follow the “pointer stars” at the end of the Big

Dipper’s bowl. Bracketing Polaris are two brilliant stars: Capella, in the northwest, and comparably bright Vega, in Lyra, the lyre, in the northeast. During the course of a night, or from night to night, this arrangement changes as the sky rotates counterclockwise around Polaris. In the predawn sky, look for Jupiter and dimmer Saturn low in the southeast. Thanks to the resurgent sun, we have to get out earlier each morning to see them against a dark sky. The night of the 25th-26th, May’s full “supermoon” will be large and luminous as it slips through the Crown of Scorpius, a line of three stars near Antares, the scorpion’s red heart. The moon undergoes a total lunar eclipse on the morning of the 26th, but sets before the eclipse reaches totality. The University of Minnesota’s public viewings of the night sky at its Duluth and Twin Cities campuses have been curtailed due to the pandemic. For more information and viewing schedules, visit: d.umn.edu/planet.

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Golden Years, Golden Hours Stories and Reflections on Fly-fishing, Hunting and Aging By Paul F. Vang

Five Valleys Press, 2020, $18.99, Available from the author at: writingoutdoors.com

Once common in the outdoor genre, collections of stories have pretty much disappeared. That’s a shame, because many of the world’s finest writers have written, and continue to write exquisite stories about fishing and hunting. The author, a Minnesota native living in Montana, took up outdoor writing after retirement. These are good stories, which may begin on the banks of a trout stream, but then the author wades deeper, musing about the tragic loss of a courageous conservationist who died young from cancer. Other tales outline what may happen if you think a 10-inch rattlesnake is harmless and pick it up or if you encounter a grizzly bear while pheasant hunting. Stories like this are wonderful reads. We can only hope the author continues to write more of them.—Shawn Perich

Thunder Bay Nature Guide 2021 Second Edition Edited by Bonnie Schiedel

Thunder Bay Field Naturalists Club, 2021, $25 CDN

If you are looking for places to explore as a hiker, birder or just someone who enjoys the outdoors, this new field guide will provide you with many options. Compiled by the Thunder Bay Field Naturalists Club, the guide includes 30 locations ranging from provincial parks to conservation areas to a collection of pressed plants at Lakehead University. Nearly all locations include maps, directions to get there and descriptions of the flora, fauna and geology you are likely to find when you do. It is well-illustrated with color photography of the location, wildlife, wildflowers and more. This treasure trove of information will be appreciated by anyone who enjoys exploring the natural world or dreams of doing so. —Shawn Perich

For the Love of Cod

A Father and Son’s Search for Norwegian Happiness By Eric Dregni University of Minnesota Press, 2021, $22.95

Norway is usually near the top of the World Happiness Report, but is it really one of the happiest countries on Earth? Author Eric Dregni had his doubts. Years ago, he and his wife had lived in this country his great-great-grandfather once fled. When their son Eilif was born there, the Norwegian government paid for the birth, gave them $5,000, and deposited $500 into their bank account every month. But surely happiness is more than a generous health care system. What about all those months without sun? When Eilif turned 15, father and son decided to go back together to investigate. For the Love of Cod is their comic report on the alleged Norwegian bliss.—Breana Roy

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Pulling the pulk sled with our necessary (and luxury) supplies for the weekend. | CASEY FITCHETT

The Villain of the Wilderness By Casey Fitchett It was almost like a scene from a military movie. Operation Lookout Self-Extraction was underway. “We need to make this decision unanimously,” he said. “If one of us is uncomfortable enough not to do this, we don’t do it.” That someone would be me. I knew it and everyone else in the room knew it. We stood in the center of the small room around the Osbourne Fire Finder. One by one each person said their piece.

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When it was my turn, I took a cinematic deep breath. “I don’t feel great about it, I have to be honest, but I don’t know if we have a better option.” I looked at each of them to gauge their individual reactions. I can basically talk myself into or out of anything based

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MAY 2021

to, well, look out for fires as they spread across the landscape.

The whole plan was hatched back at some point in November—almost four months prior. Two of our best friends in our new Missoula, Montana home had floated the idea to us casually.

Shared planning documents, individual quarantines and carefully packing both the pulk sled and our 65-litre packs got us to the eve of the trip. The night before we were set to leave, my partner Jake took a screenshot of the weather forecast for the area and sent it in a text to the group thread. He had doodled a bit on the image to highlight the prediction of high winds in the area. Gusts in the mid-20’s meant that our outdoor activity might be a bit limited, but we were still in good spirits. Have you ever seen a weather forecast that turns out to be not entirely accurate?

“Hey, we snagged a lookout tower rental for a weekend in February. It sleeps four. Are you guys interested in coming with us?” Scattered throughout the United States, with the majority being in Montana and Idaho, these lookout towers are a rustic and unique getaway. Rented and maintained by the Forest Service and other federal organizations, reservations are notoriously difficult to secure, especially on weekends. They typically sit high on buttes, ridges, mountains, and other locations where one would have a good vantage point to be able

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on the energy projected back to me when I read the room. “Yeah, let’s do it.”

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The women donned our cross country skis at the trailhead, while the men cinched their snowshoes. We had arrived early enough in the day to have little concern about the remaining daylight on the 4-mile trek in the Helena-Lewis and Clark Nation-

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adventures, hiked a couple 14ers, and the like. I know there are definitely things that can break me, lots of things in fact, but I didn’t expect this to be one of them. Most people in the north know the sensation of ‘post holing.’ For those who don’t, in summation: it’s an incredibly frustrating, demoralizing sensation that constantly threatens twisted ankles and face-planting. Sometimes it does more than threaten. You’re walking on top of snow—minding your own business—and BAM. Out of nowhere your foot (and based purely on that whole gravity thing, the rest of your body) sinks infinitely lower than you expected to go. On this day we post-holed our way up the steep, bald hill, bee-lining towards the 15x15-foot box on stilts that would be our home for the next two nights.

A quick group selfie on the deck as the strong winds pin us to the side of the lookout.| CASEY FITCHETT al Forest to the Granite Butte Lookout. I have always been intrigued by the way in which a momentary blip in time, an otherwise insignificant moment, can later prove to be somewhat ominous. Or is it that I am looking for meaning when there in fact was none? On our journey to the lookout we encountered two women on the trail. With the circumstances of the trail, we knew

they must have been coming from the lookout. Some chit chat meant less than their parting line. “Have fun with the wind on the last half mile.” Their tone wasn’t rude, arrogant, or malicious. The words rattled in my head for a moment before I flipped the switch to confident, almost cocky. I’ve been on expedition-style trips, lengthy backpacking

If our saga was a novel, however, the villain Post Hole would be but a measly and almost-forgotten ant compared to the two-headed monster that is the Wind. When we emerged from the trees, we immediately realized the women we met on the ascent weren’t kidding—or weak. The lookout was set atop a bald knob, which meant absolutely no wind block. Between Post Hole and the Wind, it was all we could do to stay upright on the push to the 7,587foot summit.

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For us, over these next two days, the Wind is not just a natural phenomenon, it was the fifth member of our group. It was the entire story; beginning, middle and end. It was that person at the party that you didn’t invite, stays too long, interrupts everyone’s conversation, and literally sucks the warmth from the room. Although there

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was no official gauge at our exact location, we had enough cell phone service to determine that our area was in a High Wind Warning, which translated to steady 60 mph winds, and gusts of 75 mph. It has always been odd to me how some people enjoy white noise. Maybe you are one who needs it to sleep. Is it more eerie to you when there is complete silence? It’s definitely not to me. Sure, I can fall asleep when there is something going on in the background, but I don’t actively seek it out. A half-asleep brain plays some crazy tricks on you too when there is white noise you don’t want. You start to believe that anything is possible, namely that your dwelling-on-stilts, which has been standing fine all day, is going to topple like a house of cards simply because it isn’t light outside anymore.

Thankfully the Granite Butte Lookout, our 15’x15’ home on stilts, was able to withstand the 75 mph wind gusts. | CASEY FITCHETT

2 EXCEPTIONAL BUILDING SITES

Going to the bathroom was nothing short of an ordeal. When a member of the group donned their snowpants, you began to immediately feel a sense of empathetic dread for them. You knew what was out there. They’d have to barrel through Wind to get to where they were going. Wind, that bully, would even try to push them down the stairs. It came on strong, and

Mission complete.

We stirred early in our sleeping bags and checked the weather. Nothing had changed. High

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As you now know, we went for it. At the risk of being anti-climactic and blunt, once we made it to the treeline, it was extraordinarily, unexpectedly, and wonderfully uneventful. I’m sure we all did our own version of willing Wind not to follow us, and it worked.

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On the eve of our departure the mood was uncertain. If Wind didn’t leave the party, would it allow us safe return to civilization?

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Amenities close to none, we spent most of our days chatting, cooking meals, and playing board games and cards. All outdoorsy people, I must admit there was an aspect to being “trapped” inside that drove us all a little stir crazy. The lookout was right on the Continental Divide Trail, and we couldn’t even use it. Sunday afternoon we compensated by doing chores. The boys split wood, and everyone carried that wood up the 20 feet of stairs. Have you ever watched someone wield an axe to cut firewood for the woodstove in 75 mph gusts? It makes your eyes widen, I’ll tell you that.

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winds in the morning, and blowing snow in the afternoon. Being the responsible outdoorspeople we all are, we called the ranger station managing the property first thing to ensure that if we deemed it unsafe to leave before the end of the day, that no one was going to show up to the lookout that afternoon for their reservation.

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didn’t know when enough was enough. I had to crawl more than once to get to the pit toilet. Once it was a literal crawl, and more than once it was the bear crawl that we occasionally had to do as an exercise in gym class. I’m not typically very fond of snakes, but I envied their natural proximity to the earth in these moments.

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Strange Tales The Dinosaur of the Great Lakes: the Lake Sturgeon By Elle AndraWarner

Did you know thousands of dried carcasses of lake sturgeon were once stacked like firewood and used as logs for fuel on steamships? The first time I saw a lake sturgeon was in the large observation tank lining the tunnel-like stairway that descended to the Kay-Nah-Chi-Wan-Nung Centre on Rainy River near Emo, Ontario. Not the prettiest of fish, the sturgeon really does look like a large pre-historic relic. Its long torpedo-shaped body is armored with five rows of large bony-like plates called scutes and it has a shark-like tail and a sucker-like mouth located under its head. Scaleless and toothless, the lake sturgeon has a flattened snout with four barbels (whiskers). Typically, lake sturgeon can grow to 7 to 12 feet (2 to 3.5 m) in length, weigh more than 300 pounds and can live to around 150 years. While fierce-looking, scientists say they are considered docile, shy and some say playful as they do leap out of water like dolphins. A direct ancestor of a family of fish going back 250 million years to the Triassic Period, the appearance of today’s lake sturgeon remains virtually unchanged since 150 million years, giving credence to being called a ‘living fossil.’ Imagine—its ancestors were swimming in waters at the same time as dinosaurs walked on earth. Some people call today’s sturgeon the “Dinosaurs of the Great Lakes.” To Indigenous people, the lake sturgeon (namao in Cree) became culturally significant. For thousands of years—even before the pyramids were built—large groups of Indigenous people gathered at places like Kay-Nah-Chi-Wan-Nung to harvest the sturgeon during spawning, feast, meet socially, renew friendships, trade and hold traditional ceremonies. Every bit of the sturgeon was used by Indigenous people. It provided fresh meat and when dried, meat similar to pemmican that could be kept for years. Bones were used for needles, spearheads and arrowheads; isinglass from dried swim bladders to make paint and glue for teepees; oil for medicinal purposes; bags and containers made of the fish skin; and the stomach lining for drum covering. So important was the lake sturgeon to the Indigenous people that they called it “Buffalo of the Water.”

Initially, early 19th century European settlers ate dried sturgeon they had traded from Indigenous people. At the time, there are stories the lake sturgeon were so numerous they could capsize a boat during spring spawning season. However, once commercial fishing began, the lake sturgeon was considered a nuisance, a ‘trash fish’ by the fishermen because the sturgeon’s barbels and bony plates ripped and destroyed their nets set for fish like lake trout, herring and whitefish. “And so commercial fisherman just slaughtered them,” said environmental historian Dr. Nancy Langston in her 2019 Mandel Lectures in the Humanities presentation “Welcoming Back Namao: Indigenous Communities and Restoration of the Great Lakes Sturgeon.” Dr. Langston is the Distinguished Professor of Environmental History at Michigan Technological University and in spring 2020, she was the Fulbright Canada Research Chair for Interdisciplinary Sustainability Solutions at Thunder Bay’s Lakehead University. Many thousands of lake sturgeon were killed by commercial fishermen and the dead fish stacked to dry on the banks of rivers and lakes. The oily dried carcasses were loaded onto steamships to be used for fuel. Then, in the 1860s, commercial fishermen began harvesting lake sturgeon after finding new uses. The previously-scorned sturgeon became a huge commercially valuable resource, prized for its smoked meat, swim bladders processed into isinglass (used in beer/wine making), sturgeon hide, and roe (eggs) shipped overseas for caviar by both the U.S. and Canada. According to the Michigan Sea Grant (MSG), in 1880, more than 4 million pounds of sturgeon were taken from Lake Huron and Lake St. Clair to be processed in Michigan. By the 20th century, a combination of things like overfishing, pollution, construction of dams (blocking spawning areas), habitat change and environmental challenges led to a drastic drop in sturgeon catch and fisheries closed. MSG reports that in 1928 the total harvest of sturgeon from all of the Great Lakes fell to less than 2,000 pounds.

The world’s largest lake sturgeon ever caught is claimed to be this one: 15 feet and 2 inches (4.6 m) long, weighing 406 pounds (184 kg) and estimated to have been about 150 years old. It was caught in the Roseau River in southern Manitoba on October 7, 1903 by Alex Waddell. A life-size statue of the lake sturgeon has been installed at Dominion City, Manitoba. | MANITOBA MUSEUMS

While the lake sturgeon is still threatened or endangered in places, the “Buffalo of the Water” is slowing coming back. Minnesota Department of Natural Resources reports lake sturgeon exist in Lake Superior, Lake of the Woods, and many rivers, including the Rainy (with 100,000 sturgeon 40 inches or longer), St. Croix, St. Louis, Kettle and Red River. Referring to lake sturgeon as “really amazing,” Dr. Langston likened the sturgeon to zombies, “because they’re never quite dead. They keep returning.”

Looking like a ‘living fossil’, the appearance of the lake sturgeon ( Acipenser fulvescens) has remained virtually unchanged for about 150 million years. | WIKIMEDIA NORTHERN WILDS

MAY 2021

Call TimberWolff for Your Fun Times on the Shore! Spring has Arrived! A Wonderful Personal Tour of Homes & Land!!! Time To Walk the Land and See the Homes! Local 663-8777 •

Toll free (877) 664-8777 DREAMING OF LAKE SUPERIOR? ON THE WATER, LAKE VIEWS! Info@TimberWolffRealty.com

NEW! SUNRISES ON LAKE SUPERIOR!

This 2 bedroom Townhome Overlooking Lake Superior is the the getaway you have dreamed about! Relax by the stone fireplace or enjoy the sunrises and sunsets from the deck overlooking Lake Superior. Beautiful kitchen, open concept to the living area, perfect for entertaining! You’ll love the owner’s bedroom and bath, with a soaking tub complete with Lake Views! Attached 1 car garage! 600ft of shared Lake Superior shoreline. Perfect location between Lutsen and Tofte!

E L A S ING D N PE

E L A S ING D N E P

MLS#6095093 $370,900

E L A S ING D N E P

NEW! ENJOY THE WONDERMENT OF LAKE SUPERIOR! Sweet little Rustic cabin, enjoy your days sitting in the screen porch enjoying the sounds of the waves hitting the shore as your plan your adventures. Or Curl up next to the gas stove in the cozy cabin with a good book. 2+ acres with 301ft of Lake Superior shoreline. Close to hiking trails and Temperance River State Park and Cross River in Schroeder you will always have a new place to explore close by.

MLS#6095143 $249,900

E SA L ING D N E P

NEW!! SERENITY SHORES ON LAKE SUPERIOR! Lovely entrance welcomes you in to a Spacious View of Lake Superior from a vaulted wall of windows in the Great Room. A fabulous connection to the Big Lake, you will be drawn to the windows just to soak in the views. Or walk out onto the large deck and enjoy the sounds of the lake. Walk the 100+ft of shoreline and feel your stress melt away.

MLS#6095570 $899,900

MOUNTAIN TOP LIVING ON MINNESOTA’S NORTH SHORE!

Breathtaking views of Lake Superior are the focus of this home, built by David Salmela. Lofty Red Pines are scattered amongst the boreal forest surrounding this 4 bedroom home while overlooking the wild country of Tettegouche State Park. MLS#6086880

$650,000

LAKE SUPERIOR LAND NEW! ENJOY 3.83 ACRES WITH 255FT OF LAKE SUPERIOR SHORELINE!

Great site overlooking level access to Lake Superior! MLS#6092322

$249,900 SOLD

NEW! ENDLESS VIEWS OF LAKE SUPERIOR IN SCHROEDER!

Nice chunk of shoreline on over 2 acres with 301 ft on Lake Superior! Beautiful build site with excellent views. Power and fiber brought in to the land, private road access off Highway 61. Utilize the cozy rustic cabin until you build.

MLS#6095146 $249,900

SALE PENDING!

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Call TimberWolff for Your Fun Times on the Shore! Spring has Arrived! A Wonderful Personal Tour of Homes & Land!!! Time To Walk the Land and See the Homes! Local 663-8777 • Toll free (877) 664-8777

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WILDERNESS HOMES, LAKE VIEWS, AND IN TOWN…READ ALL ABOUT ‘EM!

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NEW!! FUN TIMES EAST OF GRAND MARAIS!

This beautiful home welcomes you as you enter! From the spacious family room upstairs and relaxing rec room downstairs with tons of windows for natural light to the large deck overlooking the yard, you will have plenty of space to relax and enjoy your Up North home! Updated kitchen, flooring, and rec room. 3 bedrooms, two baths, space for the entire gang! 2 car garage with Attic storage, and a storage shed/workshop tops it all off! Beautiful landscaping includes apple trees, rhubarb patch, raspberry plants and grape vines! Visit today and start relaxing on the North Shore!

MLS#6095185 $325,000

NEW! GRAND MARAIS TO-BE-BUILT HOME!

Great opportunity to purchase a New Construction To Be Built home in Grand Marais on a lovely wooded lot. Plans for a two bedroom home with tuck under garage already drawn up and ready for your design input!

MLS#6095517 $472,500

INLAND LAKE GETAWAYS! NEW! CLASSIC LUTSEN LOG CABIN ON WHITE PINE LAKE!

Hand crafted log cabin, built as a getaway from it all…no power no fiber no plumbing, just sweet and simple. But as the times have changed, the power and fiber are nearby, and the crawlspace to the cabin is calling for that indoor plumbing to be installed! In addition to the cabin, there’s a large 2 car detached garage and a sweet log style sauna. While the exterior needs a fresh coat of stain, the interior is gorgeous, the hewn logs providing a warmth that only a log cabin can provide. Hardwood floors, exposed logs and vaulted ceiling make the interior very welcoming. Two main level bedrooms, with bathroom/composting toilet, and a huge great room open to the kitchen and dining area. A log stairs leads to an open loft for bunkroom style sleeping. Covered porch facing the pristine forest and White Pine Lake make this is a dreamy place to enjoy an afternoon snooze! The 319 feet of lakeshore is rocky and full of structure for those plentiful walleye! Install a long dock to reach the deep waters where swimming will be enjoyed all summer long. White Pine lake is a wonderful lake located off the Honeymoon Trail in Lutsen, altogether less than 10 miles from Highway 61 and the Caribou Trail.

MLS#TBD $299,900

NEW! ESCAPE TO THE CABIN ON GUST LAKE! Enjoy one of the best kept secrets in Lutsen: Gust Lake! Great potential to dial this property in and make it your own vacation spot! Electricity and broadband brought in, new roof and tons more updates! 3 bedrooms and 2 baths with walk out lower level and don’t forget the 150ft of shoreline! Large sunroom with access to deck, Bunk house and large detached garage top it off! See it today and start enjoying the North Shore!

MLS#6095648 $299,000

Call TIMBERWOLFF REALT Y or visit w w w.timberwolffrealty.com for more information! NORTHERN WILDS

MAY 2021

Call TimberWolff for Your Fun Times on the Shore! Spring has Arrived! A Wonderful Personal Tour of Homes & Land!!! Time To Walk the Land and See the Homes! Local 663-8777 • Toll free (877) 664-8777

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CAMPN’, HUNTN’, FUN GETAWAY LAND, INVEST IN YOUR FUTURE! LUTSEN AREA

SILVER BAY TO SCHROEDER AREAS

NEW! Beautiful building site in Lutsen! Driveway in place and waiting for you to build your dream getaway!

MLS#6095877 $49,000

26 acres-Lake County’s Cramer Rd! Year round access and electric at the Cramer Rd. Good high ground with a nice mixture of Spruce and Maples!

Turnagain Trail in Lutsen! Excellent location, minutes to Lutsen Mountains and Lake Superior! Birch forest, with some Spruce and Balsam fir. Three parcels, 5 acres (Pending); 6 acres

$64,900 MLS#6093324 SALE PENDING!

MLS#6094216 $96,000 AND 9 ACRES MLS#6094217 $135,000.

30 acres-near the Manitou River on Hwy 61! Nice location near the Caribou River Wayside for excellent hiking, potential for subdivision.

Tait Pines Up the Caribou Trail! Named for the towering White Pines that weave throughout Tait Pines, these lots are a fantastic getaway from it all with year round access, electric along the road and fiber to some of the lots. Small lots surrounded by common space bordering the Superior National Forest. A Must See to understand the pristine beauty and canoe access to Tait Lake.

$109,900 MLS#2309327 SALE PENDING!

24 acres on Blackwoods Drive, approx. 8 miles up the Cramer Rd from the Cross River in Schroeder! Southern sloping maples, beautiful build sites! Electric, fiber, year round access.

$99,900 MLS#6094707

MLS#6078839 $42,000; MLS#6028619 $67,500; OR BIG VIEWS MLS#6090031 $50,000; SWEET HILLTOP SITE OVERLOOKING WILLS LAKE MLS#6028619 AND OTHERS, JUST ASK!

40 acres of Wilderness on the Cramer Rd in Schroeder! Perfect hunting and camping parcel!

$52,000 MLS#6093678 SALE PENDING!

TOFTE AREA

Steam Engine Road in the heart of Lutsen! Perfect for your low impact small home on these five acre parcels! Walk to Fika for coffee, grab your days groceries at Clearview and head out for a day of Fun on the Shore!

40 acres near Pancore Lake and Sawbill Trail! Rolling terrain and dense boreal forest land!

MLS#6093013 $79,000 SOLD!

MLS#6077951 $37,500 AND OTHERS, JUST ASK!

Crosswinds in Tofte! Several build sites available, high ground and excellent location! Walk to Coho Café, or hike the Sawbill to Carlton Peak! Minutes to Lutsen Mountains Ski Resort, or Temperance River State Park is even closer! Year round access, electric at road.

Jonvick Creek RARE FIND with creek bordering common land, beautiful build site with distant Lake Superior view!

MLS#6094704 $57,500 PENDING!

MLS#6077966 $69,900 AND UNDER!

Caribou Hillside overlooking Caribou and Ward Lake! Stunning fall color with maples everywhere! Thoughtfully developed to maximize a great sense of seclusion while in the heart of the Caribou Lake area. Several sites available, but don’t wait, they are selling fast!

South Sloping parcels at LeVeaux Mountain! Beautiful build sites, one parcel has a wildlife pond and the other views of Lake Superior from the top! Yr Round access, electric and fiber along the road, sensible HOA makes this a gem to build your dream North Shore home!

MLS#6078781 $40,000 AND OTHERS, JUST ASK! Lovely build site overlooking a pond! Located in the Jonvick Creek area, this is a level build site with sensible HOA and a fabulous location. Nice for hiking, snowmobiling and recreating!

MLS#6089001; MLS#6089003 $67,000 EACH! NEW! 2.91 Acres hidden off the highway with Year Round Access! Enjoy the quietness of the woods while still being close to many hiking and biking trails.

MLS#6084134 $32,000

MLS#6095861 $39,900

Lutsen Build sites with shared septic and well just waiting for your little cabin ideas! Looking for a site to build without spending an arm and a leg? These sites are it! Well and Septic in place, just Build and Enjoy!

GRAND MARAIS AREA NEW! Great lots in the heart of Grand Marais with city water and city sewer at the street!

MLS#2309328 $39,000 AND OTHERS, JUST ASK ABOUT MINK RANCH!

.24 ACRES $89,000 MLS#6095459 .22 ACRES $90,000 MLS#6095460 .27 ACRES $70,000 MLS#6095461

Nice Caps Trail level land bordering the Superior National Forest! Everything you need in your build site, yr round access, electric and fiber at road, and a canoe launch to Tait Lake just a half mile away!

NEW! Just Far Enough Out of town with 5.3 Acres and Driveway in place! MLS#6095743 $74,900

MLS#6092302 $31,900

NEW! 40 acres on Camp 20 Rd with 300ft of or Flute Reed River frontage! MLS#TBA $64,900

80 acres in Lutsen! Nice for hunting and camping or to build your wilderness retreat! Wish we could say it was all high ground for this price, but it’s not but who cares, it’s 80 acres of your own land! Awesome wildlife!

NEW! 19.23 acres with views of Isle Royal on a clear day, building area identified and Flute Reed River frontage!

MLS#2312987 $99,900 SALE PENDING!

MLS#TBA $99,900

BEST OF THE VILLAGE AT NINEMILE!

1800ft of shared shoreline on Ninemile Lake, Great location! MLS#6087908 $37,000 SALE PENDING

INLAND LAKE LANDS

WHITE PINE LAKE, LUTSEN…DREAMY!!

Meander up the Caribou Trail a few miles past Caribou to the Honeymoon Trail. A mile or two down the road is the little known White Pine Lake, an hourglass lake with less than a dozen homes…probably more moose than there are people! White Pine is known for it’s nice fishing and peaceful shores, mostly Superior National Forest lands encompass the lake. This parcel is bordered on the west side by forest service land, lots of solitude with the perks of year round access, power and fiber at the road. The boreal forest needs some clean up, but once you make it to the shoreline you’ll fall in love with the lake! Wide open vistas with no homes in site! 2.9 acres, 199 ft of shoreline. This won’t last long! MLS#6096034 $185,000

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MAY 2021

NORTHERN WILDS

Lynne Luban

Over 15 years selling downtown MPLS Condo living. Currently representing this developers 10th project THE LEGACY. I am available to meet with you in Grand Marais or Minneapolis to go over prices & floor plans.

Cell: 612-599-6986

Email: lynneluban@mac.com Website: thelegacyminneapolis.com

Northern Wilds Real Estate

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LIVE OUT YOUR LEGACY IN NEW CONDOS IN MILLS DISTRICT BY THE GUTHRIE! Contact me for a personal viewing of floor plans, photos of construction views and pricing.

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A New Luxury Condo Development 740 Portland Avenue • Downtown Minneapolis

Full views. A fraction of the price.

• 17 story New Contsruction • Pet-friendly building • High end standard features • Community and Fully equipped exercise room, and outdoor roof top green space • Climate controlled parking • Just a few blocks from US Bank Stadium • Additional garage stalls available for purchase • Walk the Skyway for all your needs

• Within a few blocks of Lightrail • Close to the Nicollet Mall • Choose from many restaurants close by! • Walk two blocks to the new 9 arce Commons Park that extends from the US Bank Stadium to Portland Avenue. • Choose from many available options to customize your unit.

Bluefin Bay Condos & Townhomes

Own a piece of Minnesota’s Favorite Resort

All units are currently sold. To be notified when something comes available, email eric@bluefinbay.com.

Eric Frost

Sales Agent, Bluefin Bay Family of Resorts

New townhomes, total coastal luxury right on the shore of Lake Superior. 3,000 s/f, 3BR, 3BA. Quarter-share ownership w/ ﬂexibility for personal use & rental income. Excellent family retreat or investment property. Prices from $174K-$215K, includes furnishings.

Let Eric, exclusive sales agent for Bluefin Bay Family of Resorts, provide the details about each property and guide you through the process. Contact him today to learn more.

218-663-6886 | eric@bluefinbay.com

NORTHERN WILDS

MAY 2021

NORTHERN WILDS

L U T S E N R E A L E S T A T E G R O U P. C O M

(218) 663-7971 NORTHERN WILDS

MAY 2021

Talk to Terry! Terry R. Backlund Broker/Owner Phone: 218-387-1501 Cell: 218-370-8977 Email: Terry@BacklundRealty.com

Frank Lehto Real Estate Agent Phone: 218-387-4955 Email: Frank@BacklundRealty.com

Lori A. Backlund Real Estate Agent 209 E 1ST AVE UNIT #3 GRAND MARAIS MN

New Listing

I Love Listings!



2 Bedroom 2 Bath 1000+ sq. ft. Lake Superior view. Underground parking. MLS# 6095221 Price: $289,000

X20 CTY RD 6 GRAND MARAIS MN

New Listing

5 SILVER FOX LOT GRAND MARAIS MN

Saleng i d n e P

5 Acres with well MLS# 6093854 Price: $47,900

Great Location. 20 Acres. MLS# 6095181 Price: $64,900

34 HUNGRY JACK RD GRAND MARAIS, MN

Saleng Pendi

3 Bedroom Log Cabin 313 ft. lakeshore on Road Lake MLS#6093449 Price: $237,500

We have buyers looking for homes



5 N BROADWAY GRAND MARAIS MN

New Listing Commercial Building 2578 sq. ft. Restaurant. Great location. Possibilities MLS# 6095312 Price: $399,000

9 N BROADWAY GRAND MARAIS MN

Saleng Pendi

Commercial 50 x 82 lot. Fab location MLS# 6095295 Price: $139,000

For results list your property here

I Love Listings!



For more details call or check my website Phone: 218-387-1501 Cell: 218-370-8977 Terry@BacklundRealty.com

MAY 2021

NORTHERN WILDS

www.CBNorthShore.com Serving Cook County since 1971

140053 _ NORTH SHORE

(218) 387-2131 (800) 732-2131

101 West Hwy. 61 Grand Marais, MN 55604 info@cbnorthshore.com

Home s & C abin s

G N DI

N E P

4640 North Road

1039 W 2nd Street

Watch the deer while you are relaxing in this sunny 3 bedroom, 2 bath home with vaulted ceilings featuring some impressive, handcrafted beams and large windows. 10A with insulated 2 car garage.

Here is the chance for log cabin charm with in-town conveniences and access to all the great activities Cook County has to offer! 5BR, 2BA home with log walls, beams, and columns are complimented by many south facing windows with partial Lake Superior views.

MLS 6095026 $239,900

MLS 6095030 $399,900

G N I D

G N I

D N PE

N E P

401 2nd Ave E

If you’ve been waiting for a 3BR home right in Grand Marais, this is it. Situated on a corner lot with a landscaped yard and a short walk to downtown. Top it off with an attached garage, greenhouse/garden shed and great little sauna! Check it out now

MLS 6094872 $259,900

42 County Rd 60

Listen to the murmur of the Devil Track River from this lovely, beautifully maintained 4 BR, 3 BA home. Spacious living room, dining room and master bedroom. Attached 2-stall heated garage and detached garage is a great space for a workshop or toys.

MLS 6092982 $449,900

O n Lake Sup e rior

NEW 2884 W Highway 61

317 ft. of magnificent ledge-rock Lake Superior shoreline, located minutes west of Grand Marais. Numerous outcroppings and rock formations that create incredible wave action together with the accompanying sounds of crashing water.

MLS 6095857 $359,900

NEW 200 Stonegate Road

This truly magnificent home sits on almost 5 private acres with over 700 feet of Lake Superior shoreline that varies from ledge rock to rocky beach. A Dale Mulfinger design, it was built by a local craftsman known for meticulous attention to detail.

MLS 6095586 $949,900 NORTHERN WILDS

MAY 2021

INLAND LAKE PROPERTIES

NEW 1079 South Shore Drive

42 Soderberg Lane SERIOUSLY! Check out one of the only grandfathered-in Boat Houses in Cook County. This lot features 412 ft of shoreline on Birch Lake with 3+ acres. Property includes an older rustic cabin, is fully surveyed, year-round access. MLS 6088180 $199,900 REDUCED

Tom Lake

Wishing for an affordable inland lake lot? Here it is! Over 20A with 300’ of shoreline on Tom Lake. All the privacy you long for and close to the BWCA and Superior Hiking Trail. MLS 6095017 $95,000

Affordable AND attractive lot on Tom Lake, complete with a solid driveway and cleared building site. Very private with 1.6 acres and 189 ft of shoreline.

Tom Lake lot with over 200 feet of frontage and an easy slope to the lake! There’s a shed and a dock waiting for you to start your adventure.

MLS 6090351 $64,900

MLS 6083377 $69,900

Greenwood Lake Gorgeous south facing 2+ acre with 276’ of shoreline. Features YR access, driveway in, picnic area and walking trails. Development shared ownership includes private boat launch and surrounded by federal lands. MLS 6094281 $149,900

NEW Greenwood Lake

NEW Deeryard Lake

Here’s your chance to have property on the incomparable Greenwood Lake. Over 200 feet of rocky shoreline. A cleared building site on a rocky knoll gives an awesome view down to the lake.

Just a little off the beaten path this 3.5 acres and 134ft of lake shore sits on Deeryard Lake. Build your cabin among the BEUATIFUL maples over looking the lake or close to the waters edge.

MLS 6095672 $129,900

MLS 6095803 $164,000

101 West Hwy. 61 Grand Marais, MN 55604 info@cbnorthshore.com 140053 _ NORTH SHORE

Amazing 3BR/3BA fully furnished home on Devil Track Lake! 5.28 acres, abutting Federal land, 169 ft of great lake shore. Attached insulated and heated 20x24 garage is a great space to store your toys! MLS 6095399 $485,000

MAY 2021

NORTHERN WILDS

(218) 387-2131

•

(800) 732-2131

www.CBNorthShore.com

Land NEW: XX Camp 12 Road 40 Acres located right off of the Irish Creek Road. Land is surrounded on three sides by State Land for added Privacy. Irish Creek flows through the property. MLS TBD $49,900

2X South Shore Drive Location is everything! This 5+ acre lot is just minutes to Grand Marais with a country setting yet close to the action. Easily accessible from County maintained roads. MLS 6091924 $45,000

NEW: XX Ward Lake Road Beautiful 40 acres filled with maple trees! Build to overlook Deeryard Lake or stay tucked in the maple trees. Abuts thousands of acres of federal land and close to Pike Lake for fishing. MLS TBD $69,900

West Hwy 61 Attractive & affordable building site with 3+ acres & easy access right off of Hwy 61. Minutes from town and Close to Cascade River State Park MLS 6093939 $35,000

NEW: 106X Devil Track Road Nine wooded acres only 9 miles from Grand Marais fronting on a paved road makes for a great site to build your North country home or cabin. Deeded Devil Track Lake access. MLS 6095671 $74,900 NEW: 1X Brandon Lane Beautiful lot just outside Grand Marais. Fall River runs through this property. Dramatic frontage! MLS 6095813 $62,000 County Rd 14 Terrific and extremely affordable pieces of land with good high building sites and interesting game attracting low areas as well. MLS 6086957 $38,900 XX County Road 67 Breathtaking views from this 2.7A lot that directly abuts State Land to the east and there is DNR owned Lake Superior shoreline to the south. Quite accessible to year-round access and all utilities. MLS 6095245 $39,900 1XX Gauthier Road Build your off-grid north woods getaway on this beautiful 20 acre parcel with Lake Superior views! Seasonal access less than 2 miles from Highway 61 and an eighth mile from Superior Hiking Trail. MLS 6095138 $49,900 Railroad Drive Lutsen Sweet 1.7 A building site located in the heart of Lutsen. Gently rolling topography, mature trees and easy building site. MLS 6084050 $39,900

14x Bloomquist Mtn Rd Ten acres of mature trees including huge White Pines! Sloping lot with lots of southern exposure for sunshine all year long. MLS 6075850 $44,900 REDUCED

G N I D

12XX County Road 7 5+ acres on County Rd 7 only a half mile from the hospital. You can have the privacy of a country size lot and the convenience of being in the city of Grand Marais. MLS 6092003 $54,900

PEN

XX County Road 67

Gorgeous year round view of Lake Superior on this 2.7 acres with gently rolling topography with a gradual slope towards the lake. Truly a wonderful location to build that dream home!

MLS 6095244 $82,000

1XX Ski Hill Rd

Dreamed of a getaway on the North Shore? Over a half acre on Lutsen’s Ski Hill Road with the west side of the property overlooking Superior National Golf Course.

MLS 6093169 $59,900

G N I D

1X South Shore Drive So many options with this 5+ acre lot! Mature trees in a country setting close to popular Devil Track Lake, the airport, and only minutes to Grand Marais. MLS 6091923 $45,000

PEN

Jonvick Creek Sites 11 lots available from 1.5 - 4.8 acres In the heart of Lutsen, just off the Caribou Trail. Maples, Pines, and cedars in varied arrangements will make a great back-drop for your home or cabin. Each property adjoins public land making your space seem even more private. $29,900 $49,900

TBD Jackson Lake Rd

38A with unbelievable, top of the world panoramic views of Lake Superior, the surrounding hills, ponds & streams. New driveway in place and is surrounded by State land on 3 sides.

MLS 6095246 $149,900

23XX Lima Grade

Are you searching for a private 20A on the Gunflint Trail and the feeling of your own private wilderness area? This is it! Lot is bordered by the BWCA, National Forest and the Poplar Creek runs through it.

MLS 6095243 $89,900

Considering Buying or Selling? The market transformed in 2020. When you’re ready to assess your property’s value, contact us to discuss the current conditions and how it impacts you. NORTHERN WILDS

MAY 2021

REALTORS®: Mike Raymond, Broker • Gail J. Englund, GRI • Linda Garrity, Realtor Cathy Hahn, ABR/GRI • Larry Dean, Realtor • Jake Patten, Realtor • Jess Smith, Realtor

Red Pine Realty • (800) 387-9599 (218) 387-9599 • Fax (218) 387-9598 • info@RedPineRealty.com PO Box 938, 14 S. Broadway, Grand Marais, MN 55604

LAKE SUPERIOR PROPERTIES SUPERIOR LOCATION, WATERFRONT IN GRAND MARAIS.

SOLD

NEW! LAKE SUPERIOR – LEVEL LOT, GREAT VIEWS

This 1.76 acre lot has 214 feet of rugged rocky shore. Building site close to the water’s edge in mature spruce trees. South and east views of sun rises and moon rises. Secluded area adjoining state land. A great home site from which to watch the crashing waves.

Situated on 160 ft of stunning shoreline with awesome views of the east bay and Artist Point, this early homestead has great commercial potential, or use as a residential home. The large 2 bdrm, 3 bath home has many options for an Inn or B&B. Two garages, one with living space above, plus a charming shed. MLS#6090933, MLS#6091122 $650,000

IT'S A “SHORE THING”!

SALIENG PE N D

Open living concept. "Chef's" kitchen. Lake views. Beautiful "Thunder Bay" Amethyst fireplace will amaze you! Location - short drive to Grand Marais. Afternoon tea at Naniboujou. Hike Devil's Kettle. Fishing the Brule! But even better - just a few level steps out your front door to the "Superior" Lake.

MLS#6095252 $499,900 HOVLAND CABIN ON SUPERIOR.

SALIENG PE N D

Over 340 feet of shoreline on Lake Superior, and 120 feet of additional shoreline on Carlson Creek! The cabin features vertical Aspen halflog exterior, with wood panel interior. The creek flowing through the property gives you your own spot to hook some spring steelhead. MLS#6090311

$280,000

BIG VIEWS ON FIVE ACRES. This cabin sits on

almost 5 acres of land and includes 543 feet of Lake Superior shoreline in the Big Bay area of Hovland. Whether or not you are looking to build your dream home or use this as is for a getaway you will have some amazing views on the Big Lake.

SALIENG PE N D

MLS#6086940 $239,000

SALIENG PE N D

LAKE SUPERIOR – ENCHANTING BIG BAY.

This lot has great lake views and looks east to the ridges running up the coast. An old cabin is situated right along the shore. Nice home sites with access to power and Broadband. The woods is deep and enchanting with large spruce and moss covered boulders. End of the road privacy. MLS#6088024

$219,000

STUNNING PANORAMIC VIEWS.

Beautiful, very private residential lot on Lake Superior in Chimney Rock Platted development. Premier quality with stunning elevated and panoramic views of the big Lake. The over sized septic in and paid. MLS#6092289

$204,500

INLAND WATER PROPERTIES

MLS#6095526 $199,900 LAKE SUPERIOR, BIG BAY, BIG VIEWS.

Dense spruce forest, moss covered boulders and privacy make this a classic Lake Superior lot. 200 feet of shore with partial driveway in place, shared road maintenance, power and Broadband ready to go. Easy access from Hwy 61, secluded feeling location, adjoining state land.

SALIENG PE N D

LEVEL LOT, NICE WOODS, EASY SHORE

This Devil Track Lake lot has easy access from a county road, power, phone and great building site. South shore, 200+ ft. frontage, great views. Build your home on the lake here!

MLS#6078259 $198,000

TOM LAKE LOT WITH DOCK.

Imagine owning over 650 feet of shoreline on a fantastic walleye lake! The driveway is in and the dock is at the shoreline. Gentle slope with nice building sites. Electric and broadband are nearby, year round access.

MLS#6083761 $169,900

NORTH FOWL LAKE CABIN. Only a

lucky few get to own cabins here. Remote water access from the US side, or drive in to the landing on Ontario side. Stunning views, easy access to the BWCA. The 2 bdrm cabin is one of the nicest remote cabins you'll find. Includes a great sauna.

MLS#6094964 $172,900

INLAND WATER PROPERTIES LARGE TWO ISLAND LAKE RETREAT - GRAND MARAIS.

This 46+ acre property includes a peninsula with outstanding lake views. Wide creek and tons of wildlife. Privacy assured with over 1600 ft of lake front, plus over 2000 ft of creek. Literally walk to the BWCAW. Charming 4-season, 2 bdrm cabin with large dock and easy lakeshore access. Property can be sub-divided. MLS#6087574 $845,900

TOM LAKE ESCAPE.

This cabin boasts 195 ft of gorgeous shoreline on Tom Lake, manicured lawn, and covered deck space on two sides of the house for relaxing and entertaining! Lake draw water, a mound septic system and generator power. Additional land and lakeshore available for purchase. Year round access. MLS#6092306 $339,000

LARGE, PRIVATE RETREAT – TOM LAKE.

This original family cabin is well built and in good shape, tucked into a large private tract on beautiful Tom Lake. 52 acres of pine and cedar with 1287' private shoreline. Adjoining state land for plenty of room to explore. This is a rare find. MLS#6092390 $324,900

MLS#6023214 $139,900

GUNFLINT TRAIL LOT – LOON LAKE.

SOLD

This heavily wooded lot has 300 feet of shoreline on beautiful Loon Lake. Views are pristine looking to Federal land across the lake. The shoreline is great, the home site is high with great views. Power, Broadband and year round road access. MLS#6095219 $135,000

TWO EXCEPTIONAL TOM LAKE LOTS.

These special properties offer opportunities. One lot is a beautiful forested peninsula with cove, and the other has a nice mix of tree cover and open build sites. Accessible, yet away from it all. Build your dream here! MLS#6092307

$97,000, MLS#6092308 $129,000 PRIVATE TOM LAKE LOT. 25 acres and 671 ft of shoreline on a great walleye lake! Nice white pines, fantastic rock outcropping for your dock. Remote access - no road easements are in place. You can visit this spot by boat or snowmobile.

MLS#6083597 $99,999 WOW, LAKE PRIVACY AND HUGE REDUCED PRICE! 20 acres on beautiful Lost Lake, a private, remote wilderness

lake with only a few parcels. It holds the mystique of a hidden lake full of hungry trout. Privacy is guaranteed because all lots are 20 acres in size. This outstanding lot has huge white pines, a cabin site on a knoll looking south over the whole lake, and great accessible shoreline for your dock. Seasonal road access.

MLS#6094952 $99,900

www.RedPineRealty.com • Locally owned and operated since 1996 • info@RedPineRealty.com 52

MAY 2021

NORTHERN WILDS

INLAND WATER PROPERTIES & CABINS REALTORS®: Mike Raymond, Broker • Gail J.HOMES Englund, GRI • Linda Garrity, Realtor

Cathy Hahn, ABR/GRI • Larry Dean, Realtor • Jake Patten, Realtor • Jess Smith, Realtor TOP OF THE

SOLITUDE ON LOON LAKE. Three great lots on

RUSTIC HOVLAND RETREAT.

Red Pine Realty • (800) 387-9599

the south side of Loon Lake. Fantastic shoreline, beautiful views, many nice trees. Located near the Gunflint Trail on a private road. Driveway in with power on the lot line. MLS#6089603

$94,900 PENDING, 6089604 $96,000, 6089606 $88,000

LINE LIVING.

Secluded 30 acres. Magnificent 2 bdrm, 2 bath home features: marble tile floors, • Fax (218) 387-9598 • info@RedPineRealty.com (218) 387-9599 soaring cathedral POstone Boxfireplace, 938, 14 S. Broadway, Grand Marais, MN 55604 ceilings, a master bath with hot tub and sauna, marble stairs and local artist's work etched in the glass surrounding the loft. Incredible elegance and outdoor appeal. Attached 2000 square ft garage has huge boat storage bay, perfect workshop space and a guest space in the 2nd level.

SOLD

MLS#6090303 $74,900

COMMERCIAL

MLS#6094773 $675,000

ESCAPE TO NINEMILE LAKE. Nice, quiet

SALIENG PE N D

lake between Tofte and Finland known for its recreational opportunities. 2.9 acres very near the BWCAW. Good snowmobile access to the Tomahawk Trail and miles of trail riding.

MLS#6085601 $59,900

BEAUTIFUL PRIVATE LOT ON HARE LAKE

Deep, private lot with maple, spruce and cedars, accessible shoreline and nice elevated building site. Power and cell phone service. This area is surrounded by U.S.F.S. lands near Finland and Isabella. Priced to sell!

MLS#6093661 $53,900

THE BALLY HOUSE B&B. Seeped in deep history and an abundance of charm and class, The Bally House Bed & Breakfast is now available. Not only does it have 4 guests rooms (each w/ their own bathroom), but the owner's home/quarters is spectacular itself. Absolutely turn-key. Updated throughout and lovingly maintained. Massive garage, lovely little stone garage, garden shed, unbelievable grounds. MLS#6092798, 6092800 $649,000 CLASSIC LOG HOME – SCENIC MOOSE VALLEY. Beautifully crafted, 4 bdrm log home on 81 acres with a mountainlike setting. Large kitchen, large walk out basement, huge heated garage with work shop, two historic cabins used for storage, small creek and thousands of acres of adjoining state forest to explore. MLS#6089088 $446,000

SOLD

SECLUDED LOT W/ LAKE ACCESS LOT. This 3.8 acre densely

wooded lot has good access off a county road, and the Tomahawk Snowmobile Trail. Includes a 1.2 acre lot on Hare Lake. Perfect place to keep your boat and water accessories. The 2 lots are permanently joined by deed restriction. There is power and cell phone service..Only 20 minutes to Lutsen ski and golf! MLS#6094774

SPACIOUS 4 BEDROOM HOME.

What a buy! 18 miles from Grand Marais. Large 4 bedroom home AND 4 car heated garage nestled in the woods on the edge of Hovland. Potential for downstairs apartment.

$44,900

GREAT PRICE LAKE LOT. Deep

SALIENG PE N D

A small log cabin on 40 acres highlighted by rolling hills and some mature white pines. This is a very pretty property near Devil Fish Lake. Real log construction in this simple, yet functional cabin.

woods, seclusion and nice views from this Tom Lake lot. This is the desired west side of the lake with access from the Camp 20 Rd. Enjoy a peaceful lake property with good access. Adjacent land available.

MLS#6085287 $43,900

REMOTE HIDE-A-WAY. Charming custom built 2 bdrm, 2 bath cabin tucked in the woods overlooking a beaver pond. Screened porch for summer dining. A cozy Franklin stove warms the whole building. The full basement is a complete guest space. Generator power and over 100 acres to explore. MLS#6029349 $244,000

SALIENG PE N D

MLS#6094777 $239,900

SOLD

GETAWAY COTTAGE NEAR DEVIL TRACK RIVER. This little cottage needs some good TLC, but it's a start for someone who wants a seasonal getaway at an affordable price. Spacious yard, surrounded by towering pines and poplars. Property boundary is steps away from Devil Track River. MLS#6085486 $76,000

BIG OPPORTUNITY, MANY POSSIBILITIES

Prime commercial location in Hovland with 1000 feet of Highway 61 frontage. Large commercial space, with a small 2 bedroom home and 1 functioning rental cottage. Many new improvements and upgrades. Two other small cabins could be rented. Large 2-car garage plus 2 sheds. This site has been a centrally located historical business location and has many options for your entrepreneurial pursuits. MLS#6095045 $287,000

PROSPERITY AWAITS - Fantastic business/commercial

opportunity right in the heart of downtown Grand Marais. Bring your ideas and become part of a supportive and welcoming community! MLS#6094481

$189,000 GRAND MARAIS OPPORTUNITY.

This is a rare opportunity to acquire vacant commercial property in Grand Marais, and your business options are nearly endless! Zoned Service Commercial/Industrial, any type of business is possible here. Property includes a paved driveway and frontage on Highway 61.

MLS#6092309 $168,000 LARGE GRAND MARAIS LOT. Nice 3.60 acre commercial

lot with potential for multi family housing subject to city approval. Good location on the west end of Grand Marais just off Hwy 61. Easy access to the bike trail. MLS#6089284 $149,500

RIVER/CREEK FRONTAGE BRULE RIVER CABIN SOLITUDE- 1,300+ ft. of

Brule River frontage with 80 acres, a log/wood cabin, sauna/storage & outhouse. No techy devices needed...unplug! Paddle/swim/ fish...(hello, BWCA!!) The cabin is outfitted with a wood burning stove, propane on site, comfortable furnishings, an incredible cook stove, ample sleeping space and plenty of storage. MLS#6094305 $425,000

SPACIOUS LOG HOMESTEAD - Beautiful

SOLD

log house (2bdrm, 2 bath), on 10 acres with plenty of space. Property has river frontage on the Flute Reed and space to hike around in the evergreen forest. No shortage of garage space for vehicles and outdoor toys in the 2 car garage and large pole barn. Includes a small guest cabin. MLS#6094771 $349,000

LARGE TRACT WITH CREEK.

This 319 acre parcel has ponds & creek frontage on the Flute Reed River. Great for hunting or homesteading. Access is by unimproved easement from the Camp 20 Road, near county maintenance. The land may be split - take your pick of "40's"! MLS#6095106 $258,000

GREAT HUNTING LAND

Easily accessible via the logging road at Casper's Hill Rd and runs east through the 158 acres. Includes creek front footage, aspen, balsam and spruce stands. Abundant deer sign, and good grouse habitat. East side of property abuts Judge Magney State Park. Property is subject to SFIA land use covenants. MLS#6094370 $199,000

www.RedPineRealty.com • Locally owned and operated since 1996 • info@RedPineRealty.com NORTHERN WILDS

MAY 2021

REALTORS®: Mike Raymond, Broker • Gail J. Englund, GRI • Linda Garrity, Realtor Cathy Hahn, ABR/GRI • Larry Dean, Realtor • Jake Patten, Realtor • Jess Smith, Realtor

Red Pine Realty • (800) 387-9599 (218) 387-9599 • Fax (218) 387-9598 • info@RedPineRealty.com PO Box 938, 14 S. Broadway, Grand Marais, MN 55604

LAND/BUILDING SITES

RIVER/CREEK FRONTAGE SWEET HIDE-A-WAY ON CREEK.

Sit on your screen porch overlooking the Carlson Creek valley and listen to the babbling brook. Cute 2 room cabin + loft is simple and designed as an easy retreat with no power or cell phones, just nature and the flowing creek. Warm wood stove and updated kitchen with beautiful hickory cabinets. MLS#6091758 $120,000

SALIENG PE N D DEEP WOODS, MONS CREEK.

Nice “40” with good tree cover and creek frontage, where you could launch your canoe. There's a great building site overlooking Mons Creek from a high point. Good road access, but private and secluded. The property has private deeded access to Lost Lake, which is a short walk away. Wilderness feel. New trail cut into the property so you can see the potential!

MLS#6089091 $58,900 WOODS, WATER & SECLUSION.

Three 40 acre lots with 600 to 1000 ft frontage on Mons Creek. Also includes deeded access to Lost Lake. Private and secluded. MLS#6089089 $69,900

or MLS#6089091 $58,900 or MLS#6089090 $69,900 NICE HOME SITE NEAR GRAND MARAIS. Nice elevation and views from this 6.75

acre lot off of County Rd 6 just minutes from town. Frontage on Little Devil Track River. MLS#6031740

$51,000

500’ ON MONS CREEK.

Mixed topography of beautiful rolling land with many great build sites on 25 acres. Old growth cedar, spruce, pine and birch. Abuts

state land. MLS#6029353 $37,000

LAND/BUILDING SITES GREAT HUNTING LAND.

Easily accessible via the logging road that starts at Casper's Hill Road and runs east through the majority of the 158 acres. Includes creek front footage, as well as aspen, balsam and spruce stands. Abundant deer sign, and good grouse habitat. Plenty of space to explore on an ATV or mountain bike. East side of property abuts Judge Magney State Park. Property is subject to SFIA land use covenants.

MLS#6094370 $199,000

SPECTACULAR LAKE VIEW.

Expansive lake views and enchanting forest make up a unique 13 acre parcel. Just 15 minutes from Grand Marais, and a short walk to Lake Superior's shore. Power and Broadband are available. Shared driveway leads almost to the property line. MLS#6090230 $132,000

INCREASINGLY RARE, LARGE RECREATIONAL PARCEL. 190 arces fully

surveyed. The perfect retreat. Has a rich variety of trees, ponds, high and low lands, some meadow land and wetlands. MLS#6029820 $129,000

LARGE WOODED ESCAPE. A rare 80 acre retreat or home site just off county road with power and Broadband nearby. Great location in remote area of Cook County with close proximity to Lake Superior and miles of trails and back roads to roam. Many good building sites. MLS#6090145 $109,900 HUGE POND-HUGE PRIVACY.

Large 45+ acre wooded parcel located across from Tom Lake. Huge pond/lake in the very center of the acreage.

MLS#6083920 $90,000 LARGE PARCEL NEAR SHORE.

This heavily wooded 12 acre parcel is within a short walk to the shore of Lake Superior. Great lake affect and plenty of privacy. Rough shared driveway in place. Close to Broadband and power. Older travel trailer included.

MLS#6090231 $87,900 10 ACRE LOTS NEAR GRAND MARAIS. Four 10 acre lots only a few miles from

Grand Marais on County Rd 48 and Bally Creek Rd. Some Lake Superior views and potential for more! Several driveways are in with buried electric along the northern border. New culverts, nice build sites, new survey.

MLS#6091811 $75,000 MATURE WOODS, LAKE VIEW, CLOSE TO GRAND MARAIS.

SALIENG Great 20 acre parcel on County Road 14 with mature forest PE N D and Lake Superior views. Good area for a home or recreational property. Could be subdivided. MLS#6086641 $74,900

40 OF PINES NEAR TOM LAKE.

40 acres with good road access and an easy walk to the Tom Lake boat landing. Year-round road, power is possible here. Many great building sites. Nice forest of plated pine. Great recreational area. Adjoins state land. Easy access to trails and other lakes.

MLS#6095108 $69,900

HIDDEN GEM IN HOVLAND. Explore 40

acres of seclusion with dramatic views from the south facing bluff. Beautiful mixed forest and abundant wildlife. Small gravel pit for your future building needs. The neighbors have electricity and the road has been kept open all winter through a road association. MLS#6076192

$68,000

CREATE YOUR OWN NORTH SHORE HAVEN.

SALIENG PE N D

Beautifully wooded and conveniently located parcel, 11.03 acres, that would make a fantastic place to build your year-round home or cabin. Private, nicely buffered between "neighbors". Cty. Rd. 48 is accessible year-round and offers a lovely drive that offers that "Up North" feel that so many search for.

MLS#6095284 $67,900

FORTY WITH PONDS – COUNTY RD FRONTAGE. This 40 acre parcel has beaver

SALIENG D PEN$65,000 MLS#6076727

ponds, adjoining federal land and easy access with frontage on County Rd 14. Just 15 minutes from Grand Marais. 1000s of acres of USFS lands on the west border.

LARGE LAND, POND, LAKE RIGHTS.

Densely wooded 60 acre parcel with beaver ponds and access to Lost Lake. Good seasonal road access, many great building sites and southerly exposure.

MLS#6086104 $63,900 LAKE SUPERIOR VIEWS – GREAT LOCATION.

Five heavily wooded acres with driveway to a beautiful building site. Great lake view! Only minutes to Grand Marais. Nice mix of trees, quiet dead-end road, south exposure, power and Broadband nearby. Perfect for your home in the woods.

MLS#6086767 $63,000 GREAT LOCATION HOME SITES.

Just minutes from Grand Marais on black top County Rd 7 are two 5+ acre lots with easy access to power and Broadband. Good building sites. MLS#6094098

$62,900, MLS#6094099 $42,900 LARGE ACREAGE NEAR TOM LAKE.

Two parcels with 40 acres near year round road access and power. An easy walk to the Tom Lake boat landing. Shared easement granted to build driveway into property. Many great building sites. Great recreational area. Easy access to trails and other lakes.

MLS#6095113, 6095114 $60,000 each GRAND MARAIS VACANT LOT. Nicely wooded parcel on quiet street in the west end of town. Three full city lots facing south with city street, curb and gutter, utilities near by. Short walking distance to the harbor. MLS#6093024 $59,900

LARGE LAND, MAPLES, LAKE ACCESS. This 67 acre parcel has high maple ridges,

a pond, and an easement to walk to Tom Lake. Many trails to ride and forest to explore. MLS#6085291

$59,900

GREAT LOCATION HOME SITE. Close to Grand Marais, off of blacktop county roads and near Devil Track Lake, this is a great site for your home or cabin. Thousands of acres of public lands out your back door. This 5.71 acre parcel has power and Broadband available at the road.

SALIENG PE N D

MLS#6095232 $52,900 4 TOFTE LOTS. These lots (approx. 2

SOLD

acres each) offer electric and walking distance from downtown Tofte! Perfect location to build a year-round home. Potential for Lake Superior views from some lots.

MLS#6093756-59 $51,800 - $63,300 WOODED SECLUSION IN GRAND MARAIS.

Several great wooded lots on the west side of Grand Marais, a mile from down town. Close to the bike trail with privacy on a dead end road. Septic and wells allowed, power and broadband available. MLS#6087223,

26, 28 $49,900 – 58,500

END OF THE ROAD PRIVACY This deeply wooded lot has 6.08 acres and sits at the end of the road adjoining federal land. Good road access, power and Broadband. Only 10 minutes from Grand Marais. Nice high site for a home or cabin with plenty of privacy.

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MLS#6095433 $54,900 NEW! DEEP WOODS LOT – CLOSE TO TOWN Five acre lot adjoining USFS land with

power/phone/Broadband at the lot. Great location near Grand Marais, good road access and very secluded location. MLS#6095430 $53,900

NEW! DEEP WOODS LOT NEAR GRAND MARAIS This high 6.08 home site

has good road access, power and Broadband. Nice elevation with mature forest. A super site for your home or cabin. MLS#6095431 $53,900

NEW! NATURE LOVERS PARADISE Broadband and electric on a year

round, school bus route! This is a mature, wooded 5 acre lot with spruce, poplar, birch, cedar and Balsam. There is ample space for building your new home. Notice the huge National Forest land on the back side of the property. This is a nature lovers paradise, deer, grouse, wolf and fox hanging out in your backyard.

MLS#6095674 $53,000 NEW! GREAT LOCATION – 5 WOODED ACRES Only 10 minutes to Grand

Marais, this 5 acre parcel is heavily wooded with good road access.Power and Broadband at the road. Nice mature forest. A perfect home site!

MLS#6095435 $52,900 NEW! BEAUTIFUL HOME SITE – NEAR GRAND MARAIS This 5.61 acre

lot has adjoining USFS land, mature trees and lots of privacy. Just minutes from town on Maple Hill. Power/ phone/Broadband at the site. Ready for you to build your country home. MLS#6095429 $51,900

NEW! DEEPLY WOODED 5 ACRES

This nice 5 acre parcel has many good building sites, easy access to power and Broadband. Good road access and only 10 minutes to Grand Marais. A great location for a home or cabin near lakes, trails and wilderness.

MLS#6095434 $50,900 NEW! BUILDING SITE 10 MINUTES FROM GRAND MARAIS Deep wooded lot with 5.31 acres. Power and Broadband. Good road access. Easy access to trails and lakes. Great spot to build your home in the woods.

MLS#6095432 $49,900

20 ACRES WITH LAKE VIEWS

Beautiful 20 acre parcel with lake views!! If it's hunting you want, good luck finding 20 acres that can compete. Property borders reservation land on the north and east sides and Federal land to the south. The land is covered with beautiful trees and wildlife! Currently there is no road to the property, which is factored into the asking price. MLS#6094977 $49,000

SALIENG PE N D

BUILDING SITE OVERLOOKING MCFARLAND. This pine studded 7 acre

property has easy walking access to the county beach on McFarland Lake. Nice elevated build site with easy county road access. MLS#6085111 $43,000

FORTY ACRES NEAR FINLAND

Old homestead property in “Cramer” adjoining state land, and very close to Cramer Lake. No road access.

MLS#6095233 $34,900

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