ELY — The Superior National Forest plans to begin prescribed burns as early as this week.
In a Thursday, Sept. 11, news release, the agency said the pile burns will begin on the eastern side of the Forest’s Gunflint and Tofte ranger districts, pending required approvals. The western side of the forest will see prescribed burns when conditions improve.
The work is likely to continue through December as weather conditions allow. Prescribed burns are used to reduce overgrown vegetation to help protect from wildfires.
"Prescribed fire is any fire ignited by management actions to meet specific objectives," stated the USDA on a webpage. "We use it as a tool for fuels reduction, vegetation management and wildlife habitat maintenance."
The Gunflint burn areas include approximately 1,500 acres. The Tofte burn areas include about 1,600 acres.
Weather conditions will be evaluated before burns begin and county emergency management officials will be notified of prescribed burning activity.
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Plus: Causes of BWCAW-area wildfires determined; Brainerd educators reach tentative agreement on overdue contract; and rural Northland athletes take home 87 medals in track and field. -
Contributed/U.S. Forest Service - Superior National ForestA few wilderness campsites may be closed, but there are no other closures in the Boundary Waters. There is currently a campfire ban within the area because of dry conditions. -
Contributed/Aitkin Youth Baseball Facebook pageThe Gobblers won a close 1-0 game against the top-seeded Duluth-Marshall to advance, while Red Lake County looks to defend the title and Grand Rapids makes its 6th-straight appearance. -
Contributed/Wolf Ridge Environmental Learning CenterA conservation easement will protect the property spanning forests, wetlands, cliffs and streams. Half of the protected acreage is considered to be "high biodiversity." -
Megan Buffington/KAXEThe comprehensive plan will help shape topics such as housing, transportation, economic development, parks and recreation, community facilities, infrastructure and taxes. -
This is the Up North Lookback, where we’re digging into the local news archives from 50 years ago — the year KAXE was born. It’s the week of June 8.
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After a short 2024 season and skipping a season in 2025, the Paul Bunyan Playhouse is back with a full season in 2026.
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Plus: A new conservation easement protects more than 900 acres on North Shore; Cohasset to host comprehensive plan meeting; and more Northland HS sports results.
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Megan Buffington/KAXEHarper is accused of resisting arrest by Deputy Michael Cowan on May 4, 2026 as deputies attempted to serve an arrest warrant in Max, in rural northwestern Itasca County. -
Contributed/Rock Ridge Public Schools via FacebookIt was the team's sixth-straight state tournament. Singles and duos from Rock Ridge and other rural Northland schools also hit the courts in tourney action.
