Frequently Asked Questions

ATV Primary Corridor Trail Proposal in Eagles Nest

EAGLES NEST TRAILS ADVOCACY GROUP

Preserving the Tranquility

What is the issue? 

The Prospector ATV Trail Club has proposed a permanent primary corridor ATV trail through Eagles Nest Township, promoting 100s of tourist/recreational ATV riders through our community regularly, with 1000s over a season. Their current proposed trail would be just north of Eagles Nest Lake Four which negatively impacts over 100 homes and cabins on or near Armstrong Lake, Eagles Nest Lakes, and Six Mile Lake, with the noise affecting many more.

For now, a temporary primary corridor ATV trail runs through Eagles Nest on Bear Head State Park Road to Trygg Road using a cutover trail built September 2021 to connect these two roads. The Prospector Club contacted the St. Louis County Land Department to permit the trail and were granted temporary access to this strip of land.

The added volume of ATV clubs and riders will swell the traffic on Bear Head State Park Road already heavily traveled by park visitors, bikers, and walkers.  The township roads have been used by people in our community to ride their ATVs without complaints.  Now these roads and many homes, cabins, and lakes are impacted by the Club’s actions so outsiders can stream through our community on their day’s adventure.

Who are we? 

The Eagles Nest Trails Advocacy Group is made up of local residents. As our mission states, we oppose “any trail that funnels a higher volume of ATVs from outside our community through our peaceful residential neighborhood areas. Our utmost concerns include increased traffic, noise, speed, safety and environmental degradation that diminish the quality of life we all cherish.” 

Why do we oppose the proposed Primary Corridor ATV Club Trail? 

Developing a primary corridor trail (also referred to as an “ATV Highway”) near our homes, cabins, and lakes of Eagles Nest is not compatible with the peace, quiet enjoyment and quality of life we deeply value. 

But . . . “I Live in Eagle’s Nest and I like to ride my ATV.” 

We support the use of ATVs by Eagles Nest residents on our local roads and trails! However, the expected influx of 1000s of tourist and rental ATVs riding for sport from May - October each year will produce significant noise, environmental, and safety concerns. These highly funded and well advertised trail systems are not built primarily for area residents, but are designed for the economic gain of commercial enterprises. We aren’t against ATVs - we are opposed to the magnitude of traffic this primary corridor will bring through our community. 

Won’t this help us economically? 

County, State and Federal governmental entities are making substantial investments in developing ATV trail systems because of the potential for economic growth from tourism. Eagles Nest Township is a residential community – without business activity – and will not directly benefit from the proposed trail.

Will there really be 100s of visitors regularly through the area, with 1000s in a season? 

The new ATV trail will result in a substantial number of tourists visiting the area. In fact, many stakeholders are currently making investments to benefit financially from the magnitude of ATV tourism. 

                           ● New ATV campgrounds are being developed in Babbitt and in Soudan. 

● The Prospector Club trail proposal creates a shorter route from Ely to the new ATV Soudan Campground funneling riders directly through Eagles Nest. 

● ATV rental hubs have been established in Tower and Ely, in anticipation of significant ATV rentals. Rental fleets are strongly promoted by the powerful ATV industries. 

● State taxes and the IRRRB have allocated approximately 8-10 million dollars toward the local trail system, the Ely Trailhead/visitors center, and the two campgrounds. 

● Local, state and national ATV Clubs advertise heavily to a large following for week-long and weekend adventure. Rallies and club rides will follow in the area. The ATV industry and other promoters are sponsoring cross-country and touring experiences for tourism.  

Are there other route options? 

Yes - a viable primary corridor trail currently exists. However, the ATV Club feels they need a shorter route with a “convenient loop.” 

If a new route is actually needed, there are other viable routes that must be considered. With all of the acres of state and county land surrounding Eagles Nest Township there is no justifiable reason to intrude into our residential areas. Our group is encouraging alternative routes outside of our area. 

What can I do? 

Show your support for quiet enjoyment of life in Eagles Nest Township! The quiet enjoyment and environmental integrity of our neighborhood is at stake. 

● Sign the Eagles Nest Trails Advocacy petition - in person or on our website at eagles nest trails petition

● Talk to the Board of Supervisors of Eagles Nest individually and attend monthly meetings on the 3rd Wednesday of the month at 5:00pm. Join meetings in person or via ZOOM. A ZOOM link can be found on this website: https://www.eaglesnestmn.com/ 

● Write to the editors of the Timberjay (timberjaynews@gmail.com) and the Ely Echo (https://www.elyecho.com/content/letter-editor) to voice your opposition to a primary corridor through Eagles Nest. 

● Write or call the following stakeholders to express your opposition: