Certain vehicles no longer allowed on snowmobile trails

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources reminds snowmobilers that only snowmobiles can operate on the state’s grant-in-aid trail system. Due to a change this year in the way a snowmobile is legally defined, certain vehicles are no longer allowed on the trail.
The new definition of a snowmobile no longer includes all-terrain vehicles (ATV) modified with aftermarket ski and track kits, said 1st Lt. Pat Znajda, DNR enforcement district supervisor in Baudette.
 
“The legal definition of a snowmobile is a self-propelled vehicle originally manufactured and designed for travel on snow or ice steered by skis or runners,” he said.

Snowmobiles do not include vehicles equipped with aftermarket ski and track configurations such as an ATV, an off-highway motorcycle, an off-road vehicle, a mini truck, a utility task vehicle, vans with tracks and skis and some bombardiers.

The grant-in-aid trail program is a cooperative effort between the DNR, local governments, local snowmobile organizations, and private landowners who provide the majority of Minnesota’s 22,000 miles of snowmobile trails.

Funded through snowmobile registration and snowmobile state trail sticker fees and gas taxes, the grant-in-aid program helps local groups and clubs develop and maintain trails. A snowmobile state trail sticker or a registration/trail sticker combination decal is required when operating on grant-in-aid trails.

Minnesota’s state and grant-in-aid snowmobile trails are open now through the end of March.
For more information, see the snowmobile laws, rules and regulations handbook at www.dnr.state.mn.us/regulations/snowmobile/index.html.

‘Minnesota Harvester Handbook’ guides enthusiasts to natural resources

ST. PAUL, Minn. (12/11/2014)—Harvesting sustainable natural resources is integral to the heritage of many Minnesotans. For a growing number of others, though, interest in tapping into our state’s abundant buffet of resources is reaching new levels.  How to harvest wisely?      

Developed by the University of Minnesota Extension, the newly released “Minnesota Harvester Handbook” has answers. Contributions come from a broad base of experts in this 118-page guide covering a wide array, including mushrooms, maple syrup and berries, as well as non-edibles such as wood for crafting.

“This guide isn’t just for people who own woods. It’s for those who have an interest in learning how to connect with nature through harvesting non-timber natural resources and doing so responsibly,” said Mike Reichenbach, Extension natural resources educator.

Resources are divided by the season of their harvest; its chapters delve into details such as where resources grow and how-to tips on harvesting. Photos throughout the guide help readers correctly identify items. In addition, the handbook offers exhaustive information on resources and their cultural importance, marketing, regulations regarding public and private land and more.

“Each chapter puts an emphasis on environmental benefits, sustainability and regrowth,” said Gary Wyatt, also an Extension natural resources educator.

The guide sells for $24.95. To learn more or order, visit http://z.umn.edu/rnd. Orders will be received in seven to ten days or less.

It will be a text for later introductory non-timber forest products classes offered by Extension. To learn more, visit Extension’s My Minnesota Woods page at http://www.myminnesotawoods.umn.edu/.  

Commerce Department reminds Minnesotans to keep propane tanks above one quarter full this winter

SAINT PAUL, MN – In Minnesota, being prepared for winter is always a necessity. The Minnesota Department of Commerce reminds Minnesotans who depend on propane and fuel oil for heat, to watch fuel tank levels and call your supplier before your tank goes below one quarter full.

“Planning ahead and making sure your propane and fuel oil tanks stay above a quarter full can help ensure your family stays safe and warm this winter,” said Commerce Commissioner Mike Rothman. “I encourage consumers who use these fuels to talk to their suppliers about scheduled delivery programs that will make sure you have the supply of fuel you need.”

The Department of Commerce also urges Minnesotans who need financial assistance to pay heating bills to see if they are eligible for help through the Low Income Heating Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). The Commerce Department administers LIHEAP in partnership with 31 local service providers throughout the state. LIHEAP is federally funded through the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. The program helps renters and homeowners earning at or below 50 percent of the state’s median income ($44,912 for a family of four) obtain grant money to help pay their heating bills.

The average annual grant per household last year was $500. Households with seniors, people with disabilities, veterans, and children are especially encouraged to apply.

To apply, contact the local service provider in your county by calling 1-800-657-3710 or visit the Energy Assistance Program section on the Division of Energy Resources website.

Use Alternative Heat Sources Safely

The State Fire Marshal (SFM) reminds residents to use caution when using alternative heating sources such as space heaters.

·         Keep anything flammable -- including pets and people -- at least three feet away from heating equipment.

·         Make sure portable space heaters have an automatic shut-off.

·         Turn portable heaters off when leaving the room or going to bed.

·         Space heaters need constant watching. Never leave a space heater on when you go to sleep. Never place a space heater close to any sleeping person.

·         Make sure all cords on electric heaters are in good shape and checked periodically for any frays or breaks in the insulation surrounding the wires.

·         Check the cord and outlet occasionally for overheating; if it feels hot, discontinue use.

·         Place the heater on a level, hard and nonflammable surface, not on rugs or carpets or near bedding or drapes.

·         Use a heater that has been tested to the latest safety standards and certified by a nationally recognized testing laboratory. These heaters will have the most up to date safety features; older space heaters may not meet the newer safety standards.

Preventing Carbon Monoxide (CO) poisoning

·         Make sure CO detectors are working throughout your home; Minnesota law requires CO alarms in every single family and multifamily dwelling.

·         Have a qualified technician inspect your fuel-burning appliances each year to ensure they are adequately vented and properly maintained. CO testing should be part of the inspection.

·         Make sure furnace exhaust vents, air intake hoods, and chimneys are clear of snow and ice in order to keep the heat on and prevent carbon monoxide poisoning.

·         Do not idle cars in garages, either attached or unattached, for any length of time. In both cases, start your car and exit the garage immediately. Dangerously high levels of CO will accumulate even if the garage door is open.

·         Provide adequate ventilation when using a fireplace, wood stove or space heater.

·         Portable propane camping equipment and gas barbecues are approved for outdoor use only. Never use them inside cabins, tents, fish houses, or other enclosed shelters.

·         If your car is stuck in snow, make sure that the tail pipe is cleared before starting the engine.

·         During power outages, do not use gasoline engines or burn charcoal in enclosed spaces, including garages, even if the door is open.

·         Never use kitchen stoves, gasoline heaters, or other alternative methods to heat your home if running into financial hardship.  Please contact the Department of CommerceEnergy Assistance Program to learn how you can apply for assistance to pay home heating costs.

Winter truck load increases begin Dec. 8 for central frost zone

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Winter truck load increases will begin Monday, Dec. 8, on unrestricted highways in the central frost zone, according to the Minnesota Department of Transportation.

Vehicles will be allowed to operate up to 10 percent over the standard legal maximum loads on unrestricted highways during the winter load Increase period. However, trucks must comply with current registration weight laws and not exceed registered gross weight tolerances.

Drivers should check with local agencies prior to increasing any weights on city, county and township routes. The sign erected on the roadway governs the load limit in effect. A winter weightincrease permit is required to take advantage of the 10 percent weight increase on interstate highways only; a permit is not required for state trunk highways.

For questions about legal weight/size trucking, call: Minnesota Department of Public Safety - State Patrol - Commercial Vehicle Enforcement; 651-405-6196 (select option 3, option 3).

For questions about over legal weight/size ‘heavy haul’ trucking, call: Minnesota Department of Transportation, Freight and Commercial Vehicle Operations - Oversize/Weight Permits, 651-296-6000 or email: ofcvopermits.dot@state.mn.us.

The start and end dates for winter load increases are based on how weather is affecting roadway strength. These dates are established by monitoring roadway strength as weather conditions change. Therefore, the ending date for winter load Increases is variable and drivers must check for updates throughout the year. Vehicle operators are required to check with MnDOT for the exact start and end dates.

All changes are made with a minimum three-day notice.

For the most current information, go to MnDOT’s automated 24-hour message center at 800-723-6543 for the U.S. and Canada, or locally at 651-366-5400 for the Minneapolis/St. Paul area. This information is also published on the MnDOT seasonal load limits website at www.mrr.dot.state.mn.us/research/seasonal_load_limits/sllindex.asp. 

Call for entries

A Woman's Perspective Multimedia Art Exhibitions and Events invites emerging and established artists to enter visual, literary, and performing art on the theme of SQUARE. Artists may enter works in more than one category. Open to everyone age 15 and older. No entry fees.

Entry forms are due Saturday, January 17, 2015. Visual art intake is Tuesday, January 27. Literary and performing art presentation is Sunday, February 8. Exhibition runs February 1-March 30, 2015 at the Hjemkomst Center in Moorhead MN.

Prospectus and entry information available at http://awp.handworks.org./