Great American Outdoors Act Monies Coming To Kawishwi District To Fund Multiple Projects

The Superior National Forest announced that as part of the Great American Outdoors Act four local projects have been selected for fiscal year 2021.

The selected projects will be the first round of improvements to address deferred maintenance on the Forest while improving visitors’ experience.

“The resources we have here at the Superior attract visitors from across the nation and our local communities. We want to provide a quality experience people will remember,” said Aaron Kania, Kawishiwi District Ranger.

“Upgrading and repairing these facilities, trails and campground amenities through Great American Outdoors Act funds will allow us to do just that and better handle increasing visitation.”

The Great American Outdoors Act responds to the growing $5.9 billion backlog of deferred maintenance on national forest and grasslands, which includes $3.7 billion for roads and bridges and $1.5 billion for visitor centers, campgrounds and other facilities.
This year’s selected projects on the Superior National Forest include:

• Forest Road 166 Cross River bridge repair and design – This project funds the design to repair the Cross River Bridge abutment and improve safe road conditions. Construction is anticipated in the summer of 2022.
• South Kawishiwi pavilion structural repair and restoration – Two rotting logs on the South Kawishiwi Pavilion will be replaced and a new accessible entrance will be constructed, allowing all to enjoy this historic building.
• Multiple Superior trails deferred maintenance and rehabilitation – This project includes trail maintenance on 13 trails over 20 miles, including trail bridge replacements, replacement of wooden staircases with rock stairways, repair and replacement of puncheon, and improvement to erosion control.
• Superior National Forest campgrounds amenity repairs and upgrades – 20 recreation facilities across the forest will receive facility upgrades. Projects include trail/ pathway maintenance, erosion control, pavilion updates, replacing and repairing docks and swimming platforms, replacement of picnic tables, tent pads, fire rings, and other minor constructed features.

In addition to these four projects, the Superior will replace seven toilet buildings across the forest using Great American Outdoors Act funds, as a part of a regional project.

These projects are part of the $285 million investment made possible by the newly created National Parks and Public Land Legacy Restoration Fund, established in 2020 by the Great American Outdoors Act...