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STORIES -> Success Stories - Partnerships with Forest Service
Edge of the Wilderness, MN State Highway 38, Chippewa National Forest, Minnesota
![[Image]: Map showing the route of the byway.](/common/images/mn38_byway_map.gif)
The scenic byway initiative along Minnesota State Highway 38 has
connected the forest with communities, and forged a common vision in the future for the "Edge of the
Wilderness". Historically the region has been a natural resources based economy, relying heavily on
timber, first for wood products and later for to supply the paper industry. Recently there has been a
shift in industry, with a growing tourism base, and a reduction in the dependence on the wood fiber
industry.
The area is a rustic slice of Minnesota, with more than 1,000 lakes
nestled among towering pines, a landscape of remarkable natural beauty. The communities along highway 38,
working with the Chippewa National Forest, chose the scenic byway model as a way achieve the goals of both
the forest and the communities. As a byway, this highway became the thread that connected the forest and
the communities.
The Chippewa National Forest was the initial catalyst for promoting
the byways idea. In 1988, the Chief of the USDA Forest Service designated the highway as the Northwoods
Highway National Forest Scenic Byway.
The forest was able to cultivate partnerships with the communities
to define the valued character of the byway corridor and develop a strategy for the preservation of the
character. The community has united to foster community economic development through tourism that thrives
on maintaining the valued qualities of the area.
The forest joined with the Northern Itasca Joint Powers Board (NIJPB),
a consolidated governing body that represents five local community governments in northeast Minnesota. The
mission is of the NIJPB is to "retain the natural beauty of the area while progressing to provide our
diverse population with opportunity, economic viability, and a quality of life that will carry on into
future generations."
A joint task force with the NIJPB, the forest service, and other
community representatives was formed to develop a Corridor Management Plan for Highway 38. During this
process, they decided to nominate Highway 38 as a scenic byway. The 47-mile Edge of the Wilderness Scenic
Byway received state scenic byway designation in 1994 and National Scenic Byway designation in 1996. The
planning initiative led to the formation of a non-profit 501(c)(4) organization, the Minnesota Highway 38
Leadership Board.
Today, the Minnesota Highway 38 Leadership Board has over 100 voting
members representing a variety of entities and organizations--Itasca County, townships and cities along
the byway, state and county historical societies, local school districts, citizens-at-large, Minnesota
Timber Producers Association, retail businesses, service businesses, lake associations, Edge of the
Wilderness Business Association, Edge of the Wilderness Lodging Association, Grand Rapids Area Chamber of
Commerce, Grand Rapids Convention and Visitors Bureau, Bigfork Lions Club, and others. The Chippewa National
Forest continues to be an active partner with this organization.
One of the byway's strengths continues to be a reliance on partnerships.
The Leadership Board works hard to nurture positive relationships with key agencies and leaders at all
levels-local, regional, state, and national. Because of this, they have accumulated an impressive list of
accomplishments:
- Finished an interpretive plan and installed interpretive panels along the byway.
- Worked with the Chippewa National Forest and the Minnesota Division of Natural
Resources to create a Forest History Interpretive Plan.
- Created a Web page (www.scenicbyway.com) that was designed and managed by local
high school students.
![[Photo]: Interpretive kiosk.](/common/images/mn_byway_kiosk.jpg)
Constructed an interpretive kiosk and park in coordination with a new streetscape
and bridge for Bigfork, a gateway community. Kiosks were also constructed in Grand Rapids and Effie, with a
future one scheduled for Marcel.- Successfully support a paid byway coordinator position. This individual shares
office space at the U.S. Forest Service Marcell Ranger Station through a cooperative agreement.
- Programmed reconstruction of the entire byway to meet travel and safety needs
while maintaining and enhancing the byway's character.
- Created greater awareness of the byway through successful marketing,
communication, and public relations activities (such as community celebrations and dedication events).
- Raised funds for a variety of byway projects.
Funding for projects along the Edge of the Wilderness Scenic Byway have
been provided for a variety of sources:
- FHWA Scenic Byways Funds
- FHWA Transportation Enhancement Funds
- MN/DOT Appropriations
- USDA Economic Recovery Grants
- Forest Service Appropriations
- Itasca County Challenge Cost Share Grants
- Big Fork Lions Club Donations
- Edge of the Wilderness Endowment
This integrated approach has led to $8,872,000 in completed projects! An
additional $28,400,000 has been secured for a variety of future projects, including reconstruction of the
highway.
Life has always been a little bit harder for those folks who choose to
make their homes along the Edge of the Wilderness. Even the most rugged individuals realize there are some
things you can't accomplish alone. It's always been that way. Working together is an important way of life;
in fact, it's a matter of survival, in this 'neck of the woods.'
Contact: Mike Martin,
Recreation Planner; (218) 335-8633
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PARTNERING WITH THE FOREST SERVICE
