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Frozen Lake Surface Use Plan
Voyageurs National Park » Frozen Lake Surface Use Plan » Document List
Notice of NEPA Termination
May 6, 2025
Termination of Frozen Lake Surface Use Plan Environmental Assessment
Voyageurs National Park is terminating the Frozen Lake Surface Use Plan/Environmental Assessment (EA). The decision was made after careful consideration of the information and public comment received during the planning process.
The plan sought to define vehicle use on the frozen lakes surface of Lake Kabetogama and certain portions of Rainy Lake in order to provide reasonable access which would be consistent with National Park Service regulations. The initial National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) process showed no additional resource impacts compared to that which already occur during summer months due to the use of motorboats. This indicated an EA related to the use is unnecessary, warranting the termination of the NEPA process.
The National Park Service began this planning effort with a pre- process that concluded in early 2021. The park held a series of civic engagement meetings in April 2023 where staff shared the park's preliminary proposal for frozen lake surface management. The NPS also held public scoping meetings in June 2024. The NPS reviewed and considered numerous comments that were received in 2023 and 2024. The NPS team consulted with local, state, and federal officials regarding frozen lake surface management.
Park staff appreciate the comments and public engagement throughout the last several years. Information gathered will be used to inform future efforts to manage the frozen lake surface at Voyageurs National Park. All materials will remain on the project website for future reference.
Contact: Kate Severson, Public Information Officer
Katherine_Severson@nps.gov
218-283-6670
May 6, 2025
Termination of Frozen Lake Surface Use Plan Environmental Assessment
Voyageurs National Park is terminating the Frozen Lake Surface Use Plan/Environmental Assessment (EA). The decision was made after careful consideration of the information and public comment received during the planning process.
The plan sought to define vehicle use on the frozen lakes surface of Lake Kabetogama and certain portions of Rainy Lake in order to provide reasonable access which would be consistent with National Park Service regulations. The initial National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) process showed no additional resource impacts compared to that which already occur during summer months due to the use of motorboats. This indicated an EA related to the use is unnecessary, warranting the termination of the NEPA process.
The National Park Service began this planning effort with a pre- process that concluded in early 2021. The park held a series of civic engagement meetings in April 2023 where staff shared the park's preliminary proposal for frozen lake surface management. The NPS also held public scoping meetings in June 2024. The NPS reviewed and considered numerous comments that were received in 2023 and 2024. The NPS team consulted with local, state, and federal officials regarding frozen lake surface management.
Park staff appreciate the comments and public engagement throughout the last several years. Information gathered will be used to inform future efforts to manage the frozen lake surface at Voyageurs National Park. All materials will remain on the project website for future reference.
Contact Information
Voyageurs National ParkContact: Kate Severson, Public Information Officer
Katherine_Severson@nps.gov
218-283-6670