Iron Range Resources & Rehabilitation awarded 11 Regional Trails grants throughout the past 18 months totaling $371,050. The grants were for equipment that will be used by area trail clubs, communities and volunteers to maintain and groom trails throughout the agency’s 13,000 square-mile service area.

“We were very pleased to support these volunteers, clubs and communities with grants to help them purchase updated, efficient and safe equipment to maintain the region’s trails,” said Commissioner Ida Rukavina, Iron Range Resources & Rehabilitation. “Their dedication and willingness to give their time and expertise creates top quality trails that so many people enjoy, from year-round residents to tourists. Without these volunteers and club organizations, the cost for our local communities to maintain trails would be extremely high.”

The region’s recreational trails require frequent and ongoing maintenance to maintain rider quality and safety. Equipment acquired with the grants will help volunteers eliminate ruts, clear brush and trees, shape and improve trail surfaces. The volunteers help improve the quality of life for local residents and contribute to the tourism segment of the region’s economy.

The 11 recent grants include:

Babbitt ATV & Snowmobile Club: $15,000 – A snow cat groomer to maintain 57 miles of trails in the Babbitt area. Total project investment is $30,000. (Pictured.)

City of Hoyt Lakes: $50,000 – A skid steer vehicle with a bucket, forks and brush cutter attachments, which is used by Ranger Snowmobile & ATV Club to maintain trails on the East Iron Range. Total project investment is $119,909.

Itasca Driftskippers Snowmobile Club: $50,000 – A snowmobile trail groomer used to maintain 79 miles of trails in the Itasca County area. Total project investment is $293,000.

North Superior Ski & Run Club: $50,000 – A snow cat groomer to maintain over 15 miles of skiing, hiking and running trails at Pincushion Mountain in Grand Marais. Total project investment is $192,000.

North Superior Ski & Run Club: $2,500 – A flail mower to maintain over 15 miles of skiing, hiking and running trails at Pincushion Mountain in Grand Marais. Total project investment is $5,000.

Northern Lights Nordic Ski Club: $31,150 – Two snowmobiles that pull grooming attachments used to pack snow, create a track and maintain cross-country ski trails in the Itasca County/Grand Rapids area. The grant will also help purchase an ATV with tracks and a trailer to complete year-round trail maintenance such as mowing and removal of fallen timber. Total project investment is $62,300. (Pictured.)

Northern Lights Nordic Ski Club: $21,400 – A side-by-side ATV that is fitted with tracks and grooming and trail maintenance to maintain cross-country ski trails in the Itasca County/Grand Rapids area. Total project investment is $42,800.

Northern Traxx ATV Club: $50,000 – A dozer with an enclosed, climate-controlled cab and safety windshield to maintain 23 miles of off-highway recreational trails, 15 miles of roadway and 14 miles of potential upcoming trail in the Chisholm-Hibbing area. Total project investment is $129,000.

PathBlazers Snowmobile Club: $45,000 – A trail groomer to maintain 68 miles of trails in the Chisholm, Hibbing and Side Lake area. Total project investment is $90,000.

Superior Hiking Trail Association: $6,000 – An ATV to mobilize materials in remote sections of the Superior Hiking Trail which is a 300-mile network of multi-use trails, off-road vehicle trails and logging roads throughout the North Shore. Total project investment is $12,000.

Voyageurs Trail Society, Inc.: $50,000 – A snow cat grooming tractor to maintain a network of trails sandwiched between Voyageurs National Park and the David Dill/Arrowhead State Trail. Total project investment is $269,725. (Pictured.)

Regional Trails grants assist with the design, engineering and construction of various types of trails. Cities, townships, nonprofits, counties and tribal governments are eligible to apply. Email Jim Plummer or call him at 218-274-7006 for Regional Trails grant information.

St. Louis County (SLC) is in the process of demolishing a combined total of 22 structures using Residential Redevelopment grants from Iron Range Resources & Rehabilitation. Structures include:

• 7 houses.
• 6 garages.
• 7 accessory structures.

During the past 18 months, SLC was awarded eight grants totaling $34,860. These demolitions remove structures that have reached the end of their useful life and increase the probability for returning properties to private ownership. The locations include properties in Cotton, Iron, Embarrass, Eveleth, Gilbert, Angora and Cook.

“This program provides funding which is vital for the effective management of State of Minnesota tax forfeited lands” said Christopher Johnson, St. Louis County’s Tax Forfeited Property Asset Manager. “The cities, townships, counties and other organizations that utilize this grant see immense benefits. These opportunities often provide a ripple effect, increasing the likelihood of further improvements for communities.”

Since 1982 the Residential Redevelopment grant has provided funding for demolition within the agency’s service area to eliminate blight, improve property maintenance, promote health and safety and encourage economic development.

Grants may be awarded to cities, townships, counties and tribal governments to demolish single-unit residential homes, residential duplexes, residential multi-unit structures, garages, sheds and barns. Homeowners interested in applying should contact their municipality. Grant money is still available to communities this fiscal year. Learn more about the Residential Redevelopment grant guidelines.

Email Danae Beaudette or call her at 218-735-3022 for information.

The city of Kinney renovated its existing playground to better serve the community and make it ADA compliant. Outdated and aging equipment was replaced with features that appeal to children of varying age levels and abilities. Rubber mulch was installed for its jump safety, and plastic borders were added to contain the mulch. Iron Range Resources & Rehabilitation supported the project with a $10,000 Culture & Tourism grant. Total project investment was $25,044.

The playground area is approximately 9,000 square feet. It is a popular gathering place for Kinney and nearby Great Scott Township families and residents who often use it for family picnics and birthday parties. The playground area is also the site of the annual Fourth of July community celebration.

The playground is adjacent to the Kinney Pit Public Access and Recreation Area, which underwent an improvement project in 2020 to increase public use and enjoyment. A 24-foot dock at the public boat landing, a 40-foot fishing pier, new picnic tables, grills and firepits at the shoreline and a picnic shelter were added. Iron Range Resources & Rehabilitation also supported the improvement project with a Mineland Reclamation grant to Great Scott Township.

Kinney Pit Recreation Area is mining-impacted property located in Great Scott Township near the city of Kinney, about 20 minutes east of Hibbing and 10 minutes west of Mountain Iron. Kinney Lake (also referred to as Kinney Pit) is 51 acres, 160 feet deep and stocked with bluegill, brook trout, northern pike, rainbow trout, white sucker and yellow perch fish. The lake is fished by both locals and tourists and is popular for its rainbow trout.

“The upgrades to both the playground and the Kinney Pit Recreation Area create wonderful amenities for both our permanent residents and tourists,” said Britta Simonson, Kinney city treasurer. “The playground renovation enhances the quality of life for our children and gives them a safe and healthy outlet for outdoor play.”

Email Danae Beaudette or call her at 218-735-3022 for Culture & Tourism grant information.

Aitkin County Friends of the Arts (ACFOTA) transformed an empty lot in the heart of downtown Aitkin into a community gathering space and outdoor performing arts venue. The Terrace is 25 by 75 feet with a 10-foot-deep by 18-foot-wide stage. There is a green room, stage lighting, motorized projection screen and ample seating. Iron Range Resources & Rehabilitation supported the project with a $29,537 Culture & Tourism grant. Total project investment was $350,000.

The Terrace will officially open this spring and be available at no charge for daily use by the public. It may also be reserved at a nominal fee for exclusive event use by community members, organizations, churches and businesses.

The land on which The Terrace was constructed is owned by local business owners Peter and Amanda Lowe. The Lowes own Block North Brew Pub, Block North's Locker Room, The Beanery Cafe & Roastery, PAL & Co. and Aitkin Flowers & Gifts.

“A once empty lot will now bring new cultural and life-enhancing experiences for all ages to enjoy. The Terrace will enhance downtown Aitkin with a beautiful, age-friendly gathering space,” said Christian McShane, ACFOTA programming and marketing director. “It will infuse economic benefits by attracting more tourist visits and spending at local businesses. The Terrace helps make Aitkin a more attractive place to live, work and play.”

Other Terrace project partners include Age-Friendly Minnesota Council, Aitkin County Coordinating Area Resources Effectively, Blandin Foundation, American Peat Technologies, and donations of time and money from community members, organizations and businesses.

ACFOTA is a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting performing arts in Aitkin County. The group offers membership and donation opportunities. Learn more about The Terrace and ACFOTA.

Email Danae Beaudette or call her at 218-735-3022 for Culture & Tourism grant information.

Nonprofit board members and executive directors are invited to attend Iron Range Nonprofit Board Training 101. This valuable training opportunity will be offered on Thursday, Feb. 8 from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the Mountain Iron Community Center in Mountain Iron.

Presenter Kelly LaCore of the Minnesota Council of Nonprofits will provide an overview of the best practices of being on a board:

• What is the role of a board?
• What is the role of a director?
• How to run organized meetings.

This event is open to all nonprofit board members and executive directors at no cost. Registration is required for materials and dinner.

Learn more and register.

The training is hosted by Laurentian Chamber of Commerce and United Way of Northeastern Minnesota and sponsored by Iron Range Resources & Rehabilitation.