What is the Story Again?

We’re Triangle Trail LLC, a group of 16 landowners managing 7 properties (120 acres) on the southeast side of Triangle Lake in the Superior National Forest. We’re proposing a new trail to improve access to our cabins, and we want to share why this matters to us and the wider community. Some groups have raised concerns, but the website is here to clarify our plans with photos, videos, and open dialogue.

What Are You Planning to Build?

We’re planning a utility/atv type trail off Forest Route 439 to provide backup access to our properties. This trail will accommodate ATVs and snowmobiles for year-round use and allow large traffic over frozen ground when necessary—like wood chippers for dead trees or materials for septic systems. Our goal is to enhance safety and maintenance without disrupting the lake’s natural feel.

Why Just a Trail and Not a Road?

We love the quiet beauty of Triangle Lake and aren’t looking to build a full driveway or road right now. This trail offers a practical backup access route, reducing the need for noisy motorboats (often with 2-stroke motors) that shuttle supplies across the lakes. It balances our need for improved access with protecting the lake’s serene environment for everyone to enjoy.

Is This Part of the BWCA?

No, our trail and properties are about half a mile from the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCA) at all times. The trail connects to Forest Route 439, which runs closer to the BWCA (ending about 100 feet from its edge) and is maintained by the Forest Service. Our plan respects this distance, ensuring the BWCA remains untouched.

Is This Remote Untouched Wilderness?

Triangle Lake is more of a backcountry lake than its neighbor Ojibway, which is closer to developed areas, but it wasn’t included in the BWCA due to its proximity to Fernberg Trail and significant private land. The area has a history of use, including a past snowmobile trail from Ely to south of Triangle Lake, and is near Forest Route 439, access roads for Ojibway properties, a blinking radio tower, and resort rentals. It’s a lived-in landscape, not pristine wilderness.

If You Don’t Have Access Now, Doesn’t That Mean You’re Forever Blocked?

Not at all. Our property rights to improve access have always existed and haven’t been taken away. Past and present owners, including us, never expected purchasing this land would mean losing the ability to enhance access when needed. We’re simply exercising a right that has always existed and remains open for the future.

How Long Has the Organization Been Around?

Our group represents the majority of private land and shoreline on Triangle Lake’s southeast side. Several members, led by Troy Venjohn (a minority owner in one of the family properties), have been exploring better access privately. The urgent need grew with extreme fire risks, dead standing timber, and the Forest Service’s plan to burn surrounding undergrowth (covering 100% of the trail area and all of the surrounding National Forest), leaving us unable to mitigate risk to our properties prior to their burns.

What About Multiple Lakes and Portages Access vs. Lake Access?

The Forest Service suggests we have “water access,” but for most who’ve visited, that’s hard to take seriously. Our route involves a roller portage—unloading gear to walk it across while dragging boats—which is only useful in ideal conditions and often a hindrance due to low water or ice. It’s not practical access for safety or maintenance.

If You Had Water Access, Would It Be Reasonable?

Even if water access worked, it wouldn’t be reasonable. Navigating lakes and portages with heavy equipment or in emergencies is slow, risky, and unreliable—especially with changing water levels and ice conditions. A trail offers a safer, more dependable solution for us and the community.

What If I Want to Limit Other People from Enjoying their Property?

We understand wanting to keep things as they are, but asking others to conform to your preferences overlooks their rights. The proper way to protect public land is through purchases, as the Forest Service has done with the BWCA. They’ve had 25 years to buy these properties but chose not to, respecting our ownership. Let’s approach this with mutual respect.

Isn’t All Development Bad?

Not necessarily. While some see development as a threat, reasonable improvements can protect both people and the ecosystem. This often comes from groups seeking attention or media chasing clicks, but balanced growth—like our trail—supports safety without harming the forest.

Does This Mean Lots of Development Like Other Lakes?

Triangle Lake’s topography limits development, with sheer cliffs along much of the shoreline. Most buildable spots are already taken, nearing the maximum structures on private land. Improving access might encourage owners to stay and maintain their properties rather than sell due to access frustrations, preserving the lake’s character.

Will the Trail Increase Traffic or Noise in the Area?

The trail is designed for limited use by our 16 landowners and will include a lockable gate to control access, keeping noise and traffic minimal. It will have the added benefit of reducing boats shuttling supplies in from Ojibway, the roller area and Triangle. We’ve planned the route to be away from the lake, ensuring the quiet beauty of Triangle Lake remains intact for everyone to enjoy.

How Will You Ensure the Trail Doesn’t Harm Wildlife?

The Forest Service has studied this area in preparation for burning the 84,000 acres surrounding Triangle. We will be using construction methods for sensitive habitats and will use erosion controls like culverts (inspired by the Fernberg Corridor Final EA, Pages 55-62). Our goal is to work with nature, not against it, ensuring animals can thrive alongside our access.