Tune in tonight as Just Outdoors host, Tom Chapin talks with guests Jim Gubbels and Greg Morris from the United State Forest Service about the blowdown that occurred from the July 2nd windstorm with winds in excess of 80 to 85 miles per hour across the forest.  The proclaimed boundary of the Chippewa National Forest encompasses about 1.2 million acres but inside that there’s forest service, private, tribal, state and county lands.  Chippewa forest employees manage 660,000 acres inside that proclaimed boundary.

Jim and Greg said that some areas are severely impacted by the winds - about 43,000 acres.  Currently four areas are closed to the public – Norway Beach Campground, South Pike Bay Campground,  Migizi Bike Trail and the Birches Picnic Shelter Area.  For more blowdown updates call 218-335-8600 between the hours of 7:30 am and 5:00 pm Monday – Friday.   There’s a lot more information in this 50 minute program.  Look for it to be cablecast on ICTV’s Public Access Channel tonight at 8:00 pm or watch the program anytime here at www.watchictv.org.