Forest Service postpones demolition of wolf research post

by Bob Kelleher, Minnesota Public Radio

Duluth, Minn. — The Forest Service has changed its mind about demolishing historic log-building research facility near Ely.

After years of wildlife research there, the facility was no longer needed. Now, the agency will consider proposals to re-use the property.

Rick Sindt, with the Forest Service's Northern Research Station, said the agency will consider issuing a special use permit for others to use the site.

"We want to do the best thing that we can, and so when special use permits come about we want to give every opportunity to adapt to reuse suggestions," he said.

Plans to demolish the buildings drew opposition from people who wanted to save the structures or continue research there.

Others worried the property would be cleared to make room for a controversial copper-nickel mine. Sindt says demolition will be postponed at least through 2011.