Cook County Finalizes Ownership Transfer Of Forest Road 170

Duluth Superior, MN, October 17, 2026 —

Cook County has finalized the transfer of ownership of Forest Road 170, known as “The Grade,” from the U.S. Forest Service. The nearly 23-mile road connects Sawbill Trail to Ball Club Road and is described as an important part of the county’s transportation network.

The road offers an alternate route and enhances emergency access, according to the information provided about the transfer. Those functions make the road significant beyond its role as a connection between the two named roads, although no further details about its use or emergency-access arrangements were provided.

The ownership transfer is finalized, but the available information does not state when it took effect or describe the terms of the agreement. It also does not specify whether the transfer involved a purchase price, what agency or department will oversee the road, or whether any maintenance responsibilities changed.

No details were provided about planned work, changes to public access, or other actions following the transfer. The information also does not identify any statements from county or federal officials. The confirmed details are that ownership passed from the U.S. Forest Service to Cook County, the road is nearly 23 miles long, and it runs between Sawbill Trail and Ball Club Road.

Forest Road 170’s role as an alternate route and its contribution to emergency access are the stated reasons for its importance to the county’s transportation network. Further information about the transfer’s timing, administration, and practical effects was not included.

Story summarized from the original created by Kalli Hawkins on wtip.org, see more information here.

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