United States Steel Corp.’s Minnesota Ore Operations Keetac facility in Keewatin, Minn., has enrolled 10,420 acres of its property in a state program created by the Sustainable Forest Incentive Act (SFIA), effective immediately.

Program enrollment means the general public will now enjoy year-round, non-motorized access to the property for purposes of hunting, trapping and other outdoor activities. The tailings pond reservoirs are not part of the SFIA land and no fishing is permitted on those reservoirs. No overnight camping is permitted.

The state of Minnesota created the Sustainable Forest Incentive Act in 2001 "to encourage the state's private forest landowners to make a long-term commitment to sustainable forest management." The law requires participants to enroll the land for a minimum of eight years or face early-removal penalties. Enrolled property is subject to annual certification by the state.

"Environmental stewardship is a core value at U. S. Steel,” said Minnesota Ore Operations General Manager Scott Coleman. “The Sustainable Forest Incentive Act's program will allow us to make a significant contribution to the long-term health of one of northern Minnesota's most important assets—its forests. We're also pleased that the program will give local residents—many of whom are U. S. Steel employees—access to an area that is rich in both wildlife and opportunities to experience some of the natural beauty that makes this region so distinctive."