Birch Lakes State Forest

State forest in Minnesota, United States
45°27′20″N 94°27′40″W / 45.4556°N 94.4612°W / 45.4556; -94.4612Area710 acres (290 ha)AdministrationEstablished1959Governing bodyMinnesota Department of Natural Resources,Websitewww.dnr.state.mn.us/state_forests/sft00007/index.htmlEcologyWWF ClassificationUpper Midwest forest-savanna transitionEPA ClassificationNorth Central Hardwood Forests/Western Corn Belt Plains

The Birch Lakes State Forest is a state forest located in Stearns County, Minnesota. One of the smallest Minnesota state forests, it is managed primarily for recreation by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Big Birch Lake, a 2,112 acres (855 ha) sand- and marl-bottomed lake, is accessible from the northeast corner of the forest.[1] The forest is located in a transitory ecotone between the temperate deciduous forest to the northeast and the tallgrass prairie to the southwest, with the rolling terrain characteristic of the glacial activity in the area.

Outdoor recreation activities include boating, fishing, swimming in Big Birch Lake, as well as hunting, picnicking, and backcountry camping in the forest. Trails include 7 miles (11 km) of hiking, 7 miles (11 km) of mountain biking, and 4.1 miles (6.6 km) for snowmobiling.[2]

Campground

The Birch lakes State Forest Campground is considered a primitive campground. An individual site is $14, which consists of a cleared area, fire ring, and tables. In addition, a vault toilet, garbage cans, and drinking water is available. The campground features 29 shaded campsites located near the Big Birch Lake.

See also

References

  1. ^ "Lake Information Report:Big Birch". Lake Finder. Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. 2010. Retrieved 2010-09-05.
  2. ^ "Birch Lakes State Forest". Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. 2010-09-03. Retrieved 2010-09-05.

External links

  • Birch Lakes State Forest - Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR)
  • v
  • t
  • e
National
Parks
Monuments
Rivers
Scenic Trails
Wildlife
Refuges
Wetland
Management
Districts
Forests
Natural
Landmarks
Wilderness
State
Parks
Recreation
Areas
Waysides
Forests
Scientific and
Natural Areas
Local
Parks
Other
Minnesota
Historical
Society
Nature
centers
Hiking
Authority control databases Edit this at Wikidata
  • VIAF