Koochiching and George Washington State Forests
Credit: Peter Crouser
For generations, the private timberlands of Minnesota's Northwoods have supported jobs, provided wildlife habitat and clean water, offered recreation to local residents, and attracted millions of visitors each year. But as rising land values make land more valuable as real estate than timberland, land is being broken up and sold for second-home development. For one solution to this problem, conservationists and agencies are turning to working forest easements, which compensate landowners, keep the land in timber production, and prevent development. In 2007, TPL worked with the Minnesota Forest Legacy Partnership to protect 51,000 acres in Itasca and Koochiching counties with working forest easements - the single largest conservation project in Minnesota in at least a decade. The agreement protects jobs, preserves wildlife habitat and guarantees public access for outdoor recreation.
Visit
more »These state forests provide numerous opportunities for outdoor recreation including hunting, fishing, hiking, and cross-country skiing. The forests also include habitat for many kinds of birds and wildlife making it a great area for birdwatching and nature viewing.
More information about the Forest Legacy Partnership, site maps, and links to each of the state forests.
For general information from the Minnesota DNR about camping, hunting, fishing, and off-highway vehicles in state forests.
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