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.
| Birch Lakes State Forest | |
|---|---|
  | |
| Geography | |
| Location | Stearns County, Minnesota, United States |
| Coordinates | 45°27′20″N 94°27′40″W / 45.4556°N 94.4612°W |
| Area | 710 acres (290 ha) |
| Administration | |
| Established | 1959 |
| Governing body | Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, |
| Website | www |
| Ecology | |
| WWF Classification | Upper Midwest forest-savanna transition |
| EPA Classification | North Central Hardwood Forests/Western Corn Belt Plains |
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
editThe 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
editReferences
edit- ^ "Lake Information Report:Big Birch". Lake Finder. Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. 2010. Retrieved 2010-09-05.
- ^ "Birch Lakes State Forest". Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. 2010-09-03. Retrieved 2010-09-05.