Birch Lakes State Forest

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
Map showing the location of Birch Lakes State Forest
Map showing the location of Birch Lakes State Forest
Geography
LocationStearns County, Minnesota, United States
Coordinates45°27′20″N 94°27′40″W / 45.4556°N 94.4612°W / 45.4556; -94.4612
Area710 acres (290 ha)
Administration
Established1959
Governing bodyMinnesota Department of Natural Resources,
Websitewww.dnr.state.mn.us/state_forests/sft00007/index.html
Ecology
WWF ClassificationUpper Midwest forest-savanna transition
EPA ClassificationNorth 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

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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

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References

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  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.
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