The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources has
produced six new, state-of-the-art maps that will make it easier and safer for
people to explore, hunt, and recreate in state forests.
“The DNR has updated six state forest maps with 53 more
to go,” said Forrest Boe, director of the DNR Forestry Division. “This
five-year effort will include updating maps for all of Minnesota’s state
forests.”
State forest users now have two maps options. A geoPDF
map will allow users to download a map onto a mobile device using a variety of
map apps and then track their location as a blue dot on the screen. The new
user-friendly, paper maps highlight the unique recreation features of each
forest and include pop-out maps for popular campgrounds and day-use areas.
“The little blue dot that appears on the map on my phone
goes with me whether I’m on or off-trail,” said Laura Duffey, DNR state forest
map project coordinator. “This feature lets people know exactly where they are
in a state forest—no more getting lost.”
The maps are also more detailed than previous versions
and highlight the endless recreation opportunities in state forests, such as
hiking, mountain biking, birding, berry picking, cross-country skiing, hunting,
and horseback, ATV and snowmobile riding. Many state forests also offer
campgrounds, fishing piers, boat launches, swimming beaches, and picnic areas.
The six new maps are available in time for fall hunting
and cover more than 240,000 acres of state forest land and thousands of miles
of trails.
New geoPDF and paper maps are now available for:
·
Paul Bunyan State Forest in Cass and Hubbard
counties.
·
Badoura State Forest in Cass and Hubbard
counties.
·
St. Croix State Forest in Pine County.
·
Huntersville State Forest in Cass, Hubbard and
Wadena counties.
·
Lyons State Forest in Wadena County.
·
Chengwatana State Forest in Pine and Chisago
counties.
The Paul Bunyan and Badoura state forests are popular
spots for hunters. Combined, they contain two campgrounds and day-use areas,
four off-highway vehicle trails, five wildlife management areas (WMAs), two
ruffed grouse management areas, and four state game refuges. They also have
hiking, biking, snowmobiling and skiing trails.
The Huntersville and Lyons state forests are popular with
hunters. Each state forest contains four WMAs and several miles of trails and
roads for off-highway vehicles. Additionally, the Huntersville State Forest
offers two campgrounds, a horse campground, and 24 miles of designated horse
trails.
The St. Croix State Forest offers a variety of year-round
recreation opportunities. It has 20 miles of horseback trails and a horse
campground with 56 campsites. In the winter snowmobilers can enjoy 42 miles of
trails while in the summer mountain bikers can cruise 25 miles of trails. The
Boulder Campground and day-use area has 22 secluded campsites and access to
Rock Lake for swimming, fishing and boating.
The Chengwatana State Forest contains the Snake River
Campground and several miles of off-highway motorcycle and all-terrain vehicle
trails. Three state water trails run through the forest: Kettle River, Snake
River, and St. Croix River. Snowmobliers also use the Matthew Lourey State
Trail, which runs through the forest. The new maps also shows locations of
National Park Service campsites along the St. Croix River. Digital, geoPDF maps
are available on the state forest’s webpage at www.mndnr.gov/state_forests/maps-launch.html.
People can get a free paper map at a local DNR office or
the DNR Info Center by sending an email to info.dnr@state.mn.us or
calling 888-646-6367, Monday-Friday 8 a.m.-8 p.m. and Saturdays 9 a.m.-1
p.m.
