FAQs
Aerial Photography
Sources of aerial photography available to you.
- MN Dept. of Natural Resources that acquires photography on a cyclic county-wide basis. Here you can zoom into your area of interest, select a photograph, and look at a nice thumbnail of it. All the necessary ordering information is there too.
- Dept. of Agriculture, Aerial Photography Field Office (APFO) in Salt Lake City, UT (Aerial Photography - usda.gov). This second internet address should take you directly to the MN aerial photography listing (Aerial Photography - usda.gov).The APFO is the Dept. of Agriculture's aerial photography contracting office and repository. It stores photography contracted for by the Farm Service Agency, Natural Resource Conservation Service, and Forest Service. Normally the Farm Service Agency and Natural Resource Conservation Service acquire photography on a county basis. The Forest Service only acquires photography of land inside the National Forest boundary, so part, not all, of St. Louis County may be photographed by the us. APFO's film library contains photography from 1955 to the present. Photography prior to 1955 is on file with the National Archives and Records Administration.
When you reach the MN photography list you'll see a brief one page description of the listing, a glossary to terms, and a list of photography stored at their facility.
When ordering photography from APFO, know in advance which Township, Range, and Section you need imagery for. Without the information sales staff may have difficulty helping you select the specific photo(s) you need. Their address, telephone numbers and e-mail address are on the first page of the MN photography list. They also have a printable order form and aerial photography reproduction information on the web site
Archaeology
Yes, you can volunteer and work with professional archaeologists for volunteer information email: SM.FS.ChipNFpublic@usda.gov
*Collection of historical or archaeological artifacts from National Forest lands is prohibited without a permit.
ATV/OHV
The Chippewa National Forest has an OHV Road Travel Access decision policy that applies only to Chippewa National Forest lands, trails and roads.
Where to Ride:
- OHV use is allowed only on roads that are designated open for such use, as marked on the Motorized Vehicle Use Map.
- Forest Service roads are identified and signed with a number at their main intersection with other roads.
- Designated roads include both low standard and higher standard roads. Please show caution when sharing a road with passenger vehicle traffic.
Low standard roads are Forest Service roads planned, constructed, and maintained for future management use. They are managed for use by high clearance vehicles. Passenger car traffic is not encouraged. High standard roads are Forest Service roads managed for passenger car traffic. Specific high standard roads are open for OHV use. Please show caution when sharing a road with passenger vehicle traffic.
Get the Map:
To locate Forest Service roads and trails a free Chippewa National Forest Motorized Vehicle Use Map (MVUM) is available showing numbered roads on the Forest open to OHVs. The map is available at national forest offices in Blackduck, Cass Lake, Deer River and Walker. The black and white MVUM is updated annually. Make sure you have the most recent copy.
Return of the Eagle
The grace, strength, and beauty of the bald eagle has been admired through the ages. It is difficult to believe that this majestic bird, our national symbol, faced extinction just a few decades ago.
Bald eagle populations were at an all-time low in the 1960's. At that time less than 12 pairs were documented on the Chippewa National Forest. Today, the Forest supports one of the highest breeding densities of bald eagles in the continental United States. The return of the bald eagle is one of America's greatest wildlife conservation success stories.
Bald Eagle Natural History
With a wingspan of seven feet, the bald eagle is the largest bird of prey in northern Minnesota. An adult bald eagle is easily identified by its striking white head and tail. Young bald eagles have mostly dark heads and tails, their wings are brown, and their bodies are flecked with brown and white. This coloration can easily be confused with a golden eagle. Though golden eagles are not residents of Minnesota they do migrate through in the spring and fall.
Bald eagles mate for life and return to the same area to nest each year. Large white pines on the Forest make excellent nesting sites, although oak and other tree species are also used. Nest building begins as early as February. Because nests are often reused year after year, the addition of new nest material makes bald eagle nests among the largest of all birds. Nests can reach 10 feet in diameter and weigh over 4000 pounds!
Bald eagles generally lay one or two eggs (occasionally three). Incubation lasts about 35 days. The female is the primary incubator but the male also helps! Eaglets remain in the nest up to 14 weeks, at which time they will leave the nest. Young bald eagles go through an exploratory phase, though they may stick close to home and be seen around their original hatching location for a few years. By year 3 or 4 they will attain their adult plumage, pair up with a mate, and find their own nest location.
Threats to bald eagle populations include lead poisoning from ammunition in hunter-shot prey, collisions with motor vehicles and stationary structures, and development-related destruction of shoreline nesting, perching, roosting and foraging habitats. Bald eagles are especially sensitive to disturbance during incubation and rearing of young. For this reason bald eagle nest sites are kept confidential. If you know of an eagle nest location, please use caution and watch them only from a distance.
Bald Eagle Management
The Chippewa National Forest has monitored bald eagles since 1963. There are currently around 500 nests on the Chippewa National Forest. This is 12 times more total nests then 1963!! A subset of the 500 nests are monitored every year via ground based surveys to verify nest activity and status. Aerial surveys have also been conducted, in recent years, to detect bald eagle nests and record activity and productivity.
On August 9, 2007, the bald eagle was removed from the federal list of threatened and endangered species. The two main factors that led to the recovery of this spectacular bird were the banning of the pesticide DDT and habitat protection for nesting, feeding, and roosting sites by the Endangered Species Act.
Although bald eagles are delisted, they are still protected by the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act, the Migratory Bird Treaty Act, and the Lacey Act. In the state of Minnesota, the bald eagle is also listed as a species of “special concern."
Eagle Viewing
People often make a special trip to the Chippewa National Forest to observe bald eagles. The best opportunity to view wildlife, such as bald eagles, is at dawn and dusk around large lakes and major rivers. Keep an eye out for openings in tall white pine. These trees are often prime perch sites.
In the spring and summer start your bald eagle viewing expedition while boating on larger lakes such as Cass, Winnibigoshish, and Leech. Watch along the shorelines for bald eagles perched in trees on calm days, and soaring overhead on windier days. Canoeing on the Boy River, Mississippi, or Big Fork Rivers almost always guarantees a bald eagle sighting.
You can easily reach open viewing areas at Federal Dam at Leech Lake or Winnie Dam at the east end of Lake Winnibigoshish. Cass Lake and Knutson Dam and campground provide an expansive view of the lake. Another great place for bald eagle viewing is the section of Mississippi River that winds along Highway 2 between Cass Lake and Deer River. A great viewing area occurs about eight miles of west of Deer River, where the river meets the highway.
In autumn, bald eagles are often seen perched on lake or river edges, searching for food. The change in temperature causes the lakes to "turn over" as the cooling surface water mixes with lower layers, causing fish to die. Bald eagles capitalize on the fish's inability to adapt to seasonal changes.
Bald eagles remain near open water during winter months. Dams, channels between large lakes, and faster moving rivers provide such habitat on the Chippewa National Forest. The Cass Lake Wayside rest provides easy parking for those with an hour for exploring.
Berry Picking
To find blueberries, search in berry habitat including open, sunny areas with Jackpine that have been recently burned or cut over. Strawberries are found on roadsides mid-late June followed by raspberries and blackberries and then blueberries in late July and August. Chokecherries and Juneberries are also found in second growth forests during midsummer. Look for bog cranberries in September-October.
Biking
There are 298 miles of non-motorized trails on the Chippewa National Forest. There are two paved trails on the Forest including the 18-mile Migizi trail near Cass Lake and the 27-mile Heartland Trail which runs from Walker to Park Rapids (an additional 22 miles of paved trail from Cass Lake to Walker)
E-Biking
Electric bikes are an increasingly popular way to enjoy the outdoors and are allowed on Chippewa National Forest roads and trails that are designated for motorized use.
Bird Watching
Varied habitats across forest support at least 239 species of birds. A free Chippewa National Forest bird checklist that describes habitat and seasons to find specific birds is available upon request.
Boat Access
The Chippewa National Forest manages 85 boat accesses throughout the Forest.
Boat Rental
- Northern Mississippi Canoe and Rentals, 218-335-2078 or 766-7543, canoes/ outfitter
- Ruttgers Resort 218-751-1630 boats, canoes,kayaks pontoons
- Bigfork-Bakkes 218-743-3274 boats, canoes
- Boy River Maple Trails Resort 218-889-2258 boats, canoes
- Cass Lake Sail Star Marina 218-335-2316 boats, pontoons
- Stony Point Resort 218-335-6311 boats, canoes, pontoons
- Grand Rapids God's Country Outfitters218-326-9866 boats, canoes
- Grand Rapids Marine218-326-8754 pontoons
- Birch Cove resort 218-326-8754 pontoons
- Ray's Sport and Marine218-326-0353 boats, pontoons
- Sport Zone 218-326-8956 canoes, kayaks
- Walker Thompson Rental 218-547-1252 boats, canoes, kayaks, pontoons
- Walker City Dock 218-547-1662 boats, canoes, kayaks
Bough Permits
State law requires a permit, written consent or bill of sale to be carried whenever cutting, removing or transporting boughs whether land is publicly or privately owned. Permits are required for harvesting balsam boughs from public lands in Minnesota. Permits can be obtained from Forestry offices located in Chippewa and Superior National Forests, tribal headquarters on reservation lands, DNR Forestry and county land management offices.
Permits are $50.00 per group (up to five people may be listed on a permit) with no tonnage limit. The Leech Lake Reservation Division of Resource Management offers permits to tribal members. When picking up your permit, you will be asked to list all individuals who will be included on the permit, as well as how much you plan to cut. Maps may be available showing preferred cutting areas as required by the local office. You will be given a brightly colored dashboard poster which can be placed in the car window when you are picking boughs. Your permit must be in full view on the dashboard when harvesting and transporting boughs.
Harvesting the right way, including obtaining a permit, guarantees long-term sustained yield of boughs for everyone.
Boundary Waters Canoe Area
Superior National Forest 218.626.4300
Burning Permits
DNR - You can now receive open burning permits by utilizing the DNR's Internet-based burning permit system. Go to www.dnr.state.mn.us/burningpermits.
For detailed information on burning restrictions.
CCC (Civilian Conservation Corps)
The CCC was initiated in 1933 to employ young men as a "peace time army" to work on natural resource projects. There were 23 camps within Chippewa National Forest. Notable accomplishments included planting jackpine, road construction, staffing fire towers, Cass Lake tree nursery, construction of now-historic buildings at Norway Beach Visitor Center and the three-story log Forest Supervisor's Office. Camp Rabideau, near Blackduck is one of the few remaining CCC Camps open to the public, most other CCC camps closed by 1943-45.
Camping
The Forest has 15 developed campgrounds, 15 campgrounds are accessible and located on 12 of the Forest's 1,300 lakes. Campgrounds are generally open from mid-May to mid-September. Campground facilities vary from flush toilets and showers to rustic campgrounds with vault toilets and hand pumps. Each campsite has a picnic table, fireplace, tent pad and parking spot. If you are seeking a more primitive experience, there are over 76 back-country campsites on the Forest.
Developed campgrounds have fees ranging from $14 to $26 per night, with reservable and first come, first-serve campsites in most of the campgrounds. Sites are accessible and some have driven through parking. Electricity (30 amp) is available at the Chippewa, Onegume and Stony Point campgrounds. Each campsite has a picnic table, fire ring and parking spot.
Backcountry Camping:
Dispersed Camping Site Maps and link
Looking for something even quieter? There are 76 designated backcountry (dispersed camping) managed campsites located throughout the Forest. Campers can access these sites via car, boat or on foot. These sites are non-reservable and require no fees. Backcountry maps for different areas of the Forest are available. Before your adventure in the backcountry, please check with the ranger district in Deer River, Walker or Blackduck. Staff can provide more specific information on individual sites, road conditions and directions.
Campground Rules and Reminders
- Ask the Campground Host
- Where can I purchase America the Beautiful Passes? You can purchase online at: www.nps.gov/planyourvisit/passes.htm
- Can I bring my dog? Yes, dogs make great camping companions, but please keep them on a leash.
- Where can I get firewood? Firewood will no longer be available in the Chippewa National Forest campgrounds. Visitors may purchase firewood from local vendors, resorts, grocery stores and gas stations. Campers are welcome to collect dead and down wood for campfires from the surrounding forest.
- How late can I run my generator? Quiet hours are from 10 p.m. to 8 a.m., and all non-camping visitors must leave at that time. Gates do not close in the evenings, and campers may leave the campground at any time.
- What time can I set up camp? Visitors can check into their sites at 2 p.m., check out by 1 p.m. on their exit day. If a site is vacant the prior day, campers can move in earlier; please check with the campground host.
- Is there a dump station here? The only Chippewa National Forest campground with a dump station is Stony Point Campground on Leech Lake.
- Are campgrounds open in the fall season? There are some developed campgrounds open through mid-October. Campers can also camp throughout the year at any of the designated backcountry sites.
- Is Wi-Fi available in the campgrounds? Wi-Fi is not available in the Forest campgrounds. There are area businesses that offer Wi-Fi access. Forest staff can help visitors find a spot.
- What is double occupancy? Double occupancy is currently not permitted in any developed campground. Having more than one camping unit on a site occupied by more than one household or group is considered double occupancy. Maximum occupancy of a campsite is 8 people.
Campground Reservations
Reservations for developed campgrounds can be made up to six months in advance at Recreation.gov or at
1-877-444-6777. Reminder, make your reservations at least four days in advance of your camping trip. There is
a fee charged at the time a reservation is made to cover the cost of reservation services and is non-refundable.
Canoeing
Enjoyable river and lake canoeing is plentiful throughout Chippewa National Forest, and nearby Superior National Forest is home to the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. Popular river trips include Mississippi Headwaters, Rice River, Boy River, Turtle River, Big Fork River, and Shingobee River. Route maps are available by contacting any Chippewa National Forest office or calling (218) 335-8600. For other canoeing opportunities contact Minnesota DNR Department of Trails and Waterways (218) 308-2700.
Chambers
- Bemidji 218-751-3541 or 800-458-2223 www.bemidji.org
- Blackduck 218-835-7788 or 800-323-2975
- Cass Lake 218-335-2250 or 800-356-8615 www.casslake.com
- Deer River: 218-246-8195
- Grand Rapids 218-326-6619 or 800-472-6366 www.grandmn.com
- Walker 218- 547-1313 or 800-833-1118 www.leech-lake.com
Dispersed Camping
If you enjoy getting back to basics… The Chippewa National Forest offers a range of camping opportunities! The Forest has 15 developed campgrounds but for a more primitive experience, there are maintained dispersed recreation sites on the Forest. In addition, most of the Chippewa National Forest is open for backcountry or primitive camping. Primitive camping is open year-round!
There are no fees for primitive camping; however, there are some rules intended to protect the resources. Access is typically by foot, boat or canoe. Backcountry campsites are located along most lakes and rivers, offering the perfect opportunity to explore the many canoe routes on the forest.
Dog Sledding
Dog sledding is not allowed on groomed cross country ski trails on the Chippewa National Forest. Dog sledding is allowed on trails not groomed for skiing and on unplowed forest roads. As with any activity on the Chippewa National Forest a reminder to “Leave No Trace.”
Drones on National Forests
Flying UAS for Fun (Personal Use) on National Forest System Lands
Anyone who wants to fly an unmanned aircraft system (UAS) on National Forest System lands for fun or recreation must meet Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) requirements.
Please visit the FAA's website to learn about new changes to recreational drone flying in the United States.
Members of the public may fly UAS for hobby or recreation in many places on National Forest System lands. However, there are areas on National Forest System lands where UAS can’t be flown as mandated by federal law and in accordance with FAA guidelines.
Flying UAS for Work and Business on National Forest System Lands
Individuals and organizations wanting to fly an unmanned aircraft system (UAS) on National Forest System Lands for work/business must meet FAA requirements. This includes news media and film and video production companies.
Please visit the FAA's website for more information about flying UAS.
Elevations
The highest elevation in Minnesota is at Eagle Mountain (accessible by hiking trail), near Lutsen at 2,301 feet above sea level. The lowest elevation is 602 feet at Lake Superior's shore.
On the Chippewa National Forest, the highest elevation is on the west edge of the Forest approximately four miles southwest of Walker near the "Hungry Gulch" area. The quad maps show an elevation of 1,631 feet. The lowest elevation of 1,275 feet is on the Mississippi River where it leaves the eastern part of the Forest boundary approximately 9 miles south of Deer River. The elevation will fluctuate with the time of year but should always be lower than all other water sources that drain into it.
Emergency Numbers
All local communities respond to 911 calls.
Forest Service Offices:
- Forest Supervisor's Office: 218-335-8600
- Blackduck Ranger District: 218-835-4291
- Deer River Ranger District: 218-246-2123
- Walker Ranger District: 218-547-1044
Non-Emergency Numbers:
- Blackduck (Beltrami County): 218-751-9111
- Cass Lake (Cass County): 218-547-1424
- Cass Lake Police Dept: 218-335-2351
- Deer River (Itasca County): 218-246-2525
- Itasca County: 218-326-3464
- Marcell (Itasca County): 218-326-3477
- Walker (Cass County): 218-547-1424
Hospitals:
- Bemidji: 218-751-5430
- Cass Lake (Indian Health Service): 218- 335-3200
- Deer River: 218-246-2900
- Grand Rapids: 218- 326-3401
- Park Rapids (St. Josephs): 218-732-3311
Employment
A career with the Forest Service, caring for the land and serving people, is very rewarding. Our temporary hiring program allows individuals to get real world experience working alongside resource professionals. The Eastern Region of the Forest Service is a wonderful and geographically, socially and ecologically complex area that offers many exciting opportunities,” said Eastern Regional Forester Kathleen Atkinsons.
CURRENT OPENINGS: www.USAJOBS.com
VOLUNTEERING: Volunteer opportunities are available for several projects on the forest. We would like to hear from you! Please call 218-335 8600 for more information on volunteering on the Chippewa National Forest.
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Fall Colors
Three factors influence autumn leaf color, leaf pigments, length of day and weather. Chlorophyll, the pigment which gives plants their green color is continually produced and broken down. As the length of night increases, chlorophyll production slows down until it stops. Other pigments present are then unmasked and show their colors. The peak color season on Chippewa National Forest is usually the last two weeks of September. Because of the mixture of maple-birch and aspen, the Marcell and Walker areas are especially noted for their fall colors For information on status of colors on national forests call the National Fall Color Hotline (1-800-354-4595).
Firewood Restrictions
| A FIREWOOD RESTRICTION ORDER issued by the Forest Supervisor bans the possession, storage, or transport of any firewood that originates from outside the state of Minnesota. Read the Closure Order for more information. |
Firewood Movement and Forest Pests
- Movement of firewood has been closely associated with the spread of several very damaging forest pests, including the emerald ash borer (EAB), Sirex wood wasp, gypsy moth, Asian long-horned beetle, and a number of other wood-boring insects, plus decay and wood-stain fungi as well as the pathogens that cause Dutch elm disease, oak wilt, and sudden oak death.
- Firewood is a prime candidate for movement of forest pests into new areas since, unlike other forest products such as nursery stock and lumber, the movement of firewood is largely unregulated because it relies heavily on individuals and small operations that come and go.
- Minnesota forests are at particular risk from EAB. Minnesota has the third largest volume of ash timber in the nation and ash trees were used extensively as street trees to replace elms lost to Dutch elm disease in the '70s and '80s.
- EAB is a tiny bug that is devastating forests and neighborhood trees in Canada and several of Minnesota's neighboring states. To date, EAB has killed more than 20 million ash trees and infested over 40,000 square miles in Michigan, Ohio, Illinois, and parts of Canada.
- Picture this: Insect pests spread at a rate of about 0.5 to 2 miles per year on their own. When they are carried on firewood, their spread rate jumps to 55 miles per hour.
- Campers can gather dead and down wood within the campground for firewood.
What Can I Do to Help "Slow the Spread"?
- When camping or picnicking in the Chippewa National Forest, find a DNR approved firewood vendor near your destination, be sure to keep your receipt to show proof of purchase.
- If you plan to camp in state parks or forests check with the state park or state forest campground before you leave home to make sure you know the latest recommendations and regulations on firewood movement to and within Minnesota.
MN Department of Natural Resources Firewood FAQ's
Fuelwood Permits
There is a $20.00 fee for gathering personal use firewood on national forest lands will once again start. Firewood gathering permits, which allow individuals to gather up to 4 cords of dead and down wood. All members of the 1855 Treaty Bands (of the Minnesota Chippewa Tribe) are exempt from these permitting requirements and fees. For more information stop by any Chippewa National Forest office in Blackduck, Cass Lake, Deer River and Walker.
Fishing
Walleye, northern pike, muskie, bass and panfish are commonly fished from the 1300 lakes within the Chippewa National Forest. Two of MN largest lakes, Lake Winnie (59,000 acres) and Leech Lake (over 100,000 acres) are popular walleye fishing spots. The annual walleye catches on Lake Winnie alone averages 160,000 pounds! During the summer, local newspapers, bait shops, and resorts feature fishing success stories, and angling advice.
The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources regulates fishing seasons, and a fishing license is required. Fishing Licenses can be purchased at local bait shops, sporting goods stores or the Minnesota DNR website.
Hiking
On the trail - Chippewa National Forest Hiking Information
History
The area that is now the Chippewa National Forest has been home to various groups of American Indians who relied on the rich natural resources of game, fish, and plant food staples such as wild rice. This Traditional lifeway began to change in the 1600's with the beginning of the European fur trade. By the late 1800's, EuroAmerican settlement and industrial logging brought great changes to the area. With the Treaty of 1855, American Indians relinquished most of their land in northcentral Minnesota to the US government including part of present-day Chippewa National Forest.
The General Allotment/Dawes Act of 1887 encouraged private settlement and opened lands held by the government. Through the Nelson Act of 1889, unallotted Indian land was ceded to the federal government for sale to immigrant settlers. The Act of 1891 empowered the President to set aside Forest Reserves, and in 1899 the Minnesota Federation of Womens Clubs campaigned to establish a Forest Reserve in Cass Lake.
The Morris Act of 1902 established a Forest Reserve in Cass Lake and the Minnesota National Forest Act of 1908 created a National Forest to be managed by the newly created Department of Agriculture-Forest Service. The Chippewa National Forest acquired an additional 37,135 acres of allotment (Indian) lands under authority of the Weeks Act of 1911. In June 1928 the name was changed to the Chippewa National Forest to honor the areas original inhabitants.
Homepage
Chippewa National Forest: https://www.fs.usda.gov/r09/chippewa
email: SM.FS.ChipNFpublic@usda.gov
Horse Trails
The Deer River Ranger District on the Chippewa National Forest has opened over 125 miles of trails for horseback riders to use. Visit the Cut Foot Horse Camp - 20 miles of trail on the Chippewa National Forest
Hwy 46 Site - This is a large, cleared area especially suitable as a parking area for day riders and as an overnight camping area for large groups. There are picnic tables, a fire ring, and a wilderness latrine located here. (No water is currently available).
Biauswah Lake Site - This camping area works well for individual families and can support up to five small camping groups. The lake may be used to water the horses. There are picnic tables, a fire ring, and a wilderness latrine located here also.
Itasca State Park
The headwaters of the Mississippi River is located 40 miles southwest of the Chippewa National Forest Supervisors Office at Itasca State Park. From Cass Lake, travel south 17 miles on 371 to Highway 200; turn right (west) on highway 200 for 15 miles to Highway 71; then 14 miles to Itasca State Park. A well-marked route.
The Park offers campgrounds, bike trails, a fire tower, Visitor Center interpretive programs, a restaurant, hostel, boat tours, hiking and cross-country ski trails. An annual ($25) or daily ($5) State Park Sticker is required and available at the park entrance. To contact Itasca State Park: 36750 Main Park Drive, Park Rapids, MN 56470, 218-699-7251.
On the Internet see www.dnr.state.mn.us.
Lost Forty
Experience the forest of old at the Chippewa National Forest's "Lost Forty." The original Government Land Survey in 1882 described the land of the Lost Forty as part of Coddington Lake. This mapping error caused the virgin pine of the area to be left behind by loggers at the turn of the century. The Lost Forty is actually 144 acres.
- LOCATION: From Blackduck, take County Roads 30/13 to Alvwood (about 13 miles), travel north on State Highway 46 for 1/2 mile to County 29. Follow 29 east for about 11 miles to Dora Lake and County 26. Travel 2 miles north on 26 to Forest Road 2240. About 1 1/2 miles west of this intersection you will find a sign for the Lost Forty.
- MANAGEMENT: Most of the mature red and white pine is found on the east end of the Lost Forty. These trees are up to 350 years old and between 22 and 48 inches in diameter. In other areas of the Forest, white pine is managed for pulp (paper), lumber, wildlife and aesthetics, and the trees are harvested at about 80 to 150 years. Biologically, pine can live up to 500 years. Most of the aspen growing in the area is about 60 years old and is beginning to deteriorate. Aspen reach its biological old age at about 85 years. Old growth such as the Lost Forty is valuable for wildlife, including bald eagles, a number of hawks and woodpeckers, red squirrels, weasels and numerous other species. The Lost Forty is considered a unique area in the Chippewa National Forest and will be managed to maintain its old growth character.
- FACILITIES: A one-mile self-guided trail winds its way through the majestic pines of the Lost Forty. Carry-in boat access is located on the north side of Coddington Lake. The lake offers northern like fishing, mallard and wood duck hunting and wild ricing. You may camp anywhere on National Forest System land, but if you prefer a developed campground, Noma Lake Campground is located just 5 miles east and 2 miles north of Wirt on County 31.
Lake level on Cass Lake
Please visit https://www.fs.usda.gov/r09/chippewa/recreation/cass-lake-levels.
Lake Maps
Lake contour maps are available through the MN Bookstore (1-800-657-3757). Local bait shops also carry contour maps ranging in price from $.50 to $7.95. Also check out the Lake Finder on the Minnesota DNR web site.
Lands:
Boundary and Land:
- Acres have been updated to reflect the LLBO Land Transfer
- Source of data: Surface Ownership at Enterprise Data Warehouse
Chippewa National Forest:
- 1,598,139 total boundary acres
- 659,251 acres Forest Service ownership
- 278,478 acres Forest Service ownership within the reservation - (overlap)
- 659,251 acres Forest Service ownership
Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe - Tribal Relations
Log buildings
There are five historic log buildings in the Chippewa National Forest open to the public. The oldest is the Cut Foot Sioux Ranger Station, north of Deer River. This small log building was built in 1908 and is the oldest existing Forest Service Ranger Station in the Eastern U.S. The historic ranger station was renovated in 1996 and is open to the public during the summer. Stop by the Cut Foot Sioux Visitor Center on highway 46 for information and directions.
The other log structures were built by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC). The Marcell Log House is now used as summer crew quarters. Norway Beach Visitor Center near Cass Lake was built as a campground shower house in 1936 by Pike Bay CCC, and was renovated in 1989-90 as an interpretive center. Displays and programs are offered Memorial Day - Labor Day. The Forest Supervisors Office was originally the office for Cass Lake District and Forest headquarters from 1934-36. Constructed by the Pike Bay CCC, it was called the "log palace" and was the largest log building of its time. Interpretive displays on forest history are available year-round at the Supervisors Office. Displays and tours are also available near the Rabideau Picnic Shelter - adjacent to Rabideau CCC Camp near Blackduck. The shelter was built in 1930's and was moved from the shore of Lake Winnie to Blackduck in 1986.
Maple Syrup Taps
A permit for Maple Syrup taps is available at each of the district offices in Blackduck, Deer River and Walker. The charge is $20.00 per 100 taps.
Maps
Metal Detectors
Metal detectors are not allowed to be used on the Chippewa National Forest lands.
Memorial Tree Planting
The Arbor Day Foundation partners with the USDA Forest Service - Chippewa National Forest on commemorative tree planting programs. Honor your friends and loved ones with the gift of trees. Your donation plants trees in one of our nation’s forests. https://shop.arborday.org/commemorative
Old Growth
Old growth ecosystems are those that have been relatively free of disturbance over a long period of time. Typically on the Chippewa, these include older forests of spruce, fir, maple/basswood and white/red pine. The older, large trees are often interspersed with tree gaps invaded by a variety of tree, shrub and herbaceous species forming multiple canopy layers and structural diversity. Snags (dead trees) and down logs are also common in old growth forests. Prior to European settlement it is estimated that 15 to 40 percent of Minnesota was old growth; today about 5% remains in the entire Great Lakes area. The Forest Plan Revision process will address maintenance and restoration of old growth ecosystems on Chippewa National Forest.
Off Highway Vehicles (OHV)
Passes
Pennington Orchid Bog
Is one of 23 unique geologic, biologic, or cultural sites of the Chippewa National Forest designated for Interpretive information and access. A descriptive flyer highlighting the ten areas is available through the Chippewa National Forest Supervisors Office. A visit to this state- designated Scientific and Natural Area requires an entry permit, available free from a Minnesota DNR office by visiting or calling the Non-Game Specialist at Regional Headquarters, 2115 Birchmont Beach Rd NE, Bemidji MN 56601 (218-308-2700). No advance request is needed, however limited personnel are authorized to issue permits.
Pets in Campgrounds
Dogs and other pets are allowed in all Chippewa National Forest campgrounds. Pets must be leashed at all times. Please pick up after your pets.
Pinecones (Picking and Selling)
The Department of Natural Resources Area Forestry Office (218-308-2065) in Bemidji buys spruce, red and jack pinecones and acorns from red and burr oak. Individuals must be on a sellers list which usually fills up by mid-August.
Scenic Drives
Scenic Byways on the Chippewa National Forest
Smokey Bear Materials/Costume
The Smokey Bear logo cannot be used without permission of The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) -Forestry (Diane Daley Laursen 651-296-6006) or the USDA Forest Service Fire Prevention Officer (Judith Leraas 202-205-1498).
Smokey Bear trinkets, posters, and educational materials are available free at any Forest Service office. The supply changes annually.
Norway Beach Visitor Center 4 miles east of Cass Lake, MN holds an annual Smokey Bear Day each August. Special events and a visit with Smokey are part of the festivities. For more information see Visitor Centers.
If you are interested in hosting a Smokey program for a school or community group, please call 218-335-8600.
A Smokey parade float is also available by contacting Doug Rowlett at 320-616-2457 or fax 320-616-2473.
Visit the Smokey Bear homepage www.smokeybear.com.
Snowmobiling
More than 380 miles of motorized trails provide snowmobile access to 1,300 lakes, scenic woodlands and frozen wetlands.
Swimming
Swimming Areas in the Chippewa National Forest
Timber
Timber Sales and Prior Year Bid Results
Trails
Trees
Common trees on the Chippewa National Forest include: red, white and jack pine, black and white spruce, balsam fir, tamarack, paper birch, aspen and sugar maple. Less common are hardwood species such as oaks, black ash, basswood and conifers such as northern white cedar.
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Visitor Centers
- The Cut Foot Sioux Visitor Information Center is located 17 miles north of Deer River on Highway 46, is open weekends from fishing opener to Memorial Day, and then 7 days a week throughout the summer. Programs are scheduled during the summer. Trails, a picnic area, and indoor or outdoor restrooms are available. School groups can schedule activities at other times of the year by contacting (218-246-2123).
- Norway Beach Visitor Information Center is open Memeorial Day through Labor Day, with interpretive programs throughout the summer. The Visitor Center is in the Norway Beach Recreation area located four miles east of Cass Lake on Highway 2. The Visitor Center offers a wide variety of naturalist programs, guest performers and speakers, trail walks, children's activities and interpretive displays. (218-335-8699)
Volunteering
Volunteer opportunities are available for several projects on the forest. We would like to hear from you!
Water Level Information
Wild Rice
Wild Rice is a plant that grows in shallow waters of the lakes and rivers of the Chippewa National Forest. The grains ripen in late August and must be harvested by hand. Lakes are posted open for harvest by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Permits are available at local bait shops/sporting goods stores. True wild rice is light brown in color while commercially grown rice is darker.
Enrolled Chippewa Tribe members and properly state licensed individuals may harvest rice within the Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe. Tribal members obtain permits from the Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe, Division of Resource Management Office in Cass Lake.
Wood Products
- Aspen is used as sawtimber and furniture stock from higher quality trees, however most of the aspen from the Chippewa is a lower quality wood that is chipped to produce oriented strandboard.
- Balsam Fir is used mainly for pulpwood for paper.
- Balsam Poplar may be chipped for oriented strand board with birch.
- Black Ash provides saw timber and some veneer.
- Black Spruce is used primarily for pulpwood. It has long fibers that make quality paper.
- Jack Pine is used for saw timber and pulpwood.
- Maple is primarily harvested for firewood and some veneer.
- Paper Birch produces veneer and is sawed for furniture stock and pallet stock. Birch may be used for matchsticks and toothpicks. Smaller diameter birch is used for pulpwood (paper) and fuelwood.
- Red and White Pine Provide saw timber and is cut into dimensional lumber and paneling. Smaller diameter pine is used for pulp.
- White Spruce is used for saw timber and pulpwood.