| Crow Wing State Forest | |
|---|---|
  | |
| Geography | |
| Location | Crow Wing County, Minnesota, United States |
| Coordinates | 46°36′57″N94°04′38″W / 46.61583°N 94.07723°W /46.61583; -94.07723 |
| Area | 31,307 acres (12,669 ha) |
| Administration | |
| Established | 1935 |
| Governing body | Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, Crow Wing County,Potlatch Corp. |
| Website | www |
| Ecology | |
| WWF Classification | Western Great Lakes Forests |
| EPA Classification | Northern Lakes and Forests |
| Disturbance | Wildfire |
| Dominant tree species | Pinus strobus,Pinus resinosa |
TheCrow Wing State Forest is astate forest located nearFairfield Township inCrow Wing County,Minnesota. It is about 20 miles (32 km) northeast of the tourism-based town ofBrainerd. Approximately 14,072 acres (5,695 ha) (44%) of the forest of 31,307 acres (12,669 ha) is activelymanaged. The managed acres are split nearly equally between theMinnesota Department of Natural Resources, Crow Wing County, and the privately ownedPotlatch Corp.
Prior to European settlement the area was mainlyoak forests and barrens interspersed withpine stands andprairie. Today,Eastern white pine andNorway pine dominate, although stands of oak,aspen, andjack pine occur upland, with wet prairies and coniferbogs in the lowlands.
The interactive Bass Lake Nature Trail (either .75 or 1.75 miles (1.21 or 2.82 km)) introduces users to theforest dynamics present in the forest, including wildfire,snags and its effects onwildlife, and theoakcanker,Diplodia quercina. Additional trails located throughout the forest accommodate separate activities, including 1.7 miles (2.7 km) designated forhiking, 33 miles (53 km) formountain biking, 17.3 miles (27.8 km) each for Class I and Class IIAll-terrain vehicle (ATV) use, and 17.3 miles (27.8 km) foroff-highway motorcycling.Picnicking,fishing, andhunting are also commonly practicedoutdoor recreation activities. Waterways within the forest also allowcanoers,kayakers, andboaters access to thePine andMississippi Rivers.[1]
