DNR invites families to help celebrate the 100th Anniversary of DNR Forestry

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DNR invites families to help celebrate the 100th Anniversary of DNR Forestry
(Released May 5, 2011)


As part of the 100-year anniversary celebration of the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources’ (DNR) Division of Forestry, the DNR is planning a family-friendly event at Huntersville State Forest and the Crow Wing River on Saturday, June 18.

“Huntersville State Forest is only a short distance from Itasca State Park and offers a more rustic experience than the popular state park,” said Lonnie Lilly, DNR forester.

The event will include canoeing on the Crow Wing River and camping at Huntersville State Forest.

The canoe event will start at 2 p.m. near the bridge located at the intersection of County Road 18 and County Road 25 in Huntersville and will end at approximately 4 p.m. at the Huntersville State Forest Landing Campground.

Bring a canoe or rent one at Huntersville Canoe Outfitters, 218-564-4279 or 800-279-6588; or Gloege’s Northern Sun Canoe Outfitting, 218-472-3250.

After the canoe ride, participants may want to camp that night at the Huntersville Forest Landing Campground. Campsites are available on a first-come, first-served basis. At the campground enjoy fishing, swimming and s’mores around the campfire. Learn more about fishing, take a plant identification walk with a plant expert and meet Smokey Bear. More programs are being planned.

For more information about the event, call the DNR Forestry Nimrod Field Station at 218-472-3262.

The Minnesota Forest Service, precursor to the DNR Division of Forestry, was established by the 1911 Legislature as a result of the 1910 Baudette-Spooner Fire that destroyed both towns and killed at least 42 people.

Today the Division of Forestry is dedicated to protecting, managing and educating the public about one of Minnesota’s most treasured resources, our forests. Learn more about the division’s history at mndnr.gov/forestry/anniversary/index.html.