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Wayne Seidel, who works for Lake County and the University of Minnesota Extension, relaxes by the Little Stewart River in the Lake County Demonstration Forest outside Two Harbors.2 of 3
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Markers on trees show the right path.3 of 3
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About 8 miles northwest of Two Harbors, Minnesota, you’ll find a great place to take a hike and find refuge from the rat race amid towering trees in a 480-acre forest.
The Knife and Little Stewart rivers flow through this spot, once busy with rail traffic. Visitors can explore a 1930s homestead site and walk among a mix of Norway and white pine, aspen, black ash, white spruce and balsam fir.
Yet this is not a park. It is a working forest: the Donald D. Ferguson Lake County Demonstration Forest, named for the late forester and county resident who proposed it.
Lake County and dedicated volunteers have brought to life Donald’s vision, showcasing the latest forest management techniques to provide fiber and timber while maintaining wildlife habitat and creating an area for recreational and educational activities.
The county established the forest in 2001 on tax-forfeit land. After years of volunteer work and grants, it’s a multiuse area with 5 miles of hiking trails, says Wayne Seidel, natural resources educator for the University of Minnesota Extension and a conservation specialist with Lake County Soil & Water Conservation District.
The trails include 2.3 miles for cross-country skiing and mountain biking. The North Shore State Snowmobile Trail runs through it, as does a spur of the Superior Hiking Trail. A kiosk near the entrance offers a map showing 23 points for a self-guided tour and a brochure about area history, such as the Duluth & Iron Range and the Duluth & Northern Minnesota railroads that hauled ore and timber through here. Nearby restrooms are handicapped-accessible with solar-powered lights. The forest committee plans to add 1.2 miles of trail and perhaps a pavilion.
School groups have planted trees and done nature hikes and geo-caching there. Travelers also visit from afar. “I think people are just starting to discover it,” says Wayne. “And when they do discover it, they come back.”
To download a brochure and directions to Donald D. Ferguson Lake County Demonstration Forest, click on THIS LINK.
Other Demonstration Forests
In Michigan: U.S. Forest Service’s Dukes Demonstration Forest near Marquette has a walking nature trail. Get a brochure from the Munising District Office, 906-387-2512.
In Wisconsin: The Lake Tomahawk Demonstration Area in Oneida County is part of Northern Highland-American Legion State Forest. It’s managed by Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources. Details at www.timberdoodle.org/node/85.
In Minnesota: Bear River Demonstration Forest is partly in St. Louis County. Visit www.dnr.state.mn.us/forestry/demoforest.