Big Bog State Recreation Area

Understand

The protected area covers 500 sq mi of primarily peat bog, and is considered a true wilderness due to its great size and unspoiled state.

The greater Big Bog area includes the Upper Red Lake Peatland, a National Natural Landmark under the Historic Sites Act. It received this designation in 1975 from the United States Secretary of the Interior, giving it recognition as an outstanding example of the nation's natural history.

Also included in the greater Big Bog area is the Lost River Peatland, a designated Scientific and Natural Area for the state of Minnesota. It was designated in 1991. It is also an Audubon Important Bird Area, and contains the largest number of rare plant species of any peatland in Minnesota.

History

Landscape

Flora and fauna

Common trees include tamarack, tag alder, cedar, diamond willow, black and white spruce, jackpine, and green ash and black ash with paper birch, "popple" or quaking aspen, white and red pines in the uplands. There are numerous rare plants, including carnivorous sundews and pitcher plants.

Animals include bald eagles, timber wolves, black bears, white-tailed deer, and moose.

Climate