Lost River Peatland SNA
 |
11,888 Acres (11,848* Acres) Located approximately 15 miles W of Big Falls. From Big Falls take US Hwy 71 S for 16 miles to Gemmel Forest Road (1.5 miles before Seretha Lake Road). Go about 3 miles NW, then right 3 miles to the end of Lost River Forest Road. Walk in 0.5 miles N. Koochiching County Twp 152-155N Rng 27-29W Sec Type: Coniferous Forest ECS Subsection: Agassiz Lowlands |
Description:
The Lost River Peatland includes six units that cover a broad, nearly level lake plain interrupted only by low beach ridges and tributary streams. Minnesota's third largest peatland SNA, Lost River features semi-circular raised bogs abutted against a beach ridge on the south central portion of the Agassiz Lowland. This peatland contains patterned water tracks with tear-drop islands and several spring fens. Add to these attractions a species of moss recently thought to be extinct in North America and the largest number of rare plant species of any peatland in the state, and Lost River takes on high importance among Minnesota's peatlands. Linear-leaved and English sundews, several rare rushes, marsh arrow-grass, and sticky false asphodel grow in this wetland system. * The Wetland Conservation Act of 1991 legislatively established the boundaries of the Peatland SNA as displayed. The acreage of land within these boundaries is cited first. The acreage of land owned by the State of Minnesota is cited in parenthesis.
Visitor notes:
If you intend to visit this site it is advisable to carry a topographical map produced by the U.S. Geological Survey. These maps display many old logging trails which may or may not be identifiable on the ground anymore.