Franconia Bluffs SNA
About • Location • Activities • Ecology
About |
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Ownership |
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Links |
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Overview |
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History |
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This site was first designated a Scientific and Natural Area in June, 2008. |
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Management |
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On October 1, 2011, volunteers with Great River Greening planted acorns on a cleared, 10-acre plot on the bluff top at the east unit. They also planted oak seedlings in a 1-acre section at the south end of the plot. The goal of the project is to expand the the oak bluffland forest to the In 2012, a high tensile wire deer fence was constructed around the oak woodland restoration. Red pines in the plantation at the west unit were marked for removal. Future management plans include “cutting and spot-spraying exotic invasive woody and herbaceous species and the first phase of removal of pine-spruce plantations and associated erosion control on the bluff-tops prior to restoration of native forest.” |
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Comments |
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Location |
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Maps |
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Printable Map(s) with GPS coordinates |
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Size |
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85.2 acres |
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Parking |
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East Unit To access the east unit turn east on the gravel road by the wood SNA sign. After 50 yards the road forks, becoming two private driveways. Between the two driveways is a two track road leading 80 yards to a small parking area and a gate. Park near the gate and walk east on the two-track road to a large clearing. N45 22.353, W92 42.291 West Unit To access the west unit, park on the pull-off on the east side of Highway 95. N45 22.016, W92 42.740 |
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Driving Directions |
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| Chisago County | ||||||
| Central Minnesota | ||||||
Activities |
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Hiking Trails |
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No maintained trails |
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Hunting |
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All hunting. See Hunting and Trapping Regulations (MN DNR) for details. |
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Ecology |
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Ecological Classification |
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| Ecological Province | Laurentian Mixed Forest Province |
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| Ecological Section | Western Superior Uplands |
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| Ecological Subsection | Mille Lacs Uplands |
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| Land Type Association | Almelund Moraine Chisago Moraine |
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Native Plant Communities* |
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Oak - (Red Maple) Woodland Red Oak - Sugar Maple - Basswood - (Bitternut Hickory) Forest Red Oak - White Oak - (Sugar Maple) Forest |
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| * Source: The Minnesota Biological Survey, Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, Division of Ecological Resources | |||||||
Natural Features |
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Mosquitos
The ravines are steep sided and shielded from the slightest breeze even on windy days. DEET is a must.
Challenging Ravine
The ravine directly east of the parking area at the west unit is challenging. It begins as a garbage dump, apparently used for decades, then transitions into a dense prickly ash thicket that is almost impassible. Those who attempt it will come away with a few bloody scratches to help them remember the experience.
Visitor Photos |
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MinnesotaSeasons.com Photos |
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East Unit |
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Parking |
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Wood Routed Sign |
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Deer Enclosure |
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Oak - (Red Maple) Woodland |
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Red Oak - White Oak - (Sugar Maple) Forest |
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West Unit |
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Parking |
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Pine Plantation |
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Red Oak - Sugar Maple - Basswood - (Bitternut Hickory) Forest |
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Slideshows |
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Visitor Videos |
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Other Videos |
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_02.jpg "bur oak (var. macrocarpa)")
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