Chengwatana State Forest

Located just east of Pine City, the area surrounding the Chengwatana State Forest was originally named for an Ojibwe village—loosely translated from “white-pine town”—starting in the 1800s. The beautiful land and white pines near the St. Croix River once attracted loggers; today, the area supports abundant wildlife and is a hidden gem for kayaking, fishing, and hiking.

Though a recreational destination for many nature enthusiasts, more than 75% of the St. Croix’s forestland remains in private possession, meaning this area faces a substantial threat of development and fragmentation. That’s why in 2022 and in collaboration with Xcel Energy and the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR), Trust for Public Land helped protect 729-acres along the St. Croix as an addition to the Chengwatana State Forest. Then in 2023, TPL had another extraordinary opportunity to protect an additional 241-acres, which originally had been used as an outdoor adventure camp for kids. For decades, these landscapes were closed to the public. Now, nearby communities are celebrating its conservation as they will be open to the public and provide opportunities to hunt, hike, and bird, while protecting water quality for people and wildlife.

Funding for this project was provided from the Outdoor Heritage Fund as recommended by the Lessard-Sams Outdoor Heritage Council.