Lost 40 Scientific & Natural Area

The 114 acre Scientific and Natural Area (SNA) contains nearly 32 acres of designated old-growth white pine – red pine forest. This old-growth forest is found in two stands, both of which extend beyond the borders of the SNA. The largest of these is 30 acres in size, and extends an additional 18.94 acres on adjoining federally-owned land in the Chippewa National Forest. A 2009 study found the oldest individual trees within the SNA to be red pines 230-240 years old. 

The stand on adjoining land within Chippewa National Forest reportedly originated as early as 1745, and includes the "co-champion red pine" of Minnesota's Native Big Tree Registry, measured at 115" in circumference and 120' high.