Friends of the Big Bog State Recreation Area

The mosiquitoes aren't really bad at the Big Bog SRA, but some of them are big! That's what the Parks & Trails Council Development Director Julia Rundberg discovered when she visited with Jerry Stensing (left) and Joe Corcoran (right).

Grassroots group makes Big Bog State Recreation Area a Eco-tourist destination

Friends groups play an important role in planning, developing, maintaining and advocating for Minnesota's parks and trails. Meet the Friends of the Big Bog State Recreation Area, a local group that works to protect and enhance the Big Bog's significant natural, cultural, and scenic resources for current and future generations.
Q: What does the Friends of the Big Bog State Recreation Area Do?
We work with the people of Minnesota to manage Big Bog State Recreation Area so that its significant natural, cultural, and scenic resources are protected and enhanced for current and future generations while providing diverse and unique educational and recreational opportunities without negatively impacting park resources.

Q: What projects have you worked on recently?
The 9,500-acre Big Bog State Recreation Area was created as a direct result of our grass roots community-wide efforts. The park was created by the Legislature in 2000. Bonding in 2000 provided $2.1 million dollars (1/2 the original request) for park infrastructure development. Local contributions to park development over the past seven years total more than $190,000. Our goal is to complete necessary park infrastructure development to meet user demands. This year's challenge is to secure $1.6 million in bonding from the Legislature to complete infrastructure development.

Q: What special events do you have at the park?
We host the annual Big Bog Festival in July. The Big Bog Festival is a community gathering that goes way back. It used to be called the Waskish Gathering, before that it was Sheepshead Days. It's a laid back affair that offers area residents a chance to visit, catch up on all the latest happenings and have some fun. The Friends typically host a bog slide show, bog tour, presentations or something of that nature.

Q: Is there anything else you'd like people to know about your friends group?
Big Bog is Minnesota's last true wilderness. It is within the largest unbroken peatlands in the contiguous United States. Big Bog State Recreation Area features include a mile-long bogwalk (ADA) with 25 interpretive stations that provide visitors opportunities to experience the Red Lake Peatlands as never before possible. Big Bog is truly a unique experience.

If you would like to join or form a friends group, please contact the Parks & Trails Council of Minnesota at 1-800-944-0707