2019 Map of Birchdale SE

About this map

The W Fork Black River meanders across this northern Minnesota landscape, defining much of the drainage pattern in this portion of Koochiching County. The terrain is characterized by extensive wetlands and low-lying areas, typical of the boggy environments found south of the Rainy River. In the southwestern quadrant, the secluded Lost Lake serves as a notable hydrologic feature. The transportation network is sparse, consisting of a grid of local corridors such as Co Rd 86, Co Rd 85, and Town Rd 112 that provide access through the timber and peatlands. These roads largely follow the township and range lines established by the Public Land Survey System, reflecting the structured administrative division of the wilderness. This 2019 survey documents a landscape that remains largely undeveloped, where the natural water systems of the W Fork Black River still dictate the geography.