Magney-Snively Designated Natural Area

The Magney-Snively Natural Area is a critical ecological asset within the City of Duluth. Encompassing nearly 1,800 acres, this natural area north of Bardon’s Peak is well-known for its old growth hardwood forest. This forest was the original justification for setting this land aside for protection: “A far-sighted person can see that forested areas of northern Minnesota are fast-dwindling, and that in not more than 10 years a stand of timber of this size will be almost a novelty… I should like to see this wood land left in its natural state…” - Samuel Snively, Mayor of Duluth, Minnesota, 1921 (Dierkins & Nelson, 2017). It is also recognized as one of the best examples of large, contiguous Maple-Basswood (Bluebead Lily) forest in Minnesota.

In addition to the old growth hardwoods, the area also contains a diverse landscape of wetlands, streams, uplands, and bedrock outcrops, making Magney-Snively Natural Area perhaps the most ecologically significant and high-quality natural area in an urban setting within Minnesota. The natural area encompasses the headwaters portions of two of Duluth’s fourteen Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (MNDNR)-designated trout streams: Stewart Creek and Sargent Creek. These streams have naturally-reproducing, native Brook Trout populations that are dependent on stable cold water and suitable habitat.