PUBLICIZING, INTERPRETING, AND PROTECTING THE GEOHERITAGE OF MINNESOTA'S ARROWHEAD

The rugged landscapes of northeastern Minnesota present both an excellent opportunity to educate the public about our geoheritage, and an obligation to preserve and protect sites that contain evidence for these past geological events for future access, appreciation, and research. Here are some examples of such initiatives.

Publicizing and Interpreting:

• Minn. Geol. Survey Bull. 30, 1949, by G. M. Schwartz on the Geology of the Duluth Metropolitan Area, aiming at “a readable summary for interested residents”, followed by M.G.S. Bull. 39, 1959, by Grout, Sharp, and Schwartz, on the Geology of Cook County.
• “Why is Lake Superior”, article by J. C. Green in MN DNR Volunteer, v. 41, no. 239, 1978.
• “Geology on Display: Geology and Scenery of Minnesota’s North Shore State Parks”, book by J. C. Green, 1996, MN DNR.
• Articles by J.C. Green in a short-lived magazine, Natural Superior, based in Duluth, on Beaches in the Making; Waterfalls of the Lake Superior Basin; Michipicoten Island; Cool Canyons and Gorges, 1999-2001.
• Great Lakes Aquarium, Duluth, ~2000. Geological interpretation for the Lake Superior Basin. Several exhibits/tanks illustrate local geology: Otter Cove, Isle Royale, Baptism River.
• “From Ancient Fires: The Story of the Lake basin’s Fiery Beginning”, by J.C. Green in Lake Superior Magazine, July 2002.
• “Natural History and Geology along the Superior Hiking Trail through Duluth, Minnesota”, booklet by J.C. Green, 2007.
• “Geology”, by J.C. Green, Outdoor Classroom Field Guide Series, Grand Marais, MN Harbor Friends, 2009.
• “Beneath our Feet: Geology of Cook County, MN”, by J.C. Green and T.J. Boerboom. Map and display for Superior National Forest’s Gunflint Ranger Station, Grand Marais, MN, 2012.
• Series of roadside plaques on local geology, by MN Geological Survey.

Protection:

• Minn. DNR State parks: Jay Cooke, Gooseberry Falls, Split Rock Lighthouse, Tettegouche, Crosby-Manitou, Temperance River, Cascade River, Judge C. R. Magney, Grand Portage, Tower-Soudan, Vermilion. All preserve important geological features; some have local interpretation.
• MN DNR Scientific and Natural Areas, providing the highest land-use protection in the state. Of special geological significance: Iona’s Beach, Sugarloaf Point. Others proposed.