Coniferous Forest Zone
Check out the Nominations: • Coniferous Forest Zone
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Coniferous Forest
Angora – Anneliese Braaten
I think Angora should become the capital for the day because not a iot of people have heard it's there. It is on a major highway. It is in the great Northwoods so I think it would be a pretty cool place to live.
Bemidji – Cindy Habedank
Since the early 1800’s, the vast forests and plentiful waterways, including National and State Forests and the Mississippi River, have provided economic growth and quality of life to the area’s earliest inhabitants and present generation. Native American and Scandinavian cultures are woven together into the tapestry of the Bemidji area’s history. Bemidji, as a regional center for education, medical care, arts, retail and transportation, offers services to a much larger population than the city census indicates. Based on the regional and ethnic influences that give character to Bemidji, we nominate Bemidji, the First City on the Mississippi, as Capitol for a Day to represent the Coniferous Forest Zone.
Breezy Point – Brad Scott
Imagine: ‘Capital for a Day’ where there is no pollution or congestion; just fresh air and friendly people. Relax by a campfire as the sun sinks on the horizon and stars glimmer in the night sky. Dance the evening away at one of the local night clubs. Golf at three premier courses and enjoy dining at several excellent restaurants. Pull your pontoon up to a sandbar or picnic at the public beach. Gather friends for a softball game or test your skills on the jungle gym at the neighborhood park. Hike on trails in woods bursting with bountiful wildlife. Celebrate the opening of the fishing season with the Governor, as only a host City can boost. Enjoy open skating at the Ice Arena or bring the whole hockey team. Fly in or drive in, either way, you are invited to Breezy Point: Minnesota’s Mecca in the Land of 10,000 Lakes.
Chickamaw Beach - Mayor Don Van Vorst
Incorporated as a result of citizen petition in the 1950's, the City of Chickamaw Beach exemplifies the forward looking pioneer spirit to be celebrated during Minnesota's Sesquicentennial year. The City encompasses over 2.5 square miles of forest, lake and field, with the majority of households situated on the shores of Norway Lake. The City continues to see an increase in the number of full-year residents who chose to make this beautiful community their home. Citizen involvement was recognized by the Governor/ State Horticultural Society in 2002 for the volunteer-maintained Community Garden. Forward-looking and progressive, the City has embraced the Comprehensive Planning process and updated Land Use Ordinances for environmental protection. Embracing the concept of Cooperation across boundaries, the City entered a Joint Powers Agreement to become a charter member of the Pine River Area Sanitary District. Joint Powers agreements also provide Chickamaw Beach citizens with Police and Fire protection.
Floodwood – Jessica Rich
When thinking of northeastern Minnesota what comes to mind? Lake Superior, the Iron Range, hunting, fishing, forests. Floodwood should be named a Capital for the Day because it represents everything our region has to offer. Like the hub of a wagon wheel Floodwood is only 45 miles from the larger communities of northeastern Minnesota: Cloquet, Grand Rapids, Duluth, and Hibbing. One can visit and enjoy all the conveniences of the city but live and enjoy the ‘rural lifestyle’ in Floodwood. Lake Superior and the Iron Range are only a short 45-minute car ride from Floodwood making it the neutral site to recognize these two very important natural resources. In addition, Floodwood is located at the convergence of four rivers. Rivers represent an integral part of Minnesota’s trading and logging history. If chosen to be Capital for the Day we will host a celebration that will fairly represent northeastern Minnesota.
Grand Rapids – Lucy Flessner
Grand Rapids is at the heart of the coniferous forest zone in northern Minnesota. Located three hours north of the Twin cities, Grand Rapids is surrounded by 1,000 grand lakes and 1,331,000 acres of forestland. The Chippewa National Forest, where nature's finest awaits in the towering pines, diverse wetlands and clear blue waters, is considered the town's backyard. The mighty Mississippi river runs through the heart of downtown Grand Rapids and serves as a centerpiece for recreational and cultural activities. In addition to great hunting and fishing opportunities Grand Rapids is also the southern gateway to the Taconite Trail and home to more than 3,000 miles of groomed trails for hiking, biking, skiing and snowmobiling enjoyment. This County seat is home of the Blandin Foundation, UPM Blandin Paper Mill, the Reif Performing Arts Center and the Forest History Center.
Hinckley – Ailene Croup
The Great Hinckley Fire shaped foresting and farming in east central and northern Minnesota, with the loss of the virgin white pine stands, following the 1894 blaze. At the time of the fire, Hinckley was a logging and railroading capitol for this region and had been for 20 years. It was incorporated in 1885. Thousands of acres were burned to the ground and forests became repopulated with deciduous growth. Resilient residents turned to farming which became a staple industry. Those who survived the fire met regularly until the last one died. They shared their wisdom and memories and helped the town and the surrounding communities grow. Their willingness to stand their ground and remain here proves the strength and vitality of the people of this region. They shaped Minnesota.
Mille Lacs Lake Area – Sue Lyback-Dahl and Jane Leonard
We nominate Mille Lacs Lake and the communities of its watershed as Capital for a Day because it is one of the earliest known sites of human settlement in the state. In the Dakota language, the lake is known as Mde Wakan (Spiritual/Mystic Lake), which was the basis for the name of the Mdewakanton branch of the Santee Sioux. The lake is called Misi-zaaga'igan ("grand lake") in the Ojibwe language. At 132,500 acres, Mille Lacs is Minnesota's second-largest inland lake. The spirit of the lake calls for our stewardship as we reflect on 150 years of statehood. For many thousands of years, Mille Lacs and its watershed has been a life-sustaining resource. By recognizing it in 2008 as an honorary capital of Minnesota, we acknowledge our mutual responsibility to take good care of Mille Lacs so it continues to be the life force for hundreds of generations that follow us.
Orr – Louise Redmond
Orr, Minnesota, on beautiful Pelican Lake, is the gateway to Voyageur National Park and the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. Numerous lakes and rocky ridges characterize the landscape of the glacially eroded bedrock. When you arrive in Orr you witness a strong community, alive in spirit, working to enhance and preserve the natural beauty and quality of life enjoyed by the Native Americans, voyageurs, settlers, and loggers who shaped this area. Big Island, located on Pelican Lake, is a designated scientific and natural area that has escaped significant disturbance by fire and humans for over 150 years. A rare collection of old-growth communities including hardwood-conifer and aspen-birch forests provide habitat for at least 40 species of birds on the island. Other natural attractions in the area include Orr’s Bog Walk, Vince Shute Bear Sanctuary, Vermilion Gorge and Vermilion Falls. We will leave the Northern Lights on for you!
Pequot Lakes – Craig Nagel
Close your eyes. Say the word “Minnesota.” What do you see? For many, the image that springs to mind is Paul Bunyan’s bobber, the iconic red and white water tower in downtown Pequot Lakes. “Go fishing,” says the bobber. “Find a quiet spot and cast a line. Enjoy!” Standing at the gateway to Minnesota’s fabled pine forests, Pequot Lakes has long been a favored destination for Upper Midwesterners seeking rest and recreation. But the town is much more than a vacation spot. It’s home to an excellent school system, a variety of retail stores and services, a global hi-tech company, a citizen-run library and museum, a bustling business park, and a long history of community cooperation and volunteerism. An example of that spirit came when the city and surrounding Sibley Township agreed to merge in an orderly annexation. In Pequot Lakes the Minnesota mindset is alive and flourishing; a place well-suited to be “Capital for a Day.”
Rush City – Beverly Robinson
We are a very ordinary community of hard working people who need some positive reinforcement as we go about our every day lives! We are on I-35 just one hour north of the Twin Cities but never make the news except for negative things! We need a boost! RC is where the movie Nickelodeon was filmed with Jason Robards Jr and Eva Marie Saint. We have history to share--important things to be known for! Hardware Hank was formed in our home basement!!
Walker – Stan Kumpula
We need a community to represent the lakes of Minnesota and what better way than to be at Walker, on the shores of one of the great lakes of Minnesota.
Williams – April Stavig
Williams is located at the far northwestern tip of this zone. We represent an area that has remained largely undeveloped, so the characteristics of our zone are abundant here in Williams and the surrounding community. We are a small community with not many amenities but we are large in hospitality and we represent in our citizens the essence of Northwoods living.