BLM Eastern States enhances campsites on Black Duck Lake 

In the final days of summer, Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Northeastern States District Office (NSDO) staff spent a week in northern Minnesota improving dispersed campsites on public islands at Black Duck Lake. 

Black Duck Lake, located north of Orr, Minnesota, features a public boat launch with restroom facilities and recreational islands. The NSDO manages 86 in the Great Lakes region. 

Teams restored four campsites across two islands, re-establishing trails, removing hazardous snag, clearing tent sites and boat access points, and hauling away trash and debris. To enhance the visitor experience, staff also installed durable aluminum picnic tables and replaced makeshift stone fire pits with safer steel fire rings set on concrete pads. 

These enhancements reflect the BLM’s responsibility to maintain recreation sites on public lands. 

“We are excited to provide quality recreation opportunities for the public,” said Supervisory Natural Resources Specialist Mitchell Owens. “By providing durable amenities, we are ensuring a better experience for visitors, simplifying long-term maintenance, and supporting resource protection.” 

For years, visitors have camped and recreated on these islands, but amenities were limited, and sites were overgrown or degraded. To enhance the visitor experience, NSDO staff Nikki Carter, natural resource specialist; Kelsey Radobicky, natural resources student trainee; Wes Willoughby, district archaeologist; Shannon McCrory, deputy district manager; Mitchell Owens, supervisory natural resource specialist; and Kyle Wanner, outdoor recreation planner, completed important site improvements.  

After the long week, each site now offers a picnic table, fire ring with grill grate, and space for tents.  

“It was an excellent opportunity for our natural resources team and management to work together on a tangible field project,” said Northeastern States Deputy District Manager Shannon McCrory. “We are proud of what we produced for the public.” 

All sites are open on a first-come, first-serve basis with no fees or registration required. 

The BLM is considering additional day-use and overnight opportunities at both Black Duck Lake and nearby Lake Vermilion, further expanding recreation options for the public.