Near Grantsburg in Burnett County, Wisconsin — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
Governor Knowles State Forest
Photographed By K. Linzmeier, June 12, 2011
1. Governor Knowles State Forest Marker
Historically, the river system was a major highway to native Americans, voyageurs, explorers, missionaries, and loggers. The Santee Sioux and Chippewa tribes fought repeatedly for possession of the valuable rice lakes in the St. Croix basin - a war which was to last well into the nineteenth century. During the 1700's and 1800's numerous outposts along the waterways in quest of control of the profitable fur trade. With the depletion of the beaver in the 1830's, an 80-year logging era began in the pineries along the river.
The Governor Knowles State Forest, established in 1970, and the St. Croix National Scenic Riverway created in 1968, provide protection for this valuable resource. Many thousands of people each year enjoy the recreational opportunities provided on the riverway and the state forest. The Northern States Power Company played a key role in the establishment of the National Scenic Riverway and the state forest by the donation of 25,000 acres of land.
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Location. 45° 46.35′ N, 92° 46.711′ W. Marker is near Grantsburg, Wisconsin, in Burnett County. Marker can be reached from State Highway 70 west of Gravel Pit Road, on the left when traveling west. Marker is at a highway wayside located at the entrance to the Governor Knowles State Forest St. Croix Campground. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 15425 State Highway 70, Grantsburg WI 54840, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 4 other markers are within 13 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Canute Anderson (approx. 5.6 miles away); Pine City (approx. 10.1 miles away in Minnesota); Crex Meadows (approx. 10˝ miles away); A Room With A View (approx. 12˝ miles away in Minnesota).
Photographed By K. Linzmeier, June 12, 2011
2. Governor Knowles State Forest Marker
Photographed By K. Linzmeier, June 12, 2011
3. Marker at Wayside
Photographed By K. Linzmeier, June 12, 2011
4. Governor Knowles State Forest Information Kiosk
Photographed By K. Linzmeier, June 12, 2011
5. Warren P. Knowles
Warren Knowles, for whom the state forest is named, was above all an outdoorsman. Even as Governor of Wisconsin he never missed an opportunity to get out and enjoy Wisconsin’s magnificent natural resources. He coupled this love for the outdoors with an unwavering commitment to conservation.
Knowles was elected to the Wisconsin State Senate in 1940, serving continuously until 1955 when he was elected Lieutenant Governor. Knowles promoted a conservation agenda in both of these positions. He was a major force behind the original Outdoor Recreation Act Program (ORAP) in 1961, which generated funds for land acquisition.
In 1964 Knowles was elected to his first of three terms as Wisconsin Governor. While Governor, Knowles initiated efforts to reduce water pollution and expanded ORAP funding to increase the acquisition of land for conservation purposes. He also founded the Governor’s Fishing Opener in 1968, to focus attention on all that Wisconsin offers for anglers. He participated in this event both as Governor and for many years after he left public service. In fact, Governor Knowles died during a break from fishing on opening day in 1993. It is in tribute to Governor Knowles and his conservation accomplishments that this forest is named in his honor.
Credits. This page was last revised on October 9, 2020. It was originally submitted on July 12, 2011, by Keith L of Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin. This page has been viewed 910 times since then and 40 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. submitted on July 12, 2011, by Keith L of Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin.
