Southeastern Minnesota Lakes
This corner of the state is different. Southeast, MN is primarily a deciduous forest with mixed long grass prairie. With higher rainfall and annual temperatures. There are several major watersheds and rivers located here. The Mississippi river is noticeably larger than it’s origins in the Northwest. The human and agricultural density is much higher as well. The Minneapolis/ST. Paul metro area is located in this region. This area has been highly urbanized. More people also means more pollution. Southeast Minnesota has more water quality issues than the rest of the state. There are several State Parks located in this region. With the increase in population density comes more formal outdoor recreational opportunities. Southeastern Minnesota Lakes are few and far between compared to the north half of the state. Swan lake and other lakes near Mankato, MN are worth checking out. Be careful though some people have spoke of hot springs in the area. There are none that we know of.
Southeastern Minnesota Ecology
Deciduous forest scatter the plains of southeastern Minnesota. These trees and shrubs grow thick in some areas providing great habitat. Historically the biodiversity was high in this transition zone. To the west lays a sea of prairie, and to the east trees. There are many rivers including the Mississippi that flow through this region of the state. These rivers help feed a network of lakes in southeastern MN. Destruction of these watersheds have put pressure on the natural resources. Industrial pollution, agriculture, and urban development all play a roll in the environmental degradation. Please pick your trash, and other peoples. The State of Minnesota and other agency’s try to keep our resources natural. But we need everyone to help.