The Big Fork River Watershed covers 1,326,947 acres. The river flows north 165 miles from Dora Lake (45 miles northeast of Bemidji in north-central Itasca County) to the Rainy River, which forms the Minnesota/Canadian border. This confluence is 16 miles west-southwest of International Falls. Nearly 60% of the watershed is land owned or managed by the state.
Development pressure is moderate in most areas, with occasional farms being parceled out for development, recreation, or country homes.
Monitoring and assessment
Strategy development for restoration and protection
- (EPA approval 12/20/2017)
- (MPCA approval 9/8/2017)
- (EPA approval 5/4/2011)
2453: Public comment period for Big Fork River WRAPS
Public comment
Starting June 2, we invite you to review and comment on this draft report. Comments are due by July 2, 2025.
- Draft for public comment