Old Crossing Treaty Memorial
June 6, 2020
Iona’s Beach
June 6, 2020
The good fortune of a mistake could not be appreciated more than the one made by a Public Land Survey in 1882. The loggers of that time left the Lost 40 untouched due to it being mistakenly called Coddington Lake and labeled wetlands. The lake is actually 1.5 miles to the southeast. It wasn’t until 1960 that the error was corrected and soon after that the forest was added to the Big Fork State Forest, ensuring the beauty remained untouched.
The Lost 40 consists of 144 acres. Some of the trees are believed to be up to 300 years old and 130 feet tall. In the forest, you will find rare vegetation such as the delicate Indian Pipe. This plant is ghost white and has no chlorophyll. It is very wet and would basically dissolve if you touched it.
Hunters and people are allowed into the forest. Hunters help keep the deer populations from destroying the young white pine. People are allowed to hike, snowshoe, ski, bird watch, and take pictures. There is no camping, picnicking, or vehicles allowed into this protected area.
The Lost 40 is a place of untouched beauty that is a rare find in our world today. If you have the privilege of visiting this pristine, nature please remember, leave nothing but footprints, take nothing but pictures.
Before You Go, Here’s A Tip:
