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Land Department

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1. Does your Department have topographical maps for sale?

We no longer have Topographic Maps (USGS Quads). Topographic contours of Carlton County can be viewed on the GIS-Mapping section of our website.

2. Does your Department have aerial photos?

We have photos dating back to 1948 and date to 2007.  Aerial photos that can be viewed online via the GIS-Mapping section of the website were flown in 2015, plus imagery from ESRI with unknown dates.

The State no longer sells copies of aerial photos; however, the public is welcome to view the older aerial photos in our office.

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources has aerial photos that may be viewed online.

3. May I hunt on public lands in Carlton County?

Hunting is allowed on all County-owned, Tax-forfeited, and Memorial Forest land, with the exception of such land within a city's limits, airports, landfills, gravel pits (in general; contact Transportation Department for more information), or land on which county buildings are located.

Hunting rules and Regulations on Carlton County managed lands are enforced by MN DNR Conservation Officers.

View Department of Natural Resources Hunting and Trapping Regulations website.

4. Where are public lands in Carlton County located?

The best way to identify county-owned, Tax-forfeited and Memorial Forest lands is to consult a Carlton County plat book. 2017 plat books are available for purchase at the Courthouse in Carlton, MN or at the Carlton County Extension Office. 

Changes in ownership are ongoing. To obtain current ownership information, check with the Carlton County Auditor’s Office.

Our GIS Department has online mapping application services which allow you to search by ownership, address, parcel identification number, etc.

Minnesota Bookstore

The most recent Hunting and Wildlife Guide available from Minnesota's Bookstore may also be helpful.

View Minnesota's Bookstore website for a hunting guide.

5. How do I access public lands?

Public lands must be accessed from public roads.  Permission must be obtained from landowners to cross privately owned land in order to reach County-owned, Tax-forfeited and Memorial Forest lands which have no public access.

6. Can I access landlocked property along a section line?

 No. Privately owned land may be crossed only with the permission of the landowner.  There is no law in the State of Minnesota allowing access along section lines.

7. What are the rules about deer stands on public lands in Carlton County?

Deer stands may NOT be permanently affixed to trees. They may be tied or strapped to trees or free standing. They must be portable. Screw-in pegs may be put in trees to access portable deer stands, but must be removed after hunting season.

For more information about hunting on Carlton County public lands, please see Chapter 9 "Recreation" of the Carlton County Management Plan for Tax-Forfeited Lands (PDF).

Approved Deer Stand Example (PDF)

8. What may I cut or clear to create a shooting lane?

Cutting shooting lanes, including brush, is a violation of Minnesota Law, Statute 90.301. For more information, please see Chapter 9 "Recreation" of the Carlton County Management Plan for Tax-Forfeited Lands (PDF).

9. Are Hunting Cabin Leases available in Carlton County?

There are currently 49 leases and additional leases are not likely. No new leases have been issued since 1996. See Chapter 6, "Land Administration" of the Carlton County Management Plan for Tax-Forfeited Lands (PDF).

10. Can Hunting Cabin Leases be sold?

No, the leases themselves may not be sold. Furthermore, leases may be transferred by the lessee only to a blood relative upon the formal, written approval by the Carlton County Land Commissioner.

11. Can I camp on tax-forfeited land?

Primitive and short-term camping are allowed on tax-forfeited land. Permanent camp sites are not allowed. For more information about camping on Carlton County public lands, please see Chapter 9 "Recreation" of the Carlton County Management Plan for Tax-Forfeited Lands (PDF).

12. Can I drive an ATV on County forest roads and trails?

ATVs and off-highway motorcycles may be driven on County forest roads, unless posted closed. For example, the forest road in Section 33, T46N, R18W, which meanders northwesterly from County Line Road for approximately three miles, is a signed road and NOT OPEN to any off-road motorized vehicle.

In 2017, the Carlton County Board of Commissioners passed Ordinance 33, which permits ATV use on the extreme right-hand side of any county-managed road, flowing with traffic.   This Ordinance DOES NOT APPLY to any State Highway or Township road.  Check Ordinance 33 here: <insert link>

Carlton County regulations conform to the MN DNR regulations for off-highway vehicles. Conservation officers, deputy sheriffs, police officers, and state troopers, all enforce off-highway vehicle rules.

ATV cross-country travel is prohibited. (Please see hunting/trapping exceptions at the DNR webpage).

13. Is it possible to obtain an easement over County administered land?

Minnesota Statute allows the County to issue an easement only when all other alternatives are exhausted and documents provided to the Land Department.  A deposit will be required before the Board entertains an easement, and the petitioner will be required to cover all costs including formal land surveys, wetland mitigation, legal and recording fees and staff time.  In addition, the county may require an exchange of easements.

14. May I cut firewood on County administered land?

Carlton County Land Department Firewood Sales Policy

The Land Department does not identify areas where firewood may be available and does not set up firewood sales.

From time to time Landing Cleanup Permits or Salvage Wood permits are issued on a first come, first served basis. A contact list is not maintained.

To report an area with dead/down wood, contact the Land Department at 218-384-9179.

The DNR does set up firewood sales. Contact the Cloquet Office of DNR Forestry at 218/878-5642.

15. Can I cut a Christmas Tree from tax-forfeited land?

No.  The Minnesota DNR may allow cutting of Christmas trees.  Contact the DNR at 218/878-5642.

16. Does your Department have GIS data?

Land Department GIS data pertains primarily to timber inventory. For information about Carlton County GIS data please contact the GIS Coordinator at 218/384-9502 or visit the GIS section of the Carlton County Website.

17. Will the Land Department run boundary lines on private land?

No. The Carlton County Land Department will only run land management lines between tax-forfeited land and private land only when the County has a timber sale on tax-forfeited land.  These lines are NOT  property lines.  Only a licensed Surveyor registered with the State of Minnesota can legally determine a land subdivision line.

18. Are there Public Parks in Carlton County?

There are two State parks in Carlton County:

• Jay Cooke State Park
• Moose Lake State Park

There is one County managed public park managed by the Parks Division of the Carlton County Property Management Department

• Chub Lake Park