BAUDETTE, Minn. – Pine and Curry Island on Lake of the Woods is a Minnesota DNR-designated Scientific and Natural Area that provides habitat for the piping plover, a state endangered and federally threatened species, along with other birds of special concern.

Over the years, high water, extreme storm events and human influence have caused significant erosion to the long, narrow spit of sand near the mouth of the Rainy River – to the detriment of wildlife habitat, water quality and shoreline stability.

The erosion is most apparent at the west end of Pine Island, where the area known as Morris Point Gap is now a mile wide, compared with only 500 feet or so in the mid-1960s.

“It’s been eroding like crazy,” said Anthony Pirkl, public works director for Lake of the Woods County in Baudette

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