The BLM Northeastern States District Office manages approximately 86 islands on Lake Vermilion and a few surrounding lakes located about 40-80 miles north of Virginia, MN.
These lands are held to federal ownership under the Shipstead Newton Nolan Act and are located approximately 500 miles from
our office location in Milwaukee, WI, which makes management of these islands a challenge.
In the past BLM has had agreements in place to monitor a number of our islands along with removing any trash.
BLM has been working enter into a challenge cost share agreement to help support and manage recreational use along with educating and reaching out to the public on BLM managed islands.