Stay Curious. Stay Connected.
MailNewsletters♡Donate Now
Sign up
*Password must be at least 8 characters and contain one uppercase letter, one lowercase letter, one number and one symbol.
Already have an account?
By submitting, you consent that you are at least 18 years of age and to receive information about MPR's or APMG entities' programs and offerings. The personally identifying information you provide will not be sold, shared, or used for purposes other than to communicate with you about MPR, APMG entities, and its sponsors. You may opt-out at any time clicking the unsubscribe link at the bottom of any email communication. View our Privacy Policy.
Sign in to your profile
Forgot Password?
New to MPR News?
Welcome back
to news
for you
Reset Password

Enter the username on file and we'll send you a code to reset your password.

Still require assistance or not sure what your User Name is?
Welcome back
to news
for you
Email Verification

A verification code has been emailed to

Still awaiting the code?
Kirsti Marohn
Brainerd, Minn.

Bog forces Legionville patrol camp to turn away summer campers

An aerial view of the bog in front of Legionville Safety Camp's beach.
An aerial view, taken in 2017, of the monstrous bog sitting in front of Legionville Safety Camp's beach on Merrifield Bay on North Long Lake, just north of Brainerd.
Jim Stafford | Brainerd Dispatch 2017

Go Deeper.

Create an account or log in to save stories.

Log inCreate a free Account

Like this?

Thanks for liking this story! We have added it to a list of your favorite stories.

Show me!

A large floating bog has forced a school safety patrol camp on North Long Lake to cancel its summer camp sessions.

The mat of wetland vegetation and trees, measuring more than four acres, broke off from shore last year after a record rainfall. It settled on the beach in front of Legionville, a school safety patrol camp for students established by the American Legion.

The Department of Natural Resources and volunteers have tried various ways of moving the bog with limited success.

Legionville president Wayne Gilbertson announced the decision to cancel summer sessions in a letter posted on the camp's website.

Gilbertson said the main concern is the safety of campers and staff. Legionville has classes that focus on swimming and water safety.

Gilbertson said this would have been Legionville's 80th summer training school safety patrols. The only other time the camp had to miss a summer was during World War II.

Bill Schmidt, president of the North Long Lake Association, said volunteers plan to try again this Sunday to move the middle section of the bog if the weather cooperates.