 The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources has received multiple phone calls about an area of trail along the southeast side of Lake Bemidji that has been illegally clear cut by an unknown individual. Those who used the Paul Bunyan Trail along Lake Bemidji notified the DNR Monday of the discovery. The property that was cleared is owned by a Minnesota DNR and was illegally cleared. Some of the brush and debris was even pushed into Lake Bemidji. It will take some time to plan what is next for the plot of land as conservation officers look forward to who may have caused the damage. I will have to work with some of our vegetation specialists. We have people that work in a lot of the state parks and state trails to help us control exotic species and work with native species. So basically are we going to come in here and plant something or maybe just let mother nature do its thing. Right now our main course of action is to find out who did this and take appropriate action. The Minnesota DNR encourages everyone to call their office first before clearing away property that may be in question. If you enjoyed this segment of Lakeland News please consider making a tax deductible contribution to Lakeland PBS.