Pig’s Eye Park: A Passive Use Natural Area

Plans to protect Pig’s Eye began more than a century ago.  The State Critical Area Designation and National Park Designation identify this area as a Passive Use Natural Area.  All of the Park is designated ROS.  ROS is the highest level of Natural Resource protection.  Regional Park planning does not support industrial use or active uses such as athletic fields.  Look at the Great River Passage Plan.  Protect and restore natural areas in order to support high quality wildlife habitat and exceptional visitor experiences are priorities.  Canoes, kayaks, fishing, birding, beavers, heron rookeries, Bald Eagles, Pelicans, and hiking provide valuable experiences for both wildlife and park visitors.

The flood plain is a high value nature preserve.  The area serves as an important geologic lesson for the river corridor.  Pig’s Eye Lake was created by mile thick ice sheets thousands of years prior to the Minnesota and Mississippi Rivers existed in Saint Paul.  Pig’s Eye was 200 feet deep.

Pig’s Eye was one of the early parks to receive Regional Park Designation.  1976 it was designated a unique Minnesota resource and State Critical Area to afford it extra protections.  In 1988 Pig’s Eye was designated as part of the MNRRA National Park.  1991 designated Area of Critical Concern.  The Federal, State and Local efforts have sought to protect and enhance the natural resources for the enjoyment of current and future generations.