Voyageurs National Park, Minnesota
The dominant drainage class is Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is D (very slow infiltration, high runoff). This report summarizes the major soil map units across the survey area to help you understand what to expect when buying, building, or gardening in Voyageurs National Park, Minnesota.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Water | 79K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Insula-Conic-Wahlsten complex, 0 to 25 percent slopes, very stony, very rocky | 24K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Insula-Conic-Rock outcrop complex, 8 to 25 percent slopes, very bouldery | 22K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Insula-Conic-Wahlsten complex, 0 to 12 percent slopes, very stony, very rocky | 16K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Quetico-Insula, bouldery-Rock outcrop complex, 3 to 18 percent slopes, LRU 93C | 12K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Quetico-Insula, bouldery-Rock outcrop complex, 8 to 60 percent slopes | 10K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Aquents, Sax, and Tacoosh soils, 0 to 1 percent slopes, ponded | 8K | Very poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Greenwood peat, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 6K | Very poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Wahlsten, very stony-Spooner-Voyageurs complex, 0 to 8 percent slopes, rocky | 5K | Moderately well drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Spooner-Sax complex, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 5K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Voyageurs, oxyaquic-Littleswan-Conic, very stony complex, 0 to 12 percent slopes, rocky | 4K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Littleswan-Spooner complex, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 4K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Rifle mucky peat, 0 to 1 percent slopes, seasonally ponded | 4K | Very poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Insula, very stony-Voyageurs-Wahlsten, very stony complex, 0 to 12 percent slopes, very rocky | 3K | Well drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Rifle mucky peat, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 2K | Very poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Greenwood peat, 0 to 1 percent slopes, seasonally ponded | 2K | Very poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Cathro and Tacoosh soils, 0 to 1 percent slopes, ponded | 2K | Very poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Tacoosh and Sax soils, 0 to 1 percent slopes, frequently flooded | 2K | Very poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Brickton-Dalbo complex, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 1K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Tacoosh and Sax soils, 0 to 1 percent slopes, occasionally flooded | 1K | Very poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 63% of soils are rated "very limited" for dwellings with basements. Specific challenges include shallow bedrock, steep slopes, poor drainage in some areas, flood-prone areas. A geotechnical assessment is recommended before building.
Septic Systems
About 63% of soils are rated "very limited" for septic absorption fields. Despite good drainage overall, limitations may stem from shallow bedrock, steep slopes, or seasonal conditions. Engineered or alternative systems are frequently required. Always get a professional perc test before purchasing land that needs septic.
Gardening & Agriculture
Well-drained soils on sloped terrain — good for most plants but watch for erosion. Terracing, contour planting, and mulching help retain moisture and topsoil. Drip irrigation is more effective than sprinklers on slopes.