Anoka Sandplain
The majority of Anoka County is located in a geologic region known as the Anoka Sandplain. The Anoka Sandplain is known for its flat topography, sandy soils, and shallow water table. Land use practices in this unique area have far reaching implications. This area is the sources of drinking water for the several major cities, the home for many rare plants, animals and ecosystems, and the site of expanding urban growth boundaries.
The Anoka Sandplain is located in central Minnesota within 13 counties; Anoka, Benton, Chisago, Crow Wing, Hennepin, Isanti, Mille Lacs, Morrison, Ramsey, Sherburne, Stearns, Washington, and Wright. Sixty-eight cities and seventy-four townships are at least partially located within the boundaries.
Ecological Classification
The boundaries of the Anoka Sandplain are determined by the Ecological Classification System (ECS). The ECS was developed in Minnesota as part of a nationwide mapping initiative. It is a method to identify, describe, and map units of land with different capabilities to support natural resources. This is done by integrating climatic, geologic, hydrologic, topographic, soil and vegetation data.
Sandplain Map
