Preservationists fought to save this area during the 1940's, efforts that culminated in the purchase of an area

known as the Big Block (1600 acres) for $1.5 million. A 0.25 mile-wide strip along the river was designated a no-cut area. In

1968 about 160 acres within the state natural area were fenced to exclude deer in order to promote regeneration of plants

being browsed. The wind storm of 1977 downed most of the trees in the natural area and in the Big Block itself. No-salvage

zones and new deer and hare exclosures have been established since then. The site was designated a state natural area in May 1952. A plant species list is on file.