People have been using and living on the barrens for many years and in many ways. Paleo-Indians likely hunted there 10,000 years ago. Dakota and Ojibwe picked berries and burned the land to generate new growth. Loggers, farmers, forestry interests and conservationists all took their turn on the barrens. The Namekagon Barrens has several historical sites you can visit (see links below).
Historic Photos and Maps Gallery