Business Notes HOMESTEADING

Tired of the rat race? Now comes a chance to revitalize yourself and a rural community at the same time. Residents of Minnesota's Koochiching County, whose biggest town is International Falls (pop. 10,000), are trying to boost their sagging population by giving away up to 40 acres to each brave soul who takes up residence there. To qualify, applicants must be financially self-sufficient and bring a business or a useful skill with them. The county has received 27 applications, four of which have been accepted.

But tenderfoots should beware. Koochiching features howling wolves, garbage-scavenging bears, voracious mosquitoes and subzero winter temperatures. "We're not giving away much," says program backer Lee Hervey. "You're earning it."