Amidst Arielle Courtney’s parental leave, we’ll hear from some DNR staff across Minnesota to hear their perspectives.
Oliver Liu is the Area 2C Specialist, working on paved trails and water trails out of Two Harbors. Read his story for an update on what’s happening on the North Shore.
“Nature is always lovely, invincible, glad, whatever is done and suffered by her creatures. All scars she heals, whether in rocks or water or sky or hearts.” – John Muir
During these uncertain and challenging times, we hope that you are staying safe and healthy and continuing to do your part in helping others do the same. It’s understandable that the additional stressors we now face can be seemingly overwhelming, greatly impacting our social and mental wellbeing. As there may be fewer opportunities currently available for recreational, social and leisure activities, our state trails and public waters in northeast Minnesota can still offer moments of respite through this hectic period.
From hiking and biking along the scenic north shore on the Gitchi-Gami State Trail to fishing and paddling on the Cloquet River or any of the dozens of inland lakes and Lake Superior, our state trails and waterways remain open to public use.
For those who wish to know a little more, the Minnesota DNR’s Parks and Trails office out of Two Harbors manages a wide range of sites across St. Louis, Lake and Cook Counties. This covers a majority of the public water accesses, as well as the Safe Harbors and Marinas on the north shore. In addition we have 2 designated state water trails including the Cloquet River and Lake Superior Water Trail, and 2 state trails including the Gitchi-Gami and CJ Ramstad North Shore State Trail with numerous opportunities to branch off to explore our local State Parks, State Forests, the Superior National Forest, the Superior Hiking Trail and countless trail connections to local communities and other escape destinations. This broad range of trail connections offers a multitude of recreational opportunities all year round.
Gathering to discuss plans for the trail
A significant part of our managed infrastructure would not be possible if not for the the numerous partnerships established with other agencies and organizations, and just as importantly, our friends groups. We continue to rely on these collaborative partnerships, especially now, as there is increased need to provide consistent messaging on the socially responsible use of our trails and waterways. We appreciate the steadfast support and energy provided by friends groups, and we look forward to the day when we can once again engage more deeply with friends group volunteers.
By: Oliver Liu, Area 2C Specialist, DNR
