Author: Lisa Filter
Greater Minnesota Regional Parks and Trails Commission announces 2016 designations
For more information visit the GMRPTC website
DNR acquires six miles for Mill Towns State Trail
MnDNR News Release - The Department of Natural Resources has acquired nearly 6 miles of railroad property for the Mill Towns State Trail between Faribault and Dundas in Rice County.
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Citizen advisory committee appointed to explore future of Fort Ridgely State Park
DNR News Release - The Department of Natural Resources has appointed 15 people to a citizen advisory committee that will make recommendations about how to expand statewide interest in Fort Ridgely State Park near Fairfax in southern Minnesota after its golf course closes on Sept. 6, the day after Labor Day.
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In Memory of Mike Tegeder
It is with great sadness that we share that our past president, Mike Tegeder, 67, died in the early morning of July 9. He leaves a legacy of dedication and preservation of Minnesota’s parks and trails, among his many accomplishments. He was diagnosed with cancer in February.
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Major blowdown spurs plans for a new future at St. Croix State Park
This spring planners began the process to create a master plan for St. Croix, which is the largest state park in Minnesota. Having been created before the master plan was a requirement, this will actually be the first plan for the park. This plan will be significant for another reason too. The DNR recently designated St. Croix as a “destination” park and lead planner Jade Templin explained that this “gives us our first chance to incorporate the new idea of a destination park into a plan and more fully develop what it means.”
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2016 Summer Newsletter
Inside this issue:
Legislative recap
Itasca turns 125 years old
St. Croix State Park Planning Underway
Meet a Friend: Prairie Visions
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DNR Release: DNR decides not to rebuild Blue Mounds State Park dam
The Department of Natural Resources has decided against rebuilding the dam and lake reservoir at Blue Mounds State Park near Luverne in southwestern Minnesota, citing concerns about water quality, endangered species and other factors.
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DNR Release: DNR extends Fort Ridgely State Park golf season to Sept. 5
Rivers also announced the DNR is forming a citizen advisory committee that will be consulted on future development of the park.
“While the DNR will no longer provide golfing at Fort Ridgely State Park, we are committed to managing and investing in this historically significant site at one of Minnesota’s oldest state parks,” Rivers said. “Fort Ridgely is among our core state parks because of its natural landscape and historic significance, and we want to engage the public in re-imagining how we can re-invigorate this special place for all Minnesotans.”
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Building a trail to connect pastoral towns
In 1990, community leaders in southern Minnesota wanted to preserve the area’s natural and historic resources while creating a sustainable economy. They soon formed a group to focus on this goal. Since then, the group has been diligently working, along with Parks & Trails Council …
Supplemental Budget Bill
This bill increases state park and trail funding in FY 2017 by $5.1 million. It includes $2.8 million general funds and $2.3 million from the State Parks Account. Reserves $1.2 million for state park acquisition.
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Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund (LCCMR)
Appropriated funds from the Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund for projects that benefit Minnesota’s air, water, land, fish, wildlife, and other natural resources. The following portion of the appropriated funds benefitted parks and trails:
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2015 Annual Report Released
Join us for a brief stroll down memory lane, with our 2015 Annual Report. It was a great year when members helped us add 108 acres to Banning State Park that will protect unique boulders along the scenic Kettle River and much more.
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Trail Fee Requirement
This would have made it a misdemeanor to bike, skate, walk, or jog on a state-supported trail without first purchasing a pass.
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