Author: Lisa Filter

October 11, 2016

Mill Towns State Trail Segment Opens

Like a puzzle, the newest segment of the Mill Towns State Trail involved many pieces fitting together—just so—to complete the picture. Talks began in 2010 between the DNR, three private landowners, two counties, managers of a dam and a highway. This year, with the commitment of trail proponents, the pieces came together to make a great addition to the state trail system.
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boy biycling along trail
October 10, 2016

Assessing the condition of Minnesota’s trails, one mile at a time

Have you ever been riding along one of Minnesota’s beautiful bicycle trails when, thud, a jarring bump shakes your entire frame? Well, you’re not alone. Staff, board members and volunteers from Parks & Trails Council have been spending the summer out on the trails, feeling—and recording—these bumps ourselves.
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iPhone mounted on bike handlebars
October 7, 2016

2016 Fall Newsletter

Inside this issue: The E.D. on OHVs 125 years timeline of Minnesota State Parks Assessing trail conditions
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Mill Towns State Trail - Byllesby Bridge
October 1, 2016

Getting more people into the woods

In the three years that Nerstrand Big Woods State Park has made friends with a group of committed volunteers, the park has seen skyrocketing visitor numbers. It could be coincidence, good weather, or part of the system-wide trend, but the park manager says the friends …

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closeup of understory flower
August 9, 2016

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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August 3, 2016

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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July 11, 2016

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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Mike Tegeder
July 8, 2016

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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July 7, 2016

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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June 22, 2016

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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Dam washout
June 17, 2016

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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June 1, 2016

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 …

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Purple wildflowers on trail with sunset
June 1, 2016

Bonding Bill

No bonding bill was passed during the 2016 session.
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June 1, 2016

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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