Author: Lisa Filter
DNR announces changes to camping and lodging reservation window
The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is shortening its window for making reservations for camping and lodging to 120 days, or four months. Previously, customers could reserve campsites, cabins, yurts, tipis, and lodging facilities up to one year in advance. The change will take effect on July 1, 2020.
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Some State Park campgrounds have begun a phased reopening
As of June 1, the MnDNR reopened 38 state park campgrounds with limited services. Additionally, some camper cabins and yurts have reopened. In general, the opened campgrounds have water systems and vault toilets/porta-toilets available. However, some showers, ranger stations and other value-added amenities and services …
We join the call for justice in Minnesota
Minnesota is experiencing heartbreaking pain right now as the years of injustice, discrimination and racism that have been felt by people of color for generations has come to a boiling point with the brutal death of George Floyd. We join those calling for justice. We keep our eyes open to this suffering so we can understand and contribute toward the healing.
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Legislature adjourns with much at stake in Special Session
When the Legislature adjourned on May 18, it did so without passing either a Bonding bill or a LCCMR bill – two of the most critical items of interest to all Parks & Trails advocates and supporters. Disagreements over the pandemic response and the size …
Status of 2020 Legislative Priority – Investing in metropolitan regional parks and trails
One of our priorities during the 2020 Legislature is to supports the Metropolitan Council’s request for state bonding funds, which are partially matched by the Metropolitan Council, to improve and expand the Metropolitan Regional Parks System.. Legislative Process Status FormatDateAmountDocMetropolitan CouncilRequestJanuary 2020$15 millionPDFGov. Tim WalzRecommendationJanuary ...
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Status of 2020 Legislative Priority – Infrastructure
Fix critical infrastructure in state parks and trails One of our priorities during the 2020 Legislature is to address the backlog of maintenance for state parks and trails buildings and other assets, such as shower buildings, trail bridges, water systems, etc. The agency’s assessment shows ...
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Time to urge legislators to support parks and trails
Now that the four Minnesota House and Senate caucus leaders have agreed to a midnight, Saturday, May 9 deadline for bills, we are expecting a flurry of activity as lawmakers race to complete a long list of priorities, including the omnibus bonding and tax bills. Of particular interest will be whether or not the Democrat-controlled House and the Republican-controlled Senate can reconcile significant partisan differences to pass these bills.
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Legislative efforts focused on COVID-19, but bonding bill could still happen later in session
The 2020 legislative session isn’t turning out the way any of us expected. COVID-19 has altered all aspects of daily life in Minnesota (and around the world), and that includes Parks & Trails Council’s advocacy efforts at the state capitol. As you know, this is a rapidly changing situation and many people across our state agencies, legislature, and governor’s office are working hard to respond to this unprecedented emergency.
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State Park campgrounds closed until May 1
The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (MnDNR) announced that ALL campgrounds in state parks, recreation areas and forests will be closed until May 1, 2020. Parks & Trails Council fully supports this decision, which is important to protect our state's health, even as it may deliver a blow to Minnesota State Parks and Trails' budget.
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DNR invites public comment on timber harvests at Father Hennepin State Park
Open house at Mille Lacs Kathio State Park has been postponed The Department of Natural Resources is amending the management plan for Father Hennepin State Park, located on the southeast shore of Mille Lacs Lake. The amendment will allow timber harvest activities that are planned ...
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We’re adjusting, but staying committed to protecting parks and trails
A letter from our executive director Our commitment to Minnesota's parks and trails has never been stronger Ten days ago the Parks & Trails Council office was bustling with the activity of a statewide nonprofit working on multiple fronts. Lisa was making arrangements for our ...
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Status of 2020 Legislative Priority – Local and Regional Grants
One of our priorities during the 2020 Legislature supporting an appropriation of $4 million to fund the grant programs established under Minnesota Stat. 85.019. These grants have provided critical funds for acquiring, developing, and enhancing parks and trails within city or regional systems. FormatDateAmountDocMn DNRRequestJanuary ...
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Special Places Newsletter – Winter 2020
Outdoors news briefs | Our land project at Tettegouche State Park | 2020 Legislative Agenda | Land and Water Conservation Fund | Upcoming events | Heartland-Itasca Spur Trail
Getting youth outdoors by partnering with Friends Groups
School is back in session. And for some lucky students this fall, their classroom happened to be a park or trail for a day.
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