DNR News Releases

DNR Update: Next Steps in the MOU Process

Arielle Courtney, DNR Parks & Trails Partnership Development Consultant, shares an update on the DNR's Memorandum of Understanding with Friends Groups.
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DNR Update: What’s going on with the MOU?

An update from Arielle Courtney, DNR Greetings, friends! Thank you as always for your dedication and service to our state parks and trails. While this winter has been abnormal, I know many of you worked hard with our staff to put on a variety of ...
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DNR Update: MOUs for Friends Groups

Arielle Courtney, DNR Parks & Trails Partnership Development Consultant, shares an opportunity to offer feedback on an updated template Memorandum of Understanding agreement that will be eventually used with all Friends Groups, as well as a reminder about September events.
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DNR Update: Volunteering Reminders, Planning Progress, and Free Park Day

An update from Arielle Courtney, DNR It’s hard to believe it’s already June. Congratulations to all of us on surviving a very, very long winter! I hope many of you were able enjoy the snow, but now let us rejoice in the spring and summer ...
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DNR Update – a timeline for the planning process and clarifying DNR requirements

Arielle Courtney, DNR Parks & Trails Partnership Development Consultant, shares an update on the DNR’s Friends Group planning process and work to clarify special event requirements.

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July 28, 2022

DNR Update – Listening to Friends Groups and updating volunteer requirements

Arielle Courtney, DNR Parks & Trails Partnership Development Consultant, shares an update on the department’s plans for Friends group engagement and answers some frequently asked questions. 
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view of the headwaters
May 31, 2022

DNR Update – Flooding, volunteer requirements update, and a thank you

Arielle Courtney, DNR Parks & Trails Partnership Development Consultant, shares an update on the latest recission of the COVID-19 volunteer requirements and talks about what’s next for improving the volunteer experience.
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Big Bog SRA boardwalk
January 4, 2022

Volunteering with the DNR – Survey

An update from Arielle Courtney, DNR Happy New Year, everyone! I hope you all enjoyed a safe, healthy celebration of the winter holidays and got the opportunity to spend a bit extra time at our state parks and trails. As I write this, I’m planning ...
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volunteer in a bright yellow vest
November 29, 2021

DNR Update – Gratitude, new leadership, and 2022 goals

An update from Arielle Courtney, DNR I hope everyone is staying well and enjoying the holiday season so far as we approach the end of the year. I can confidently say on behalf of the DNR and all of the staff you work with at ...
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volunteers discussing how to best approach the protective fencing
August 2, 2021

Nature Play Areas at DNR Parks & Trails

An update from Arielle Courtney, DNR Nature play is both a really old and really new concept, depending on how you think about it. Before plastic toys and playgrounds, nature was the original medium for children’s (and grown-up!) play. Research Some children took advantage of ...
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July 1, 2021

DNR update: COVID restrictions loosened, goal and project planning

An update from Arielle Courtney, DNR Summer is now in full swing, and so are our campgrounds, trails, water access sites, and state forest recreation areas. And thankfully they will continue that way as the state avoided a government shutdown when the state legislature came ...
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hikers stand and rest while physical distancing
May 4, 2021

DNR Update: What’s happening at parks and trails?

An update from Arielle Courtney, DNR Rejoining our effort Greetings, friends! I am back at work after nearly a year of parental leave, extended by the challenges of COVID. While I am beyond grateful for the opportunity to have spent additional time with my daughter ...
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woman carrying sticks in DNR hard hat
December 21, 2020

New cabins to open at Lake Vermilion-Soudan Underground Mine State Park

From MnDNR Reservations open Dec. 28; first lodging begins Dec. 31 The new camper cabins at Lake Vermilion-Soudan Underground Mine State Park, in northeastern Minnesota, are ready for visitors! Campers can begin making reservations at 8 a.m. Monday, Dec. 28 for stays beginning on Dec. …

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Two cabins nestled between trees and plants
October 27, 2020

Parks and Trails Legacy Advisory Committee seeks applicants

From MnDNR The coordinating partners of the Parks and Trails Legacy Plan, which include the Metropolitan Council, the Greater Minnesota Regional Parks and Trails Commission, and the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, are seeking applicants to serve on the Parks and Trails Legacy Advisory Committee. The committee champions the 25-year …

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Legacy Amendment Logo
October 1, 2020

Friends Group Update from the DNR

A note from Ashley Pethan (Friends Group Coordinator, P&TC) You may remember that Arielle Courtney, the DNR's central point person for friends groups, went on parenthood leave starting in March. She and her husband welcomed a baby girl to the family and have been adjusting ...
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hikers stand and rest while physical distancing