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Special Places Newsletter – Fall 2019
Photo Contest Winners | Partnering on youth engagement | Tettegouche geology | Cannon Valley Trail Count | Friends of Lake Bemidji State Park
Rewards and challenges of being a parks and trails manager
An update from Arielle Courtney, DNR Whenever I tell people I work for DNR Parks and Trails, I usually receive one of several reactions. The first reaction is usually delight at the idea of playing with frogs and butterflies all day, what a lucky person ...
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Fall Festival at Anderson Park on Sept. 21
From Friends of Anderson Park Anderson Park’s 10th Annual Fall Festival is happening on Saturday, September 21! Both old and new activities are planned, with something for everyone: live animals, a climbing hill, a climbing wall, a wetland plant tour, canoeing/kayaking, new spotting scopes on ...
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Border Bike: The Official Interstate Ride IA/MN on August 24
Bike the to the border and beyond! Prairie Visions is supporting the Wapsi-Great Western Line Trail Association in hosting an Iowa to Minnesota bike ride. The event includes multiple bike route options. Family Route: 22 miles round trip, entirely on the Wapsi-Great Western Line Trail ...
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Willard Munger State Trail improvement projects temporarily close two bridges
The MnDNR has temporarily closed two trail bridges on the Willard Munger State Trail starting July 29, as crews work to improve the bridge surface. The bridges will re-open after Sept. 30. The two closures are located at:
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Working with Friends to improve landscapes at seven state parks
Trees, trees, trees! Earlier this spring, volunteers, young and old, could be found with shovels in hand at seven state parks—Blue Mounds, Lake Bemidji, Minneopa, Sibley, Tettegouche, and Whitewater—where they were planting and protecting trees (and shrubs) in key areas of the landscape.
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Report reveals time to invest in state trails is now
The second edition of our “State of the Trails” report is out. Building on our previous efforts, this report provides a comprehensive assessment of the condition of all 22 paved state trails in Minnesota.
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Pollinator Survey – Butterflies, Beetles, and Bees, Oh My!
From Friends of Scandia Parks & Trails Sunday, August 11, 10am-12pm Join us for a special event at William O'Brien State Park where you'll learn to identify and survey our fascinating native pollinators! No experience needed. Friends of Scandia Parks & Trails is partnering with the MN DNR to ...
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Special Places Newsletter – Summer 2019
In this issue:
Research: State of the Trails Report
Land Protection: Temperance River State Park
Public Policy: Session recap
Community: Partnering on habitat projects
Memoriam: Martin Kellogg
Commnuity: Lake Wobegon Trail Association
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Meet DNR’s New Parks and Trails Partnership Consultant
The DNR has created a new staff position—Parks & Trails Partnership Consultant—that will invest energy in variety of partner-related initiatives across the state. Arielle Courtney takes on that role, transitioning from her position at the DNR as a Principal Planner. Parks & Trails Council looks ...
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Youth Engagement Grant Awards – Round 1
Five volunteer-led friends groups will implement youth engagement projects at state parks and trails this year, with support from the Minnesota DNR and funds issued by Parks & Trails Council of Minnesota (P&TC). The projects include organizing field trips, hosting recreation opportunities, and developing hands-on ...
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Caramel Apple Ride on Lake Wobegon Trail (9/7)
From Lake Wobegon Trails Association Saturday, September 7, 2019 | Sauk Centre, MN Spend the day riding the great Lake Wobegon Trail Country. Enjoy the fall colors and great apple refreshments at all the rest stops including caramel apples and other treats from local vendors. ...
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Rail Trails 100: Shuttle out, ride your bike back! (8/3)
From Lake Wobegon Trails Association Saturday, August 3, 2019 | Fergus Falls, MN The Central Lakes and Lake Wobegon Trails offer some of the best trail riding in the state of Minnesota, and this is your chance to conquer both of them in one day! ...
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Hayes Lake State Park saved from an OHV campground
After a lengthy public-input and planning process that was designed to weigh the best location for an off-highway vehicle (OHV) campground in Northwestern Minnesota, the MnDNR is recommending the best location as Beltrami Island State Forest rather than Hayes Lake State Park.
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2019 Legislative Session Recap
The 2019 Legislative Session wrapped up with Gov. Tim Walz signing the omnibus budget bills into law on May 31. Despite some unsettling moments in the midst of session, when the Senate proposed drastic General Fund cuts, a compromise was eventually reached and it ended ...
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