All News
Our latest research initiative reveals user profiles at 3 mountain bike trail systems
Last summer, Parks & Trails Council worked with Greater Minnesota Parks and Trails Commission (GMRPTC) to conduct visitor surveys, and user counts at three mountain bike areas across the state: Lake County Split Rock Wilds, Winona Bluffs Traverse, and Tioga Recreation Area. The reports detailing the results of this research were published in November 2022.
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How climate change affects Minnesota and our parks and trails
According to Dr. Kenny Blumenfeld, a climatologist with the Minnesota State Climatology Office and the guest speaker on our Dec. 7 webinar, our state is already warmer and wetter, and this change is expected to become more pronounced in the coming decades.
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Free Park Fridays
The last Free Park Friday of the year will be on November 25th this year. You can visit any one of Minnesota's 75 state parks and recreation areas for free, including as an overnight camper. This is a great opportunity for people currently without an annual park permit to explore nearby natural areas - and, given that this Free Park Friday falls directly after Thanksgiving, it is also a chance to spend more time with family over the long holiday weekend!
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Parks & Trails Council assumes official ownership of former Boy Scout Camp along Lake Shetek
On Oct. 31, two years after being the highest bidder during a live auction, Parks & Trails Council of Minnesota (P&TC) assumed ownership of an 80-year-old former Boy Scout camp on the wooded shores of Lake Shetek in southwest Minnesota. Patience and diligence proved essential in this deal, which ultimately protected the land from being subdivided into five private estates.
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FAQs on our Lake Shetek Project
Who owns the land now? On October 31, 2022, P&TC became the official owner of the land. Why did it take so long after the auction for P&TC to become the landowners? On October 24, 2020, Parks & Trails Council secured this land with the ...
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Recapping the 2022 Annual Dinner
A big thank you to everyone who attended our Annual Dinner on Sep. 28. We had a great turnout and several very memorable speakers. Senator Carrie Ruud received this year's Reuel Harmon Award and the Friends of Whitewater State Park were honored with the Friends ...
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Special Places Autumn 2022
From the President | Grant: Pollinator Habitat | Reuel Harmon Award to Sen. Carrie Ruud | Land Project for Checkerboard Park | Nature Play Areas | Whitewater State Park and its friends
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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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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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Lawmakers stall on bonding bill, special session debated
The Minnesota Legislature adjourned on Monday, May 23rd without an agreement to pass a number of major supplemental finance bills, a tax bill, or a bonding bill. While House Speaker Melissa Hortman, Senate Majority Leader Jeremy Miller, and Governor Tim Walz struck a deal the ...
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Scavenger hunt adventures return to most Minnesota parks this summer
Let the scavenger hunting begin! Parks & Trails Council is bringing back the popular scavenger hunts to most Minnesota State Parks, plus four local parks this summer. These hunts are a great way for park-goers to hone their observation skills and learn to identify some of the diversity of species in the parks.
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New trail at Sibley made possible with P&TC land
A long-awaited 3-mile, paved, multi-use trail has been completed at Sibley State Park. This scenic trail meanders through the prairie for a uniquely peaceful experience. Plus, its current endpoint— a tunnel under Hwy. 71—foreshadows an exciting next phase.
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Minnesota bids farewell to lifelong environmental activist, Grant Merritt dies at 88
Grant Merritt served on Parks & Trails Council’s board of directors for 11 years, including as president from 2004-2006. His commitment to the organization remained steadfast as he continued to serve on P&TC committees through this year. Grant’s lifetime of hard work, innovation and results on behalf of the Great Outdoors earned him Parks & Trails Council’s prestigious Reuel Harmon Award in 2018.
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