News – Page 16 – Parks & Trails Council of Minnesota

May 6, 2020

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.

April 30, 2020

Minnesota State Parks are open for day-use only. How does that compare to other states?

On Thursday, the DNR extended state park campground closures through May 18 to be consistent with Gov. Walz’s stay-at-home order. Most state park systems across the country have similar policies in place.

April 27, 2020

Trail use has surged in response to the COVID-19 pandemic

The COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted nearly every aspect of normal life. Over 300 million Americans, representing 95 percent of the population, are under stay-at-home orders. All across the country, in an effort to slow the spread of this deadly disease, public officials have closed everything from museums to libraries to concert halls to restaurants and bars.

April 13, 2020

Goats are Taking Over Chester Woods Park

From Friends of Chester Woods What’s more fun than watching goats at play? How about watching goats accomplishing much needed work for the parks while they do their goat ‘thing’? Faced with overwhelming amounts of invasive buckthorn, honeysuckle and overgrown brush in the park, Friends ...

April 10, 2020

Friends of Lake Maria State Park

Providing public and youth engagement opportunities

April 7, 2020

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.

March 31, 2020

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.

March 24, 2020

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 ...

March 23, 2020

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 ...

A stunning sunrise from the breathtaking vista of Frontenac State Park overlooking beautiful Lake Pepin

March 17, 2020

Video of Theater in the Park now online + Volunteers Recognized

From Friends of Whitewater State Park Theater In the Park Video The Friends of Whitewater recently added the Theater in the Park performance recording to their webpage. It is a powerful story about the history of the Whitewater Valley and the changing relationship between humans ...

actors ready to portray history of the park

March 4, 2020

Spring Changes for DNR Parks and Trails

An update from Arielle Courtney, DNR Kao Thao, park naturalist, showing kids how to tap a tree to collect sap for maple syrup First of all, congratulations to everyone for making it to March! I hope you enjoyed wonderful wintry outdoor activities and are now ...

Icebergs on the banks of the St. Louis River

March 4, 2020

Partnerships and advocacy for the Mill Towns State Trail

Since the late 90s, Friends of the Mill Towns Trail has garnered support for the Mill Towns State Trail. A common thread throughout their history reveals strong partnerships as a key driver in the accomplishments so far. Partnerships at work First and foremost, the friends ...

February 27, 2020

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 ...