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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Restoring land by cabins at Sibley
The Sibley State Park Improvement Association teamed up with students from a local charter school to remove invasive vegetation near park camper cabins. Then they planted native trees and shrubs to improve habitat and provide shade and privacy screening.
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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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Friends of Minneopa State Park celebrate summer solstice
From Friends of Minneopa State Park Friends of Minneopa hosted an event with live music to celebrate the summer solstice. Read about this in a story on June 21 by KEYC Mankato: "Friends of Minneopa State Park celebrate summer solstice" Read full story
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Volunteers install deer exclosure at Zippel Bay State Park
From Friends of Zippel Bay State Park On Saturday June 8, a group of people gathered at Zippel Bay State Park to construct a deer exclosure—to protect young pine trees in approximately 6 acres of the park from being grazed on and killed by deer ...
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June Summer Activities at Maplewood State Park
From Friends of Maplewood State Park __________ Michelle Yarmakov / P&TC photo contest Meditation at Maplewood Monday, June 17; 6:30pm-7:15pm “When we get closer to nature—be it untouched wilderness or a backyard tree—we do our overstressed brains a favor” reports National Geographic. We live busy, ...
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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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Legislators’ attempt to open State Parks to off-highway vehicles kept at bay in 2019
During the 2019 Legislative Session, a handful of legislators* tried to advance a bill (HF 48/SF 1568) that would mandate a pilot project at Hayes Lake and Lake Vermilion State Parks to allow all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) to use the campground and access routes within these state parks.
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Sibley State Park celebrates centennial
From the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources Full slate of activities scheduled for June 8 Everyone’s invited to celebrate Sibley State Park’s centennial year on Saturday, June 8, with entertainment and family-friendly activities all day. The park is located near the west-central city of New …
Friends of Scandia to Implement Pollinator Projects this Summer
From Friends of Scandia Parks and Trails As summer begins, the Friends of Scandia Parks & Trails embarks on a number of projects to continue improving pollinator habitat, engage local community members, and advance support for parks and trails. Pollinator Planting Management The 1-acre native ...
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Bridge installed across Cannon River for the Mill Towns State Trail
From Friends of the Mill Towns State Trail A bridge was put into place on Friday, May 24 on the west side of Hwy 21 over the Cannon River for the Mill Towns State Trail. Once complete, the bridge and newly constructed section of trail ...
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