August 1, 2017

Long-time group gaining new momentum

Most likely Frontenac State Park wouldn’t exist had it not been for this Association. The group was formed by influential local citizens who rallied around the idea that a state park would be a boon to the local economy.
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Members of Frontenac State Park Association tour land P&TC acquired for the park
July 26, 2017

Adding a new view to Frontenac?

At the border of Frontenac State Park, near it’s entrance, lays 158.82 acres of land that holds outstanding natural beauty and a view to behold. Earlier this year the owner put the land up for sale, thus presenting a small window of opportunity to protect …

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View through trees of Lake Pepin
July 15, 2017

Making Minnesota’s trails count, one person at a time

In 2015, Parks & Trails Council initiated a program to collect data on how many people use Minnesota State Trails. That study was just the start, however, and we’re excited to announce we are expanding the program in 2017 with the addition of automated trail …

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trail counting box on trail
July 12, 2017

Supporter & Board Member Spotlight: Dorothy Anderson

Our members’ stories are essential to our story. The deep connection we all have with the places preserved as parks and trails provide inspiration to continue to advocate for these special places. Here is board member Dr. Dorothy Anderson’s story. As the eldest of 11 …

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Dorothy Anderson
July 10, 2017

Most parks in the U.S. suffering from noise

Listen!… What do you hear? According to a May 5 report in the magazine Science, chances are high that even if you’re in a park, what you’re hearing is human-created sounds—and they’re muffling out the natural ones. Researchers measured noise levels at 500 sites across …

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Hiker amidst tall trees on the Superior HIking Trail
July 1, 2017

2017 Summer Newsletter

Contents

Trail Counters Go Up
Legislative Recap
Noise in Parks
St. Croix State Park Planning Update
Mill Towns State Trail Opening
Board Profile: Dorothy Anderson
Meet Frontenac State Park Improvement Association

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June 27, 2017

We’re hiring!

As we work to develop our Friends Group program, we are adding a new member to our team. The Friends Group Coordinator is a position that has the potential to bring Parks & Trails Council of Minnesota to a whole new level with expanded capacity to partner with Friends Groups across the state in supporting parks and trails.
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People talking at P&TC table outdoors
May 31, 2017

Otter Creek – The Life Line of the Park

Otter Creek begins in the southwest swamp area of Birch Lake. There may be other minor sources but it is hard to tell. It begins and passes through the land that in 1879 belonged to Juilia Bertram, wife of George Bertram. It should be noted that George Bertram died in 1879, leaving this land and several plots of land on West River Street to his wife.
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otter creek
May 30, 2017

Bonding Bill

The final piece of the 2017 budget agreement was a $988 million bonding bill (HF 5), which passed in the wee hours on the last day of session. The bonding bill funds building and infrastructure projects, including park and trail projects. Specifically, the bill includes: ...
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Great River Ridge State Trail
May 30, 2017

Legacy Funds Appropriation Bill

Legacy Funds The Legacy Bill (HF 707) appropriates revenues from the Legacy Amendment. The bill appropriates $88 million from the Parks and Trails Fund over the next two years, of which 40% is available for state parks and trails, 40% is available for regional parks ...
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May 30, 2017

Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund

The Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund bill (SF 550) appropriates revenues from the Minnesota Lottery dedicated to protect, conserve...
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May 30, 2017

Omnibus Budget Bill

The Omnibus Environment Budget (SF 844) sets the two year budget for state park and trail operations. The good news is the budget should provide sufficient funding to avoid staffing and service cutbacks in state parks and trails, thanks to a key last-minute concession won by Gov. Dayton that ...
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May 30, 2017

Legislative Session ends with mixed bag for parks and trails

The 2017 legislative session is finally over. Minnesota lawmakers wrapped up a four-day special session early Friday morning, and Gov. Dayton signed most of the bills into law on Tuesday following the Memorial Day holiday. While there are still a few outstanding issues at the …

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Minnesota State Capitol
May 24, 2017

17th Annual Bike Ride Planned

Annual Gitchi-Gami Trail Association North Shore Bike Ride will take place on Saturday, August 19, 2017, on the spectacular Gitchi-Gami State Trail and connecting roads.
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Sketched map showing the trail
May 19, 2017

Legislative Update: Uncertainty remains as the end of session draws near

The end of the legislative session is only three days away, and important pieces of legislation that will impact Minnesota’s parks and trails are still up-in-the-air. Lawmakers have spent most of the week going back-and-forth on what the overall size of the state budget should …

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Minnesota State Capitol