DNR highlights new parks and trails offerings for 2017
New offerings come after record number of visitors utilize state’s parks and trails system in 2016; DNR seeks moderate fee increases to support increased demand for parks and trails maintenance and services. A variety of new experiences await visitors to Minnesota state parks and trails in 2017. For example, you can:
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Volunteer naturalists with a passion for Whitewater
Since re-forming the Friends of Whitewater State Park a few years ago, this group of volunteers have found many ways to put their knowledge and appreciation for the park’s natural resources to use.
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2017 Winter Newsletter
Inside this issue: Day on the Hill State Trails report Ski grooming partnership Our legislative agenda Lake Superior land project Whitewater State Park & friends
Trail Fee Requirement
Bill would make it a misdemeanor to hike or bike on state-sponsored trails without paying a fee. Bill Numbers: HF 929 House Authors: Gruenhagen Senate Authors: NA Update: House File introduced on 2/9/17 and referred to Environment and Natural Resources Policy and Finance. Back to Bill Tracker
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Keeping OHVs out of state parks
Efforts to add off-highway vehicles into Minnesota State Parks are popping up in unexpected places like the Taconite State Trail Plan and Lake Vermilion State Park Plan.
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We’re partnering to re-open ski trails in four northern Minnesota state parks
After laying fallow last winter, cross-country ski trails are once again being groomed and welcoming skiers at Hayes Lakes, Lake Bronson, McCarthy Beach and Zipple Bay State Park in northern Minnesota, thanks to a partnership between Parks & Trails Council of Minnesota (P&TC) and the …
Local Grants
Grants for regional and local parks and trails to fund four grant programs that have historically been managed by the MnDNR:
Comments Needed on Taconite State Trail Plan by Jan. 6
The draft plan for the Taconite State Trail suggests OHVs may be permitted through two state parks. We urge members to share their desire to keep state parks as places where the sounds of nature dominate and natural resources are protected.
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Helping right a wrong for Lake Superior
Few outcomes are more satisfying than when a big-time polluter is caught in its tracks. This summer, one such polluter was brought to justice by the U.S Attorney’s Office when a whistleblower reported a ship was illegally dumping dirty bilge water into the Great Lakes. Part of the punishment included a $200,000 criminal sanction against the company that will be used to protect Lake Superior and its watershed. This fall, Parks & Trails Council of Minnesota, along with three other environmental nonprofits were awarded grants from this settlement.
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Our Friends Group program expands
We're happy to announce the expansion of our Friends Group program with the creation of the staff position of Friends Group Coordinator. We welcome Jen Lasar to this role that will be dedicated to fostering and enhancing the efforts of the many volunteer-based groups working on behalf of Minnesota's parks and trails.
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Building the Sugar Shack
For years the Friends of Maplewood have been fundraising and coordinating logistics to build a sugar shack for the growing maple syrup interpretive program.
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Say no to motorized off-highway vehicles in state parks
One of the decisions that lawmakers are considering is whether or not we should open up our state parks to off-highway motor vehicles also known as OHVs (that includes ATVs, off-highway motorcycles and 4x4s).
Interview with Debbie Kippen, winner of 2016 photo contest
Debbie Kippen spends a lot of time in Minnesota state parks; she is just one park visit away from having hiked every one. And she says each one is special. In August, Kippen was awarded the first place honor in our photo contest. We chatted ...
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Mill Towns State Trail Segment Opens
Like a puzzle, the newest segment of the Mill Towns State Trail involved many pieces fitting together—just so—to complete the picture. Talks began in 2010 between the DNR, three private landowners, two counties, managers of a dam and a highway. This year, with the commitment of trail proponents, the pieces came together to make a great addition to the state trail system.
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Assessing the condition of Minnesota’s trails, one mile at a time
Have you ever been riding along one of Minnesota’s beautiful bicycle trails when, thud, a jarring bump shakes your entire frame? Well, you’re not alone. Staff, board members and volunteers from Parks & Trails Council have been spending the summer out on the trails, feeling—and recording—these bumps ourselves.
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