Itasca is well-known for its old-growth trees. But growing the next generation has been a challenge as deer have been eating and destroying the young trees. In 2009, park staff planted a 65-acre region known as the Bear Paw Restoration.
Five volunteer-led Friends Groups have each received a $5,000 grant from Parks & Trails Council of Minnesota to spearhead habitat restoration projects within state parks. Parks & Trails Council worked with the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources to identify potential projects and overlap them with …