Parks & Trails Council praises vision and determination in creating park at Lake Vermilion

(ST. PAUL, MN) – Parks & Trails Council of Minnesota Acting Executive Director Brett Feldman issued the following statement after Gov. Tim Pawlenty today announced that the state had struck a deal with U.S. Steel to acquire land for Lake Vermilion State Park:

“The Parks & Trails Council of Minnesota is pleased to learn that negotiations to secure the land for the park at Lake Vermilion have resumed. We applaud Gov. Pawlenty and legislators on both sides of the aisle for combining their creative energies so that generations of Minnesotans may soon have an opportunity to experience one of Minnesota’s most spectacular parks."

“For more than 55 years, the Parks & Trails Council of Minnesota has worked with elected officials to create and protect some of our most treasured outdoor places. While each of our state’s 72 state parks represent their own legacy, there is no doubt that if this deal does materialize future generations will look back with gratitude on the day that our elected officials had the vision and determination to create what may become the crown jewel of our state park system.” 

About the Parks & Trails Council of Minnesota
The Parks & Trails Council of Minnesota is a grassroots membership organization that has worked vigorously for more than 55 years to protect, expand and enhance Minnesota’s most special places by acquiring critical land for incorporation into the state’s public park and trail systems. Fueled by charitable contributions from individuals, foundations and corporations, the Parks & Trails Council has been instrumental in adding nearly 10,000 acres of land valued at $29 million to key areas within the state’s vast network of parks and trails. The 3,400-member-strong organization has become the state’s most powerful voice for parks and trails, thanks to its working relationships with grassroots community groups, legislators and local governments from throughout the state.