Lisa Filter – Page 7 – Parks & Trails Council of Minnesota

April 7, 2020

Legislative efforts focused on COVID-19, but bonding bill could still happen later in session

The 2020 legislative session isn’t turning out the way any of us expected. COVID-19 has altered all aspects of daily life in Minnesota (and around the world), and that includes Parks & Trails Council’s advocacy efforts at the state capitol. As you know, this is a rapidly changing situation and many people across our state agencies, legislature, and governor’s office are working hard to respond to this unprecedented emergency.

March 31, 2020

State Park campgrounds closed until May 1

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (MnDNR) announced that ALL campgrounds in state parks, recreation areas and forests will be closed until May 1, 2020. Parks & Trails Council fully supports this decision, which is important to protect our state's health, even as it may deliver a blow to Minnesota State Parks and Trails' budget.

March 24, 2020

DNR invites public comment on timber harvests at Father Hennepin State Park

Open house at Mille Lacs Kathio State Park has been postponed The Department of Natural Resources is amending the management plan for Father Hennepin State Park, located on the southeast shore of Mille Lacs Lake. The amendment will allow timber harvest activities that are planned ...

March 23, 2020

We’re adjusting, but staying committed to protecting parks and trails

A letter from our executive director Our commitment to Minnesota's parks and trails has never been stronger Ten days ago the Parks & Trails Council office was bustling with the activity of a statewide nonprofit working on multiple fronts. Lisa was making arrangements for our ...

A stunning sunrise from the breathtaking vista of Frontenac State Park overlooking beautiful Lake Pepin

February 27, 2020

Status of 2020 Legislative Priority – Local and Regional Grants

One of our priorities during the 2020 Legislature supporting an appropriation of $4 million to fund the grant programs established under Minnesota Stat. 85.019. These grants have provided critical funds for acquiring, developing, and enhancing parks and trails within city or regional systems. FormatDateAmountDocMn DNRRequestJanuary ...

February 26, 2020

Steve Thorne

Adept advocate for parks and trails

October 11, 2019

Getting youth outdoors by partnering with Friends Groups

School is back in session. And for some lucky students this fall, their classroom happened to be a park or trail for a day.

Fifth-graders explore the woods at Lake Maria

August 14, 2019

Willard Munger State Trail improvement projects temporarily close two bridges

The MnDNR has temporarily closed two trail bridges on the Willard Munger State Trail starting July 29, as crews work to improve the bridge surface. The bridges will re-open after Sept. 30. The two closures are located at:

July 25, 2019

Working with Friends to improve landscapes at seven state parks

Trees, trees, trees! Earlier this spring, volunteers, young and old, could be found with shovels in hand at seven state parks—Blue Mounds, Lake Bemidji, Minneopa, Sibley, Tettegouche, and Whitewater—where they were planting and protecting trees (and shrubs) in key areas of the landscape.

July 25, 2019

Report reveals time to invest in state trails is now

The second edition of our “State of the Trails” report is out. Building on our previous efforts, this report provides a comprehensive assessment of the condition of all 22 paved state trails in Minnesota.

July 1, 2019

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.

friends and youth celebrate having planted a tree

June 5, 2019

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.

Author: Lisa Filter