DNR News Releases
DNR Update: What’s going on with the MOU?
An update from Arielle Courtney, DNR Greetings, friends! Thank you as always for your dedication and service to our state parks and trails. While this winter has been abnormal, I know many of you worked hard with our staff to put on a variety of ...
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DNR Update: MOUs for Friends Groups
Arielle Courtney, DNR Parks & Trails Partnership Development Consultant, shares an opportunity to offer feedback on an updated template Memorandum of Understanding agreement that will be eventually used with all Friends Groups, as well as a reminder about September events.
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DNR Update: Volunteering Reminders, Planning Progress, and Free Park Day
An update from Arielle Courtney, DNR It’s hard to believe it’s already June. Congratulations to all of us on surviving a very, very long winter! I hope many of you were able enjoy the snow, but now let us rejoice in the spring and summer ...
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DNR Update – a timeline for the planning process and clarifying DNR requirements
Arielle Courtney, DNR Parks & Trails Partnership Development Consultant, shares an update on the DNR’s Friends Group planning process and work to clarify special event requirements.
DNR Update – Listening to Friends Groups and updating volunteer requirements
Arielle Courtney, DNR Parks & Trails Partnership Development Consultant, shares an update on the department’s plans for Friends group engagement and answers some frequently asked questions.
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DNR Update – Flooding, volunteer requirements update, and a thank you
Arielle Courtney, DNR Parks & Trails Partnership Development Consultant, shares an update on the latest recission of the COVID-19 volunteer requirements and talks about what’s next for improving the volunteer experience.
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Volunteering with the DNR – Survey
An update from Arielle Courtney, DNR Happy New Year, everyone! I hope you all enjoyed a safe, healthy celebration of the winter holidays and got the opportunity to spend a bit extra time at our state parks and trails. As I write this, I’m planning ...
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DNR Update – Gratitude, new leadership, and 2022 goals
An update from Arielle Courtney, DNR I hope everyone is staying well and enjoying the holiday season so far as we approach the end of the year. I can confidently say on behalf of the DNR and all of the staff you work with at ...
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Nature Play Areas at DNR Parks & Trails
An update from Arielle Courtney, DNR Nature play is both a really old and really new concept, depending on how you think about it. Before plastic toys and playgrounds, nature was the original medium for children’s (and grown-up!) play. Research Some children took advantage of ...
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DNR update: COVID restrictions loosened, goal and project planning
An update from Arielle Courtney, DNR Summer is now in full swing, and so are our campgrounds, trails, water access sites, and state forest recreation areas. And thankfully they will continue that way as the state avoided a government shutdown when the state legislature came ...
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DNR Update: What’s happening at parks and trails?
An update from Arielle Courtney, DNR Rejoining our effort Greetings, friends! I am back at work after nearly a year of parental leave, extended by the challenges of COVID. While I am beyond grateful for the opportunity to have spent additional time with my daughter ...
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New cabins to open at Lake Vermilion-Soudan Underground Mine State Park
From MnDNR Reservations open Dec. 28; first lodging begins Dec. 31 The new camper cabins at Lake Vermilion-Soudan Underground Mine State Park, in northeastern Minnesota, are ready for visitors! Campers can begin making reservations at 8 a.m. Monday, Dec. 28 for stays beginning on Dec. …
Parks and Trails Legacy Advisory Committee seeks applicants
From MnDNR The coordinating partners of the Parks and Trails Legacy Plan, which include the Metropolitan Council, the Greater Minnesota Regional Parks and Trails Commission, and the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, are seeking applicants to serve on the Parks and Trails Legacy Advisory Committee. The committee champions the 25-year …
Friends Group Update from the DNR
A note from Ashley Pethan (Friends Group Coordinator, P&TC) You may remember that Arielle Courtney, the DNR's central point person for friends groups, went on parenthood leave starting in March. She and her husband welcomed a baby girl to the family and have been adjusting ...
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Shoreline restoration project planned for Mississippi Headwaters in Itasca State Park
The work will restore the original river channel width and stabilize the streambank at the headwaters site. The project is designed to minimize closure time to accommodate park visitors. Work will begin early October after the peak tourism season. Access to the site will be restricted for a five-day period.
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