All News

August 9, 2016

DNR acquires six miles for Mill Towns State Trail

MnDNR News Release - The Department of Natural Resources has acquired nearly 6 miles of railroad property for the Mill Towns State Trail between Faribault and Dundas in Rice County.

August 3, 2016

Citizen advisory committee appointed to explore future of Fort Ridgely State Park

DNR News Release - The Department of Natural Resources has appointed 15 people to a citizen advisory committee that will make recommendations about how to expand statewide interest in Fort Ridgely State Park near Fairfax in southern Minnesota after its golf course closes on Sept. 6, the day after Labor Day.

July 11, 2016

In Memory of Mike Tegeder

It is with great sadness that we share that our past president, Mike Tegeder, 67, died in the early morning of July 9. He leaves a legacy of dedication and preservation of Minnesota’s parks and trails, among his many accomplishments. He was diagnosed with cancer in February.

July 8, 2016

Major blowdown spurs plans for a new future at St. Croix State Park

This spring planners began the process to create a master plan for St. Croix, which is the largest state park in Minnesota. Having been created before the master plan was a requirement, this will actually be the first plan for the park. This plan will be significant for another reason too. The DNR recently designated St. Croix as a “destination” park and lead planner Jade Templin explained that this “gives us our first chance to incorporate the new idea of a destination park into a plan and more fully develop what it means.”

June 22, 2016

DNR Release: DNR decides not to rebuild Blue Mounds State Park dam

The Department of Natural Resources has decided against rebuilding the dam and lake reservoir at Blue Mounds State Park near Luverne in southwestern Minnesota, citing concerns about water quality, endangered species and other factors.

June 17, 2016

DNR Release: DNR extends Fort Ridgely State Park golf season to Sept. 5

Rivers also announced the DNR is forming a citizen advisory committee that will be consulted on future development of the park. “While the DNR will no longer provide golfing at Fort Ridgely State Park, we are committed to managing and investing in this historically significant site at one of Minnesota’s oldest state parks,” Rivers said. “Fort Ridgely is among our core state parks because of its natural landscape and historic significance, and we want to engage the public in re-imagining how we can re-invigorate this special place for all Minnesotans.”

May 23, 2016

Legislative Session Closes with Mixed Results for Parks & Trails

The 2016 Legislative Session came to a close late Sunday with a flurry of activity as legislators worked to pass bills before the mandatory midnight deadline. While legislators were able to strike deals on a supplemental budget and a tax bill, the two sides couldn’t …

May 16, 2016

2015 Annual Report Released

Join us for a brief stroll down memory lane, with our 2015 Annual Report. It was a great year when members helped us add 108 acres to Banning State Park that will protect unique boulders along the scenic Kettle River and much more.

May 2, 2016

Legislative Update: Senate releases bonding proposal

The Senate released their bonding bill this morning with a proposal to spend $1.8 billion on public infrastructure projects across the state. The Senate plan includes significantly more park and trail projects than did the governor’s $1.4 billion proposal. Specifically, the Senate proposal includes: $33 …

April 25, 2016

Legislative Alert: Urge your legislators to include parks and trails in bonding bills

Legislators are starting to assemble bonding bills, and your voice is critical to ensure they remember to include Minnesota's parks and trails. If legislators don't hear parks and trails are important to people, much needed funding may not get passed. Email or call legislative leadership today! ...

April 13, 2016

Legislative Update: Mid-point of the 2016 legislative session

We’ve reached the mid-point of the 2016 legislative session. Now that the second committee deadline has past, the bulk of legislator’s time going forward will be spent focusing on the major pieces of finance legislation. The major tasks still on the table include the supplemental budget, …

April 1, 2016

Legislative Update: House committee hears trail bills

The last week at the Capitol was a busy one for parks and trails. A number of bills were heard and continue to move through the legislative process: On Tuesday, March 29, the House Mining & Outdoor Recreation committee heard 20 different park and trail …

March 25, 2016

Legislative Update: Upcoming House hearing on Minnesota’s trails

This Tuesday, March 29, the House Mining & Outdoor Recreation committee will be hearing testimony on 19 different park and trail bills, including bills on the Greater Minnesota grant program, Chester Woods Trail, Preston-Harmony Trail, Glacial Lakes Trail, Gitchi-Gami Trail, Heartland State Trail, Minnesota Valley …

March 16, 2016

Legislative Update: Session gets off to a fast start

We’re only a week into the 2016 session, but already lawmakers are moving forward on a number of items that affect Minnesota’s parks and trails. Of particular note: On Tuesday, Gov. Dayton announced his supplemental state budget proposal. The governor’s proposal includes a $3 million …