News – Parks & Trails Council of Minnesota

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 ...

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

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 ...

actors ready to portray history of the park

March 17, 2020

Video of Theater in the Park now online + Volunteers Recognized

From Friends of Whitewater State Park Theater In the Park Video The Friends of Whitewater recently added the Theater in the Park performance recording to their webpage. It is a powerful story about the history of the Whitewater Valley and the changing relationship between humans ...

Icebergs on the banks of the St. Louis River

March 4, 2020

Spring Changes for DNR Parks and Trails

An update from Arielle Courtney, DNR Kao Thao, park naturalist, showing kids how to tap a tree to collect sap for maple syrup First of all, congratulations to everyone for making it to March! I hope you enjoyed wonderful wintry outdoor activities and are now ...

March 4, 2020

Partnerships and advocacy for the Mill Towns State Trail

Since the late 90s, Friends of the Mill Towns Trail has garnered support for the Mill Towns State Trail. A common thread throughout their history reveals strong partnerships as a key driver in the accomplishments so far. Partnerships at work First and foremost, the friends ...

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 27, 2020

Status of 2020 Legislative Priority – Infrastructure

Fix critical infrastructure in state parks and trails One of our priorities during the 2020 Legislature is to address the backlog of maintenance for state parks and trails buildings and other assets, such as shower buildings, trail bridges, water systems, etc. The agency’s assessment shows ...

February 26, 2020

Steve Thorne

Adept advocate for parks and trails

friends and youth celebrate having planted a tree

January 29, 2020

Partnership restores patches of habitat at seven state parks

In 2019, Parks & Trails Council partnered with seven friends groups to spearhead habitat restoration projects at state parks. This work was made possible by a generous grant from the Henry S. Crosby Foundation. 2019 by the Numbers $25,364 7 237 11 493 Funds granted ...