News – Parks & Trails Council of Minnesota

June 22, 2020

DNR announces changes to camping and lodging reservation window

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is shortening its window for making reservations for camping and lodging to 120 days, or four months. Previously, customers could reserve campsites, cabins, yurts, tipis, and lodging facilities up to one year in advance. The change will take effect on July 1, 2020.

Father and daughter look over lake Superior with bikes

June 8, 2020

DNR Guest Post from Oliver Liu: North Shore Update

Amidst Arielle Courtney's parental leave, we'll hear from some DNR staff across Minnesota to hear their perspectives. Oliver Liu is the Area 2C Specialist, working on paved trails and water trails out of Two Harbors. Read his story for an update on what's happening on ...

June 3, 2020

Some State Park campgrounds have begun a phased reopening

As of June 1, the MnDNR reopened 38 state park campgrounds with limited services. Additionally, some camper cabins and yurts have reopened. In general, the opened campgrounds have water systems and vault toilets/porta-toilets available. However, some showers, ranger stations and other value-added amenities and services …

June 1, 2020

We join the call for justice in Minnesota

Minnesota is experiencing heartbreaking pain right now as the years of injustice, discrimination and racism that have been felt by people of color for generations has come to a boiling point with the brutal death of George Floyd. We join those calling for justice. We keep our eyes open to this suffering so we can understand and contribute toward the healing.

May 26, 2020

Connecting with the Community through the Radio

Friends of Chester Woods found an interesting way to connect with their broader community—through the radio. We'll take a journey through the behind-the-scenes process that brought them on air. KRPR 89.9 is a Classic Rock radio station in Rochester, and every two weeks they host ...

May 21, 2020

Legislature adjourns with much at stake in Special Session

When the Legislature adjourned on May 18, it did so without passing either a Bonding bill or a LCCMR bill – two of the most critical items of interest to all Parks & Trails advocates and supporters. Disagreements over the pandemic response and the size …

May 18, 2020

Status of 2020 Legislative Priority – Investing in metropolitan regional parks and trails

One of our priorities during the 2020 Legislature is to supports the Metropolitan Council’s request for state bonding funds, which are partially matched by the Metropolitan Council, to improve and expand the Metropolitan Regional Parks System.. Legislative Process Status FormatDateAmountDocMetropolitan CouncilRequestJanuary 2020$15 millionPDFGov. Tim WalzRecommendationJanuary ...

May 18, 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 ...

Bicyclist on paved trail approaching a bridge

May 14, 2020

GBCTA Seeks Two Board Officers: Webmaster and Newsletter Editor

From Gateway Brown's Creek Trail Association The GBCTA is looking for trail-enthusiasts willing to share their talents and time fulfilling key roles within the board. We are currently seeking a Webmaster and incoming Editor in Training for the chapter newsletter. Find the descriptions and responsibilities ...

May 7, 2020

Friends groups creatively connect people to their parks through activities

Friends groups thrive on bringing people together within the park or trail they support. They organize educational events, volunteer work days, and social gatherings. Now, within the context of social distancing guidelines, friends groups are getting creative in how they are connecting their community with ...

May 6, 2020

Time to urge legislators to support parks and trails

Now that the four Minnesota House and Senate caucus leaders have agreed to a midnight, Saturday, May 9 deadline for bills, we are expecting a flurry of activity as lawmakers race to complete a long list of priorities, including the omnibus bonding and tax bills. Of particular interest will be whether or not the Democrat-controlled House and the Republican-controlled Senate can reconcile significant partisan differences to pass these bills.