July 23, 2020

NSTT: Safely holding a walking event during a pandemic

From NorthStar Trail Travelers So how does a club safely hold a walking event during this pandemic? North Star Trail Travelers (NSTT), a Minnesota club emphasizing walks in Minnesota state parks, held two events on July 18 and 19. Forestville/Mystery Cave and Lake Louise State ...
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walkers practicing social distancing at food break
July 17, 2020

Major land project completed for Frontenac State park

Frontenac State Park is known for awe-inspiring blufftop views of Lake Pepin. And a recent addition of 159 acres at the southwest border brings another magnificent blufftop view to the park.
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Landscape view looking over forest and lakes
July 13, 2020

Family fun to be found during county park scavenger hunt

From Friends of Anderson Park Friends of Anderson Park partners with P&TC to offer a Scavenger Hunt activity for their park. Read the article in County News Review July 9 edition: "Family fun to be found during county park scavenger hunt" Photo: Courtesy of Zach ...
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bird statues in the prairie
July 7, 2020

July 2020 Newsletter – Friends of Nerstrand

From Friends Nerstrand Big Woods State Park In This Issue Park update Book review of "Nature's Best Hope" by Douglas W. Tallamy Meet the new manager Help wanted Upcoming events Photo by: Stephanie Moss/P&TC Photo Contest Click to download Go to friends' main page
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Tree trunks
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.
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June 17, 2020

“Through the Gateway” Spring/Summer Newsletter

From Gateway Brown's Creek Trail Association In This Issue President's letter DNR update Facebook and social media update Earth Day event Gateway to Scandia extension Frog and toad calls on the trail Luv Ice Cream feature Photo by: Scott Eggert Click to download Go to ...
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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 ...
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Father and daughter look over lake Superior with bikes
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 …

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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.
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May 26, 2020

Tracks & Trails – 100th Newsletter Issue

From Glendalough Park Partners In This Issue Note from original newsletter editors Partnership with the Sentencing to Serve Program Exploring Glendalough's "Sense of Place" Facebook page debut Remembering Pam President's Remarks Jeff's Jottings Photo by: Lisa Filter Click to read full newsletter Go to friends' ...
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Newsletter masthead: Tracks and trails Spring 2020 #100
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 ...
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Chester Woods Park sign
May 26, 2020

Fall/Winter 2019 Newsletter Updates

From Friends of Blue Mounds State Park In This Issue Notes from the Naturalist Park Notes Grants Update Photo Corner Photo by: Tanya O'Leary Click to Read Full Newsletter Go to friends' main page
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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 …

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image of a report cover
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 ...
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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 ...
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