News – Page 2 – Parks & Trails Council of Minnesota

July 23, 2020

Campground improvements greet campers at Temperance River State Park

From MnDNR A new energy efficient shower building has opened in the upper campground at Temperance River State Park on Minnesota’s North Shore. The 1,500 square-foot building, which serves the park’s 57 campsites, incorporates solar-thermal water heating, LED lighting and low-flow water fixtures to maximize …

walkers practicing social distancing at food break

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 ...

Landscape view looking over forest and lakes

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.

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 ...

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 ...