News – Page 36 – Parks & Trails Council of Minnesota

February 9, 2017

We’re partnering to re-open ski trails in four northern Minnesota state parks

After laying fallow last winter, cross-country ski trails are once again being groomed and welcoming skiers at Hayes Lakes, Lake Bronson, McCarthy Beach and Zipple Bay State Park in northern Minnesota, thanks to a partnership between Parks & Trails Council of Minnesota (P&TC) and the …

Volunteer grooming trails at Zippel Bay State Park

February 6, 2017

Local Grants

Grants for regional and local parks and trails to fund four grant programs that have historically been managed by the MnDNR:

January 2, 2017

Comments Needed on Taconite State Trail Plan by Jan. 6

The draft plan for the Taconite State Trail suggests OHVs may be permitted through two state parks. We urge members to share their desire to keep state parks as places where the sounds of nature dominate and natural resources are protected.

Woman pointing to "No ATVs Permitted" sign along Taconite State Trail

December 12, 2016

Helping right a wrong for Lake Superior

Few outcomes are more satisfying than when a big-time polluter is caught in its tracks. This summer, one such polluter was brought to justice by the U.S Attorney’s Office when a whistleblower reported a ship was illegally dumping dirty bilge water into the Great Lakes. Part of the punishment included a $200,000 criminal sanction against the company that will be used to protect Lake Superior and its watershed. This fall, Parks & Trails Council of Minnesota, along with three other environmental nonprofits were awarded grants from this settlement.

Kayakers on Lake Superior with Gold Rock Point

December 12, 2016

Our Friends Group program expands

We're happy to announce the expansion of our Friends Group program with the creation of the staff position of Friends Group Coordinator. We welcome Jen Lasar to this role that will be dedicated to fostering and enhancing the efforts of the many volunteer-based groups working on behalf of Minnesota's parks and trails.

Group walking through prairie and looking at plants

November 26, 2016

Building the Sugar Shack

For years the Friends of Maplewood have been fundraising and coordinating logistics to build a sugar shack for the growing maple syrup interpretive program.

Workers putting up the siding on the sugar shack

October 17, 2016

Say no to motorized off-highway vehicles in state parks

One of the decisions that lawmakers are considering is whether or not we should open up our state parks to off-highway motor vehicles also known as OHVs (that includes ATVs, off-highway motorcycles and 4x4s).

October 11, 2016

Interview with Debbie Kippen, winner of 2016 photo contest

Debbie Kippen spends a lot of time in Minnesota state parks; she is just one park visit away from having hiked every one. And she says each one is special. In August, Kippen was awarded the first place honor in our photo contest. We chatted ...

October 11, 2016

Mill Towns State Trail Segment Opens

Like a puzzle, the newest segment of the Mill Towns State Trail involved many pieces fitting together—just so—to complete the picture. Talks began in 2010 between the DNR, three private landowners, two counties, managers of a dam and a highway. This year, with the commitment of trail proponents, the pieces came together to make a great addition to the state trail system.

October 10, 2016

Assessing the condition of Minnesota’s trails, one mile at a time

Have you ever been riding along one of Minnesota’s beautiful bicycle trails when, thud, a jarring bump shakes your entire frame? Well, you’re not alone. Staff, board members and volunteers from Parks & Trails Council have been spending the summer out on the trails, feeling—and recording—these bumps ourselves.

October 1, 2016

Getting more people into the woods

In the three years that Nerstrand Big Woods State Park has made friends with a group of committed volunteers, the park has seen skyrocketing visitor numbers. It could be coincidence, good weather, or part of the system-wide trend, but the park manager says the friends …

August 17, 2016

Greater Minnesota Regional Parks and Trails Commission announces 2016 designations

For more information visit the GMRPTC website

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.