Fall 2015 (October)

SpecialParks & Trails Coun cPlacesil of newsletter

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Inside this issue President: 125 years of parks...... pg 2 Trail building updates...... pg 4 2015 designations of regional parks and trails...... pg 5 Bison at Minneopa...... pg 5 Photo contest winners...... pg 6 BIKE MINNESOTA! recap...... pg 7 Hiking the SHT...... pg 8 Friends of Luce Line West...... pg 11

Dave Lais from the Improvement Association driving a tractor while helping to clean up the P&TC Research News tons of trash on the land P&TC recently acquired for Sibley State Park. Right: Natural, rolling grasslands cover Spearheading first the majority of the land acquired. statewide trail count P&TC Land Project Update If you were out on a state trail re- cently, you may have seen a smil- Massive cleanup for Sibley State Park ing face “count” you as you went by. When Parks & Trails Council of land from agricultural production That’s because during September, Minnesota acquired the 154 acres of and instead manage it for conserva- over 50 volunteers helped Parks & privately owned land at the southwest tion benefits. As such, the majority Trails Council count the number of corner of Sibley State Park in De- of the land is primed to effortlessly bicyclists, walkers, joggers, and skaters cember 2014, we did so knowing it and seamlessly blend into Sibley State using Minnesota’s state-authorized presented a tremendous opportunity Park where staff are well versed in trails. In total, over 200 hours were for the park, but also a tremendous prairie restoration. spent counting users at 26 differ- responsibility: turning an unsanc- ent trail locations across the state tioned landfill into parkland. However, one corner of the land (see map on pg.3). Additionally, was far from pristine. Here, a former the Arrowhead Regional Develop- The majority of the 154 acres are farmstead was surrounded by 123 ment Commission and University of pristine grasslands that have been tons of trash that included 588 tires, Minnesota installed two automatic enrolled in the federal Conservation leaking appliances, hazardous wastes counters along the Gitchi Gami trail Reserve Program (CRP). This volun- like farm herbicide, and crumbling for the summer season. tary program reimburses farmers who boats to name a few. Count | pg 6 set aside environmentally sensitive Cleanup | pg 3

Acquiring, protecting and enhancing critical land for the public’s use & benefit From the President Getting ready to celebrate 125 years of Minnesota State Parks

By Mike Tegeder, president The DNR’s webpage for Itasca Park And the early history of the park is has an interesting note on the origin even more amazing with the contri- The year 2016 will be a of the park: “In the late 1800s, Jacob bution of one young woman to the year to remember. No, V. Brower, historian, anthropologist park’s surviving its first years. In 1903, I am not a forecaster, I and land surveyor, came to the park Mary Gibbs, the 24-year-old daugh- have no idea how the region to settle the dispute of the ac- ter of the park superintendent, was Vikings will do their first tual location of the Mississippi Head- appointed by the governor to succeed year in the new stadium waters. Brower saw this region being her father who unexpectedly died. or where the stock market will be on quickly transformed by logging, and She soon had to face down loggers Dec. 31, 2016, and I wish I knew how was determined to protect some of who put up a dam and were flooding the elections will turn out. But liter- the pine forests for future generations. the park. It is a great story and one to ally, 2016 will be a year to remember It was Brower’s tireless efforts to save be remembered too. and celebrate two great milestones in the remaining pine forest surrounding Minnesota history: The 125th anni- Lake Itasca that led the state legisla- Over the past 125 years there are versary of Minnesota State Parks and ture to establish Itasca as a Minnesota many other examples of such vision the 50th anniversary of Minnesota State Park on April 20, 1891, by a and courage. The year 2016 will be State Trails. margin of only one vote. Through his a good time to share these inspiring conservation work and the continu- stories and to renew our commitment The first state park and the beginning ing efforts of others throughout the to join in this great legacy. of our great state park tradition was decades, the splendor of Itasca had Lake Itasca. The word Itasca itself is been maintained.” The parks had a 75-year head start, made up from two Latin words, ver- but the trails are now spreading out itas ca-put or “true head,” and refers One visionary citizen and one wise throughout our beloved state, and to the lake being the headwaters of legislator made all the difference. This with our efforts will be there just as the Mississippi River. But it is also is something that we should all re- vital 125 years in the future. the true head or foundation for all the member this coming year. Each of us parks to follow. can all make a difference for genera- tions to come.

We are a proud member of the Minnesota Environmental Fund, a workplace giv- ing option comprised of 22 environmental nonprofits working to protect, conserve and restore Minnesota’s environment. Visit the website to see if you can donate through your workplace or to find out how to add your workplace to the program. www.mnenvirofund.org

Thank you to our business sponsors

Minnesota TRAILS A Parks & Trails Journal / MnTrails.com www.mntrails.com page 2 Fall 2015 Sibley State Park

Series of photos from the 154 acres P&TC recently acquired for Sibley State Park from left: Rolling grasslands, native prairie wildflower called Prairie Smoke, volunteer cleaning up some of the tons of debris; volunteers picnicking after long day's work; leaning shed; mallards in the pond.

Cleanup made significant donations to help continue to hold this land in trust Continued from page 1 cover some of the costs of the clean- as we work with the DNR to secure up. funding to incorporate it into Sibley Cleaning up that amount of debris State Park. was no easy task, but the volunteers "The commitment and generosity of from the Sibley State Park Improve- these volunteers who gave so much of Meanwhile we are working to move a ment Association (SSPIA) were their time, labor and funds to trans- trail project along that will connect a undeterred in pitching in to get it form this land has been instrumental 5-mile spur of the Glacial Lakes State done. All summer, volunteers have to this project and a true inspiration," Trail into Sibley State Park via this been cleaning up this land, putting in said Brett Feldman, Parks & Trails land—a key vision for how this land a staggering 529 hours of work. Council's executive director. was intended to be used.

In total, the SSPIA organized 29 In addition to the volunteers, profes- Plans are underway by the DNR clean-up days with 2-10 volunteers sional excavation crews were brought but the timeline is undetermined. per day, plus another three days of in to operate heavy machinery for Once complete, this spur of the work by Community Service Work- bulldozing, crushing and disposing Glacial Lakes Trail will come off the ers (a program for misdemeanor jail of large waste. Other players involved main trail at New London then run inmates), plus another 45 days where an asbestos abatement inspector, the through the heart of downtown, pass- Dave Lais, who is the secretary-trea- PCA, DNR, local fire departments, ing two schools before winding into surer for SSPIA, worked solo doing the Kandiyohi County environmental Sibley through this newly cleaned up hands-on clean up or coordinating services director, county commission- land with its rolling prairie. the effort from home. ers.

The long days of work for the volun- Today, this land is unrecognizable teers often ended with a group picnic from its former state. All the trash and refreshments. "This has really and dilapidated buildings are gone. been a fun project and team effort to The only remaining clues of the work on," said Lais. "Our encourage- bedraggled past are patches of bare ment came from seeing this badly soil where buildings used to be. It will blighted farmstead take on a more take some time for the native prairie natural and picturesque appearance, seeds we planted here to take root sort of like making a silk purse out of and restore the land—an effort that is Bicyclists on the Glacial Lakes State Trail where it a sow’s ear." certainly worth a little patience. connects into New London. This is where the new 5-mile spur will begin on its route to connect to our And to top it off, the SSPIA also Now, Parks & Trails Council will recently acquired land for Sibley State Park.

Fall 2015 page 3 Swedish Trail Building Updates Immigrant Trail Swedish Immigrant Trail breaks ground on new segment The Swedish Immigrant Trail is a shores, through regional trail owned and managed by quiet pastures Chisago County, where parks direc- (including one with bison) and tor Laird Mork has been overseeing wetlands, into the quaint downtowns the project. This new segment will be of Chisago City, LindstrÖm, Shafer, located between Tern Ave. in Shafer and through the old-growth forest at (near the privately owned Wildwood Interstate State Park. RV Park and Campground) and the northwestern edge of Interstate State While this 2.2 mile project is a rela- Park in Taylors Falls. tively short segment, it seems to sig- nal to many that completing the total Mork expects construction crews to trail is a viable goal. The next step will Groundbreaking on Aug. 27 for the new 2.2 mile complete this trail segment by the end be closing the 1.5-mile gap between segment near Interstate State Park. of June 2016. The project includes the this segment and the 2-mile segment construction of three bridges and the through Shafer. Plus another 1.4 trail surface will be lime-rock until miles is planned through Interstate At the end of September, construc- additional funds are found for paving. State Park. The DNR is in charge of tion crews began pulling into the building that segment and have plans worksite to build a new 2.2-mile seg- This new segment adds to the cur- to include a scenic overlook toward ment of the Swedish Immigrant Trail rent three unconnected segments of the St. Croix River. There’s no time- between Shafer and Taylors Falls. It the Swedish Immigrant Trail and will line for the park segment yet. First was quite a sight for the many people mark the completion of about one- DNR staff need to assess the natural who have been advocating for this third of the total miles envisioned and cultural resources, estimate the trail for nearly 20 years. for trail—22 miles from Wyoming to costs and identify funding. Taylors Falls that weaves along lake-

Trail Building Updates Luce Line State Trail Smoothing out the Luce Line State Trail

On Sept. 26, the cities of Hutchin- before ending in Winsted. son and Winsted hosted events to celebrate the DNR's paving of ap- The trail runs through downtown proximately 20 miles of the Luce Line Huthinson along the lakefronts before State Trail between these two cities. winding through the quaint country- side with a mix of woods and prairie Previously this segment of trail was and farmland. the coarsest part of the trail with a gravel surface. Now, this is the only The paving project took several years paved segment of the DNR-managed as the base rock was laid in 2013 with portion. Within the metro area Three financial support from local cities and Rivers Parks District manages another McLeod County along with Legacy nine miles of the Luce Line that is Funds. To finish the paving, Parks & paved. This metro segment connects Trails Council successfully advocated directly with the DNR-managed seg- at the state capitol for an additional Celebration in Hutchinson for the paving of ment in Plymouth, where it continues $1.7 million in bonding funds that this segment of the Luce Line State Trail. for 37 miles as crushed limestone were awarded in 2014. page 4 Fall 2015 Greater Minnesota Parks and Trails Update Work continues on building the regional system With a second full year of work under its belt, the Greater Minnesota Parks 2015 Designations for Regional Parks and Trails and Trails Commission (GMPTC) has created the initial round of officially Natural Resource-Based Special Recreational Feature designated regional parks and trails. Regional Park Regional Park The list includes 25 parks and trails with all six regions of the state being • Douglas Co.—Kensington Park • Beltrami Co.— Northland Sports Park represented. More will be added in the • Granite Falls—Memorial Park coming years. • Isanti Co.— • Detroit Lakes—Detroit Mountain Irving & John Anderson Park • Sandstone—Robinson Park The GMPTC was created by the • Moorhead—MB Johnson Park in 2013 in • Olmsted Co.— Regional Trails response to the passage of the Legacy Chester Woods Park • Chisago Co.— Amendment, which created a new pot • Redwood Falls— Swedish Immigrant Trail of money for parks and trails of state Alexander Ramsey Park • Chisago Co.—Sunrise Prairie Trail and regional significance. GMPTC is • Rochester—Quarry Hill Park • Lake Shore—Gull Lake Trail charged with planning and providing • Rochester—Gamehaven Park funding recommendations. Previously • Mille Lacs Co.— Plains to Port Trail regional status was an unofficial desig- • Rochester—Cascade Lake Park nation in Greater Minnesota. • Stearns Co.—Quarry Park • Otter Tail Co.— Perham to Pelican Rapids Trail • Stearns Co.—Rockville Park • St. Cloud—Beaver Island Trail Now, for a park or trail in Greater • Stearns Co.—Warner Lake Park Minnesota to be considered for region- • Stearns Co.— Trail • Wright Co.—Bertram Park al status, the managing entity (usually a • Joint Powers Board— county or city) must submit an applica- • Wright Co.—Robert Ney Park tion to the GMPTC.

State Parks Update The bison have arrived at Minneopa by the Department of Natural Resources Eleven genetically rare bison have Bison were reintroduced to Blue to welcome the rare bison. been released into Minneopa State Mounds State Park near Luverne Park near Mankato as part of the in 1961. Genetic testing of the herd The group of 11 bison brought to newest efforts by the DNR and the from 2011-2013 found they were Minneopa include cow/calf pairs Minnesota Zoo to expand the Min- largely free of any genetic material and yearling bison heifers; some of nesota Conservation Bison Herd. that would have come from cross- the cows are bred and will calve next breeding with cattle, making them spring. Eventually the herd will grow At one time, bison numbered 30 and quite rare. to 30-40 bison. 60 million in North America and roamed throughout Minnesota except In 2012, The Minnesota Zoo and With an anticipated date of mid- the northeastern portion. During the the DNR entered into an agreement October, the public will be allowed to late 19th century, bison were hunted to preserve the American bison. The drive personal vehicles through the to near extinction. The last wild bison 90 bison at range on a hard-surfaced road. The observed in Minnesota was in Nor- will be grown to a 500-animal herd interpretive focus will be the his- man County in 1880. occupying several locations. Min- toric relationship between bison and neopa State Park is the first location humans.

Fall 2015 page 5 questions we’re asked when advocat- Count ing for trail projects is “how many Continued from page 1 people use (or will use) the trail?” And up until now, we haven’t had a good, The 2015 trail count methodology up-to-date answer. The 2015 trail is based on the Minnesota Depart- count is a small step towards further ment of Transportation’s Bicycle and understanding how our state trails are Pedestrian Counting Initiative, which used, and our hope is to expand our was started in 2012 to help interested counting program in future years. The cities and organizations across Min- more information we have, the better nesota conduct bicycle and pedestrian we can support the trails we all love counts. Once the data is analyzed, to explore. it will provide us with a ballpark estimate of how many people use our state trails. Be sure to keep an eye on our website (and next newsletter) for results from Trail users were counted at 28 the study. To the many volunteers different locations across Min- We started the trail count project who made the 2015 trail count pos- nesota during September: because one of the most common sible: a big and heartfelt thank you!

Facebook Photo Contest Winners

Winning photo in the category of “Enjoying our parks and trails” taken by Manda Baldwin at .

This past summer we launched a photo contest on our Facebook page where we asked people to share special moments caught in Minne- sota’s parks and trails. It was a delightful job to look through the many scenes that people shared. While we narrowed the submission down Winning photo in the category of “Natural beauty in our parks to a handful of finalists, we let our Facebook fans vote on the winner and trails” taken by Janell Wesenberg at and in each category. The winners each received a $100 gift card to Min- titled, “Peace Pipe Vista.” nesota State Parks. Thank you to everyone who submitted photos! page 6 Fall 2015 P&TC Event Recap thank you! Bike Minnesota! at Planning Sponsors Network Battle Lake Over Labor Day weekend 2015, Parks & State Park. We bike along the new 12-mile Glendalough Park Partners loop trail that goes through the park and into Trails Council hosted our 11th annual, 3-day Volunteers bike tour with thirty supporters, who helped the nearby city of Battle Lake. We visited Jean Bowman raise $5,000 in support of Parks & Trails many other places too, as captured in the Peter & Steph Christianson Council's mission. The group biked 156 miles photo essay below. Gary & Karalyn starting and ending each day at Glendalough Harrington Richard Keir Lisa Malmstrom Arol McCaslin David Minge Norma Monroe Steve Nelson Peggy Prowe Paul & Linda Roberts Wynn & Anna Roberts Sue Tysdal Janet Widness

Presenters Benjamin Eckhoff, park naturalist Lake Region Pioneer Thresherman's Assoc. Ken Nyberg, sculptor Ottertail Co. Historical Society Dave Radford, archeologist Jeff Stabnau, historian Jeff Wiersma, park manager

L to R, top to bottom: 1) Dinner at Glendalough 2) Bicycling in lake country 3) Fergus Falls Treatment Center 4) Central Lakes State Trail (CLST) 5) Thresherman's Association Tour 6) CLST 7) Tenting at Glendalough 8) Hiking up 9) Prospect House Tour 10) New Glendalough Trail

Fall 2015 page 7 Members' Write Adventures on the By Greg Lauer, Proud member since 2002

To celebrate my 40th birthday, I decided to thru-hike Grand Marais on the North the Superior Hiking Trail (SHT). My wife was initially Shore. We had dinner at Superior a little skeptical of the idea, but when I told her my al- a little seafood restaurant Hiking Trail ternative plan was to buy a BMW sports car, she quickly overlooking the harbor, which agreed to the backpacking plan. had the feel of a small Scan- dinavian fishing village. Preparations started months before departure. My last backpacking trip was years ago, so the first task was up- The next morning, we con- dating my equipment. Nearly everything these days is tinued up Highway 61 to the lighter and smaller, and shopping for gear was like being Arrowhead Trail and beyond a kid in a toy store. Then I got maps, bought food, and to the northernmost trailhead packaged my resupply boxes. of the SHT. I lifted my backpack out of the car, grabbed my trekking poles, and said goodbye. For the next 14 Two days after my birthday, my parents and I drove to days, I walked. And walked. And walked some more. Greg's Hiking Journal

at the mountain resort. The hot tub was heavenly. Day 6 This evening I shared a campsite with Jim, a retired fellow from Grand Rapids who kayaked down Day 1 the Mississippi and wrote a book I hiked to the 270° Overlook, the about it. He was a great storyteller. official beginning of the trail, just Day 3 a mile from the Canadian border. My friend Pete joined me this After absorbing the stunning vista, I morning, and he brought fresh food! turned around and started trekking We ate steak and mushrooms on the south towards Duluth. top of for one of the best al fresco meals of my life. Day 4 It rained mercilessly last night, and the Devil Track River near our campsite rose nearly a foot. Then it Day 7 Day 2 rained again this evening. The trail I keep encountering groups camp- Yesterday I met only one backpacker is muddy. ing under giant blue tarps. A coun- on the trail, and today was equally selor told me it’s freshman orienta- lonely. My backpacking food tastes Day 5 tion at Northwestern University. horrible. Rain is forecast in the Pete and I hiked all day and reached Nearly 200 kids drove up from Il- coming days. Why did I think this Lutsen, my first resupply stop. Pete linois to spend a week on the SHT. trip was a good idea?! said goodbye, and I got a hotel room Not a bad way to start college! page 8 Fall 2015 Top 5 Reasons to thru-hike the SHT Day 8 Today I encountered crews marking Day 11 1. Gaze in awe at the the course for the Superior Ultra- This morning I lightened my pack to absolutely amazing marathon, and a sage named Don quicken my pace. Gone are the stove, views and vistas. advised me, "Here's somethin' to put in sleeping bag, sunglasses, book (The yer coconut, Greg. If yooo run a hunderd Odyssey), and all other non-essential 2. Meet friendly and miles, I can tell yooo this, ain't nobody gear. Well, I might've gone too far. It fascinating folks from gonna take that away! Yooo earned was cold this evening, and the sleep- all walks of life. that foreverrr!" His words had me ing bag was missed! chuckling for hours. 3. Be free from the Day 9 tyranny of emails and text messages. Near Finland, I met Jim, a volunteer who maintains a section of the trail. 4. Enjoy exercise better He was enormously friendly and than any Stairmaster. informative. Folks like him are the Day 12 soul of the SHT, and I couldn’t thank 5. Eat whatever you want him enough for contributing his time I was on the trail for 12+ hours and still lose weight. and talents to the trail. covering almost 30 miles. I nearly fell asleep while journaling that evening. Day 13 It was another long day, and I arrived State Parks along at camp just before dusk. My feet the SHT are sore as heck. Greeting me was a very inebriated guy who works in an 1. Judge C.R. Magney operating room in Duluth; I can only Day 10 hope he is more sober at the hospital! 2. Cascade River Last night I stayed at my friend 3. Temperance River Shannon’s cabin near Silver Bay, and Day 14 today I hiked around Tettegouche Just after 8am, I lost the trail and 4. George H. Crosby State Park. The trail was full of hik- ended up crossing a swamp. At one 5. Tettegouche ers! In the evening, Shannon picked point, I waded through mud up to me up at the trailhead in Beaver Bay, my knees. Yuck! After navigating 6. and he made spaghetti at the cabin. back to the trail, I walked into Du- 7. Gooseberry Falls The meal and beer were outstanding. luth and had a pint to celebrate. 8. When I reached home, my daughter opened the door. Her first words: "Dad, you need a shower!" Yes, I definitely did. I also needed to eat. Over the course of two weeks, I lost 15 pounds, and it was a treat to have real food again.

So what does it all mean? What was the point of hiking nearly 300 miles? Initially I struggled with these questions, but upon reflection, I began to understand what Don told me on Day 8. Walking the SHT is a genuine achievement and a once-in-a-lifetime experience. What- ever happens in the next 40 years, I’ll always have my thru-hike.

Fall 2015 page 9 Overlooking a northwoods lake at Manitou State Park along the Superior Hiking Trail. Photo by Rudi Hargesheimer

Member Support Stories Leaving a legacy Our members make the work we do many of the state parks and especially 2009-2014. on behalf of Minnesota’s parks and love the parks along Lake Superior. trails possible. We are honored that It was Keith’s desire that future so many people share in our deep After my mother died, we hiked generations be able to enjoy all the commitment for preserving these to a high peak overlooking a north “beauty and activities that Minne- special places. Occasionally we are woods lake. As we rested on soft sota’s great outdoor spaces offer. Over fortunate enough to hear the inspir- pine needles, I heard the unmistak- many years our family has enjoyed ing stories that our members carry able whir of a hummingbird. Within Minnesota’s numerous parks along with them, which compels their moments, it landed on my red t-shirt, with the cross-county skiing and support for this work. Here are two licked the shirt, and flew away. hiking and biking trails. As Keith recent stories. Although I know the hummer was always said: Pass it Forward! And attracted by the color red, it felt like a that is my intent with this contribu- greeting from my mom. tion... preserve it for the generations How a hummingbird to come. inspired a legacy gift I feel strongly that saving wilderness from development will afford future by Judy Reisman, generations the same opportunities I ” Proud member since 2000 have had. It is an investment in our future that we must make. For 61 years the Parks & Trails Council of Minnesota has worked to “make our parks and trails the envy Remember: Pass it ” Magney of the nation. My wife Jane and I forward! share this vision and are committed Circle to doing our part to preserve these by Louise Fester Named in honor of most special outdoor places for all to Proud member since 1997 Judge C. R. Magney, the experience and enjoy. Magney Circle consists of members Louise shared the following story who support our mission with a That is why I have designated a sig- upon making a significant gift to generous contribution of $500 or nificant portion of my estate for the Parks & Trails Council in memory of more each year. Magney Circle Parks & Trails Council of Minnesota. her husband Keith Fester, who served members are invited to special on the board of P&TC from 2010- events during the year. To join, visit Jane and I have camped and hiked in 2014 and our Land Committee from parksandtrails.org/join_donate

page 10 Fall 2015 Friends Group Corner Friends Group Partners Volunteer-based groups working on behalf of Friends group forms for Minnesota's parks and trails and members of Parks & Trails Council of Minnesota Parks & Trails Council is happy to Association, Inc. welcome a new friends group to the network of volunteers working on be- Central Lakes Trail Association half of parks and trails in Minnesota. The Friends of Luce Line West was Friends of Anderson Park established this September. Friends of Bertram Chain of Lakes Regional Park These Friends are a collection of com- munity leaders and trail enthusiasts Friends of Cannon Valley Trail from the areas around Hutchinson and Winsted in Central Minnesota, Friends of Casey Jones Trail about 60 miles due west from the Friends of Forestville Friends of Twin Cities. While they have been busy with the logistics of starting a Friends of Luce Line West friends group—things like recruiting Friends of Jackson County Trails At a glance the first members, setting up a bank account, writing a mission—they were Friends of State Park also busy celebrating a major accom- Friends Group Started: plishment with the paving of approxi- Friends of Luce Line West September 2015 mately 15 miles of the trail this fall Friends of (more about the project on pg. 4). Mission: Friends of Mill Towns State Trail To work with other stakeholders Steve Cook, the former mayor of Hu- to improve, maintain and pro- thinson and a board member for Parks Friends of Murray County Parks mote the Luce Line State Trail. & Trails Council of Minnesota is the Friends of Scandia Parks and Trails Current Members: 11 president of the group. He has been About the Trail: working tirelessly on behalf of this Friends of the Lindbergh Heritage trail for years and is excited to now Approx. 54 miles developed be- Friends of tween Plymouth and Cedar Mills have a group of dedicated members to with 1.5 mile gap in Winsted. help in the effort. Gateway-Brown’s Creek Trail Association Built on former railroad line that was in operation 1913-1970. With the major paving project com- Gitchi Gami Trail Association pleted, the group's focus is now in Glacial Ridge Trail Association Membership info: promoting it. They want to see more www.FriendsoftheLuceLine.org people enjoying the trail and recog- Association nizing its recreation, health and com- munity benefits. Cook mentioned that Minnesota Rovers Outdoors Club the group may start working to help MN Nordic Ski Association add amenities such as benches, tables, North Star Ski Touring Club Luce Line and shelters as well as planting trees and restoring prairie along the trail. State Trail Northstar Trail Travelers Parks & Trails Council is the official Prairie Visions fiscal sponsor of this group, meaning we act as their nonprofit umbrella. Sibley State Park Improvement Association Southeast Minnesota Association of Regional Trails (SMART)

Fall 2015 page 11 Board of Directors Parks & Trails Council of MN Non-Profit Org Executive Committee U.S. Postage 275 E. 4th St., Suite #250 Mike Tegeder, President PAID St. Paul, MN 55101-1626 Twin Cities, MN Julie Gugin, Vice President (651) 726-2457 or (800) 944-0707 Permit #4936 Robert O. Erickson, Treasurer www.parksandtrails.org Dorothy Anderson, Secretary Bob Bierscheid Tom Pavey Verónica Jaralambides Bruce Johnson

Directors Your membership anniversary is Richard “Dick” Brainerd Kathy Connelly XX/XX Gary Connett Anne Flueckiger Paul Karazija Kellie Lowman Ed Murphy Emily Nesvold Name Stacy Osmond Tom Stoa Address Honorary Directors City, State Zip Rollis Bishop Sen. David Durenberger Thomas T. Dwight Martin Kellogg David Minge Mike Prichard Peter Seed Staff & Consultants

Joe Bagnoli Government Relations Consultant Brett Feldman Executive Director Lisa Filter External Relations Director Beth Hynes www.parksandtrails.org Database Administrator Andrew Oftedal Research & Policy Specialist facebook.com/parksandtrails Sarah Psick Government Relations Consultant Steve Young Land Acquisition Consultant Special Places is published three times a year by the Parks & Trails Council of Minnesota Lisa Filter, editor