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Special Places Parks & Trails Council of newsletter

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Inside this issue the E.D. on OHVs...... Pg 2 125 years timeline...... Pg 3 assessing trail conditions...... pg 4 regional parks designated...... pg 5 supporter highlight...... pg 6 master planning updates...... pg 7 in memoriam: Mike Tegeder...... pg 8 magney mingle recap...... pg 10 meet a friend: Nerstrand...... pg 11

Mill Towns State Trail’s new bridge spans the near Lake Byllesby Dam Land Project Update Mill Towns State Trail Segment Opens Like a puzzle, the newest segment of ensure such an excellent trail project the Mill Towns State Trail involved doesn’t fall apart,” says Brett Feldman, many pieces fitting together—just so— P&TC’s executive director. to complete the picture. Talks began in 2010 between the DNR, three private The official grand opening, for this landowners, two counties, managers of roughly two mile segment, is expected a dam and a highway. This year, with next spring. But already people are the commitment of trail proponents, biking, walking and fishing along the the pieces came together to make a new corridor. A key feature drawing great addition to the state trail system. a lot of attention is the bridge over Mark your calendar for the the Cannon River near Byllesby Dam. biggest giving day of the Parks & Trails Council became one On either side lay regional parks, one year. We’ll have a matching piece of the puzzle starting in 2011 managed by Goodhue County the challenge grant to make the when a key land acquisition along the other by Dakota County but both route was about to be lost. “Our land named Lake Byllesby Regional Park. most of your support. program proves its mettle in situations The bridge creates the first direct con- like these when we can step up to Mill Towns State Trail | pg. 8

Acquiring, protecting and enhancing critical land for the public’s use & benefit From the Executive Director Say no to motorized off-highway vehicles in state parks Minnesota’s The Minnesota Outdoor Recreation We have shared our interpretation of changing seasons Act of 1975 is clear that state parks the law and the disparities in equity make our state and are not meant to accommodate every between user groups with legislative its rich natural re- kind of recreational use and in fact leadership and the DNR Commis- sources one of the the only permissible uses are those sioner. We have also encouraged them most fascinating that do not cause material disturbance to review the DNR’s 2012 Minne- places on earth. As to the natural features of parks. sota State Parks visitor survey, which a Parks & Trails shows there is very little support for Council member That doesn’t mean that OHV us- providing opportunities for off-road you know that one of the best ways ers shouldn’t have a place to engage motorized vehicles in state parks. to experience Minnesota in all of its in their outdoor recreational activ- stunning natural glory is by visiting a ity. They should, and they do. The 5 We are concerned that despite all this, state park —something more than 9 percent of Minnesotans who own our lawmakers will rewrite the law million people did in 2015 alone. OHVs, currently have more than and bring OHVs into our parks. 4 million acres of public land on As a Parks & Trails Council mem- which they can ride. Compare that to I’m letting you know this now be- ber you also know that protecting the 232,000 acres of state parkland cause now there is an opportunity to these natural places where we all love open to the 30 percent of Minneso- take a preemptive stand that could to hike, fish, camp, bike, or simply tans who visit them. That’s 17 times have more impact than waiting to observe nature is a full time job that more land for a fraction of the users. respond after legislation is introduced. requires constant vigilance. Our Clearly the issue is not about OHV parks may be protected in law, but users being underrepresented in the Please take a moment right now to law is open to interpretation and that recreational opportunities being contact Gov. Dayton, Lt. Gov. Smith interpretation can change just like the provided. Yet, their use can materially and DNR Commissioner Landwehr seasons. So as fall turns to winter, leg- disrupt the opportunities of state park to tell them that you oppose opening islators will convene at the Capitol to users seeking a nature experience, if state parks to OHVs. Our collective make decisions that will impact you allowed into these special places. voices can prevail in keeping state and our parks as early as this spring. parks as the special places they are. I Minnesota state parks protect and hope we can count on you. Genera- One of the decisions that lawmakers preserve 285 rare species, 900 ar- tions who came before us and gen- are considering is whether or not we cheological sites and 80 types of erations that will come after us are should open up our state parks to off- important plant communities. They counting on you too. highway motor vehicles also known are also places that park users visit to as OHVs (that includes ATVs, off- enjoy the sounds and smells of nature Visit our website at highway motorcycles and 4x4s). as well as to experience silence and www.parksandtrails.org to see how to quiet. contact these leaders and learn more We are opposed to this idea. about this issue.

Thank you to our business sponsors

Minnesota TRAILS A Parks & Trails Journal / MnTrails.com www.mntrails.com page 2 Fall 2016 125 Years of Minnesota State Parks Key events that helped create the legacy of parks and trails in Minnesota

Start 1925 Here The local volunteer groups that had managed Minnesota’s 10 state parks 1933 ➳ are replaced with paid state workers President Franklin Roosevelt persuades from the Department of Conservation. Congress to establish the Civilian 1891 By 1935, the parks become further Conservation Corps, which st professionalized with the creation of undertook massive projects to enhance Minnesota creates its state park: 1 the Division of State Parks. state parks. Itasca, earning Minnesota the distinction of having the second-oldest state park in the nation. It was created by a margin of one vote.

Nature Trail 1954  Parks & Trails Council 1940s Here come the naturalists! Banning State Park’ of Minnesota is born. 1953 The era of free entry ends as the State Parks begin to incorporate newly passed State Park Permit “enjoyable education” into the park experience. 1960 Act requires a permit on any vehicle Then Parks Director writes, “this type of Parks & Trails Council successfully advocates for an entering the parks, then costing recreation is a departure from the generally updated State Parks and Recreation Study. Results accepted and prevailing practices of emphasizing prompt the passage of the 1963 bill creating 9 new state $1/year. the purely amusement types.” parks: Banning, Glacial Lakes, Lake Louise, Maplewood, Great River Bluffs, Rice Lake, Sakatah Lake, Soudan Underground Mine, and Upper Sioux Agency. 1975 1988 Outdoor Recreation Act Minnesota voters approve mandates each park have a the Environment and Natural management plan and that they Resources Trust Fund. Lottery money goes to helping 1967 be open for public review. parks and trails and other environment projects. Hello Trails! Minnesota Legislature authorizes the first state trail: . 2008 Minnesota voters approve the Legacy Amend- ment which increased sales tax by 0.375% La Salle Lake State Rec Area until 2035 for water, outdoor heritage, arts, Today and parks and trails. The related plan has a Minnesota State Parks experience goal of establishing 5 new state parks and record attendance! 2011 connecting 10 state parks to state trails by La Salle Lake State Rec Area added as the newest 2035 among other goals. park unit. It’s the 2nd since Legacy passed--Lake Vermilion was added in 2010.

Fall 2016 page 3 Parks & Trails Research Update Assessing the condition of Minnesota’s trails, one mile at a time Have you ever been riding along one users with a detailed, mile-by-mile data on trail pavement conditions. of Minnesota’s beautiful bicycle trails snapshot of trail conditions across the when, thud, a jarring bump shakes entire state. This will be the first time Data collection started over the sum- your entire frame? Well, you’re not such information is publicly available, mer and is planned to go through alone. Staff, board members and vol- and will be vital for understanding October. To date, we’ve completed unteers from Parks & Trails Council how much work is needed to get all of 430 miles of the roughly 600 miles in have been spending the summer out Minnesota’s trails in good shape. the state system. That amounts to over on the trails, feeling—and recording— 1,200 photographs and over 330,000 these bumps ourselves. We’re collecting three types of infor- data points logged on our iPhones. mation: First, we’re taking the “old As Minnesota’s bicycle trails age, trail fashioned” approach of giving every In the coming month, we’ll crunch maintenance has become a hot-but- mile a subjective rating between poor these numbers and pinpoint the ton issue at the legislature. So much and excellent based on our experience locations in most need of repair. This so that perhaps no other issue is more from riding it. Second, we’re taking data will also provide an overview of important to the long-term viability photos. And third, we’ve mounted the system as a whole to help guide of Minnesota’s bicycle trails. iPhones on our bicycle handlebars to the development of trail maintenance collect data on the force of vibration plans. To begin addressing this challenge, caused by bumps and depressions on our latest research project is assessing the trail. Be on the lookout for our final report, the condition of every mile of trail which we expect to release in Decem- pavement in Minnesota’s State Trail To our knowledge, this research is the ber. System. Our assessment will provide first large-scale, system-wide effort managers, policy-makers, and trail using smartphones to collect objective

How can iPhones collect data on trail conditions? Did you know that all you need to turn your bicycle into a data-collection machine is a handlebar mount for your iPhone? All iPhones come equipped with a handy device called an accelerometer, which is designed to measure vibrations. Once your phone is configured to record this data, every ride becomes an opportunity to collect valu- able data.

Above: An iPhone mounted to a bicycle’s handlbars is enough to collect objective measurements of a trail’s condition. Trails in really rough shape produce a lot of vibration (top right), while excellent trails produce smooth results (bottom right).

page 4 Fall 2016 Greater Minnesota News Regional parks and trails continue to grow in significance The Greater Minnesota Parks and specific parks or trails they manage. ated to Greater Minnesota projects, Trails Commission (GMPTC) has They undergo a review process that including funds to build numerous been continuing its work of estab- includes several rounds of evaluation trails, acquire additional lands for lishing a formal system of regionally looking at criteria such as size, ame- parks, hire additional program staff at significant parks and trails in Greater nities, usage, and master plans. parks, and build visitor amenities. Minnesota. This summer the com- mission, which was created by the By being designated as regionally To learn more about the GMPTC legislature in 2013, designated an significant, these parks and trails be- process for designations, visit their additional 16 parks and trails (listed come eligible to request funding from website at in orange below) as regionally signifi- the Parks & Trails Legacy Fund. www.gmrptcommission.org cant, bringing the total to 43. Since the GMPTC began the Cities and counties apply for regional designations in 2015, $16 million in designation from the GMPTC for Legacy Funds have been appropri-

Greater Minnesota Regional Parks and Trails

Managing City/County Park or Trail Name Managing City/County Park or Trail Name Aitkin County Northwoods ATV Trail McLeod County Dakota Rail Trail Beltrami County Northland Sports Park Mille Lacs County Plains to Port Trail Big Falls Big Falls Campground and Horse Camp Moorhead MB Johnson Park CVT Joint Powers Board Moorhead Moorhead River Corridor Trail Chisago County Swedish Immigrant Trail Olmstead County Chester Woods Park Chisago County Sunrise Prairie Trail Otter Tail County Perham to Pelican Rapids Trail Cohasset Tioga Recreation Area RLRC Joint Powers Board Red Lake River Corridor Cook County Cook Co. Mountain Bike Trail System Redwood County Plum Creek Park Crow Wing County Milford Mine Memorial Park Redwood Falls Alexander Ramsey Park Detroit Lakes Detroit Mountain Rochester Quarry Hill Park Douglas County Kensington Park Rochester Gamehaven Park Douglas County Lake Brophy Park Rochester Cascade Lake Park Duluth Hartley Park Sandstone Robinson Park Elk River Woodland Trails Park St. Cloud Beaver Island Trail Granite Falls Memorial Park Stearns County Lake Wobegon Trail Hermantown/Proctor Munger Trail Spur Stearns County Quarry Park Isanti County Irving & John Anderson Park Stearns County Rockville Park Lake County Lake County Mountain Bike Trails Stearns County Warner Lake Park Lake Shore Gull Lake Trail Wright County Bertram Park Le Sueur County Lake Washington Park Wright County Robert Ney Park Luverne Luverne Loop & Blue Mounds Trail Lyon County Garvin Park *Note: Parks listed in orange indicate the 16 Lyon County Twin Lakes Park newly designated units in 2016

Fall 2016 page 5 Supporter/Board Member Highlight Dr. Maureen Reed: We can’t drop the baton Our members’ stories are essential “One of the reasons I support Parks to our story. The deep connection we & Trails Council is I believe those all have with the places preserved as predecessors of ours were right and parks and trails provide inspiration we can’t drop the baton.” to continue to advocate for these spe- Reed grew up in Redwood Falls, cial places. Here we like to highlight Minn. where she spent countless some of these stories. hours at Alexander Ramsey Park—a place that trivia-minded folks may or Dr. Maureen Reed, parks and like to know was a state park from trails have always been important 1911 to 1957 before being turned Fplaces. “In a nutshell, they are the over to the city. “Parks were part of Dr. Maureen Reed with her “favorite hiking and skiing buddy,” husband Dr. Jim Hart antidote to craziness,” she says. my life from the beginning and never ceased to be part of my life.” As a medical doctor who has been deployed to emergency situations like our laurels with respect to parks and Today, she enjoys visiting the parks trails, I learned later just how robust Hurricane Katrina and Rita and the throughout the state. For her, it’s I35W bridge collapse, Reed knows Parks & Trails advocacy was, and the important to protect the landscapes role of the revolving land trust.” life can get crazy; and being in nature unique to each area, from prairies to puts things into perspective. “When forests and everything in between. Through her work with P&TCM, I’m in a park or trail I can just let go “I’ve come to understand that beauty and let the birds bring their truth to Reed says she has become more in the landscape may have different adamant about building an intercon- my life; let the ever changing shim- definitions, but it’s all beautiful.” mering of sun and shadows dance nected system of parks and trails. In an ideal future, she sees a trail within five around and just quiet the mind and Reed got involved with P&TCM spirit.” blocks of every person. “I’m convinced when her friend, Bob Nesheim, was that to preserve parks and trails for serving on the board. He helped her Reed was the executive director of the future we need more families to make the connection between these experience these places, and trails are the Noble Peace Prize Forum, where places that she enjoyed so much and she had the honor of meeting lead- a mechanism by which more people the need for citizens to support them. are engaged.” ers from around the world. Visionary “While I immediately grasped that it leadership is a theme she sees reflect- was extremely important not to sit on ed in the parks and trails movement, started a century ago and carried on at Parks & Trails Council of Min- nesota. Did you Know? “I have long marveled, won- Free! Free! Free! Many state parks offer dering what it was in those people 100 years ago—at a FREE gear to use in the park, like time when nature seemed GPS units and fishing poles. limitless—that they knew preserving the natural land Just ask at the park would be important to future office when you go. generations.”

page 6 Fall 2016 DNR Planning Master Planning Updates

Master plans are required for each Mississippi Blufflands State state park and trail in Minnesota. Trail These plans are intended to guide the This planned trail was authorized in management of these places consis- 2015 to extend about 17 miles from tent with the authorized purpose, the Cannon Valley Regional Trail in as spelled out in Minnesota Stat- Red Wing to Lake City and connect ute 86A.05. The public can provide with Frontenac State Park. input at various times in the process, either by volunteering on an advisory Fort Ridgely State Park - The DNR is currently considering committee, answering public input Plan amendment to address golf course closure comments and may revise the draft questionnaires, or providing written plan, which was prepared in May. The The DNR is developing an amend- feedback on draft plans. draft plan identifies a search corridor ment to the state park plan to address for potential routes and has recom- the planned closure of the golf course Plans open for public comment mendations for trail management. in the park. A local group is working on a proposal to manage the course.

ames berstar tate rail A citizen advisory committee has J L. O S T been formed and met several times The DNR is in the midst of preparing starting in August with the final a plan to guide the development of meeting expected in October. this segment of the Willard Munger State Trail. This segment extends Input Opportunities: from Chisago City to Hinckley.

• Online questionnaire at www.dnr. St. Croix State Park - state.mn.us/input/mgmtplans/ aconite tate rail New plan to enhance destination status parks/fort_ridgely.html T S T This trail is complete and mostly used The new plan will recommend how for snowmobiling. The DNR is up- to manage the changing landscape dating the plan developed in 1980 to that resulted from recent blowdowns Plans in development reflect the completion of the trail and as well as how to provide recreation consider changes to the management. opportunities in line with this park’s Public comments were collected in “destination” status, as identified The following plans are not currently 2015 and a summary is available within the new system plan. open for public input at the moment, online. but as plans are developed they may Input Opportunities: become opened for review. You can Numerous comments suggesting • Public is invited to the 4th Citizen look online for updates here: opening the trail to ATV use and al- Advisory Committee held on lowing such use in state parks. If such Thurs., Oct. 27 from 6:30 - 8:00pm www.dnr.state.mn.us/input/mgmt- at the park’s interpretive center. uses move forward Parks & Trails plans/parks_trails/index.html • Questionnaire available to take Council would strongly oppose it. A at www.dnr.state.mn.us/input/ draft plan is being awaited. mgmtplans/parks/st_croix.html

We are a proud member of the Minnesota Environmental Fund, a workplace giving option comprised of 21 environmental nonprofits working to protect, conserve and restore Minnesota’s environment. www.mnenvirofund.org

Fall 2016 page 7 Mill Towns https://parks-trails-mn.maps.arcgis.com/home/webmap/viewer....

Home ! Mill Towns New Map ! Create Presentation Lisa !

Details Add Basemap Analysis Save Share Print Directions Measure Bookmarks Lake Byllesby County Park, Dakota County,Minnesota,# " United States

+ Mill Towns State Trail – Inset of newest segment

Mill Towns State Trail Lake Byllesby Regional Park - Goodhue Co.

Mill Towns State Trail is authorized to connect from Cannon Valley Trail to Sakatah State Trail. The inset shows the newest segment.

›› Mill Towns State Trail | cont’d from pg. 1 0 0.2 0.4mi County of Dakota, Ontario Base Map, Province of Ontario, Esri, HERE, DeLorme, INCREMENT P, Intermap, USGS, M… nection between these two parks. three private landowners, which Legislature in 2000. When complete, seemed like a manageable number— the trail will follow the Cannon River Starting at the Dakota County park until all three declined the original for 25 miles from Faribault to Can- beach, trail users can now bike along offer to buy their land. non Falls. The trail will also provide Lake Byllesby (a dammed section of the connection between the Sakatah the Cannon River), wind down to That’s when P&TCM stepped in to Singing Hills State Trail and the the bridge, descend a gentle grade successfully negotiate a purchase from Cannon Valley Regional Trail. through prairie and along the river one owner, where 39 acres (roughly bluff, safely pass under Hwy 52 and half the land acquired) is being used In addition to this newly opened end at Hannah’s Bend Park in Can- for the trail. The remaining land was segment, progress has been made at non Falls. The city is planning to sold to a different owner. the other end of the Mill Towns State build a trail connection from here to Trail in Faribault, Minn. The DNR the nearby Cannon Valley Trail. The 39 acres, located near the Good- recently built two highway underpass- hue County Park, provided the neces- es in the city and Hennessy expects Steve Hennessy, DNR trail planner, sary space to create a gentle slope that trail segment, which connects to said the trail construction involved down through the river blufflands. the Sakatah Singing Hills State Trail some challenges, but succeeded in The land had previously been farmed, to be completed in 2018. the end because of the “partnership and the DNR has plans to restore it from Parks & Trails Council, Dakota to oak savanna. Earlier this summer the DNR County, Goodhue County, city of acquired six miles of former railroad Cannon Falls and the DNR, who all Funding for this segment of trail property for the trail between Farib- really worked together to make these came from a variety of sources, in- ault and Dundas. Hennessy says the pieces fall into place.” cluding Legacy Funds, Federal grants DNR has control over nine miles and and state bonds. now they are working on connecting The project had a lot going for it with those pieces. Finally P&TC has been half of the land being publicly owned. The Mill Towns State Trail was origi- helping to coordinate a necessary re- The remaining land was owned by nally authorized by the Minnesota route of the trail in Northfield. page 8 Fall 2016

1 of 1 9/22/16, 4:20 PM In Memoriam Remembering Mike Tegeder

Earlier this summer, Minnesota parks and trails lost one of its most ardent supporters with the death of our past president, Mike Tegeder, 67, on July 9.

Since his passing, we have been moved by the outpouring of sup- port shown by those who knew him both personally and from his writings and work with this organization. More than one hundred people have made gifts totaling more than $7,500 to Parks & Trails Council of Minnesota to honor his memory:

Joel and Teresa Anderson Dianne C. Head Dana Rechtzigel Sally Bader-Hoagland Robert and Barbara Heiser Robert and Beverly Reid Barbara Bahn Patricia Helin Harriet Richter Marilyn Barnicle Nancy Heller Annie Riley and Roy Otto Ralph and Maureen Bartolotta Judith and Samuel Herrmann James and Judith Ross Paul Bauer and Patricia Cretilli Suzanne L. Holtz Joanne Routzahn Heino Beckmann and Darlene Sholtis Peggy and Julian Hook Sue C. Saltarelli Kathleen Bennett Paul Jaroszeski Mary Sarazin Bob Bierscheid Michael and Susan Jendro William and Beth Schmidt Joan Black John Judd Janice Schneider Bruce Blackburn Eileen and Mark Kapala Edward and Kathleen Schoenecker John and Janet Bohan Christine Kelly L.J. Schommer Marie Boler Bonnie and Gerald Kennedy Mary and David Schultz Susan Bormann Judith Keough James and Ann Severson Sharon Burnham Nancy and Richard Krahulec Denise and Patrick Shaughnessy Margaret Casey Karen Lahn Dawn M. Sheppard Stephen Cox Mark Larson and Mary Kennedy Barb Simonson Kristine and C.L. Delfs Jeffrey and Paula Lavigne Kathleen and Randall Steen Ronald and Judy DeVinney Lois and Thomas Leonard and Nancy Kathryn Steinberger and Jim Young Michaela A. Diercks Krahulec Catherine M. Strub Peggy Doerrie Ruth Loia Jay and Eileen Taylor Willard and Judith Dornfeld Carolyn Marinan Philip and Colleen Thomas Rosemary Dosch Robert and Joyce McBeath Thomas Todd Vicki and Bruce Dunlop Elizabeth McEnery Mary and Jerry Vandrovec Patrick and Kris Ellingsworth Julie and Joseph McGuire Herman and Sharon Viegas Robert O. Erickson Lisa Mills Harold and Lillian von Brockdorff Brett Feldman and Elizabeth Haugen Patrick and Gertrude Mingo Janice M. Wahl John and Sally Fesler Lynne and Robb Morin Jeanne Walstead Louise Fester Jane and Daniel Murphy Mark and Heidi Wavinak Lisa Filter and Joel Martin John and Yvette Oldendorf Marlys J Weber LeEtta and Loren Flicker Lisa and Gregory Olson Peggy Werness Margaret Fling Patricia K. Opstad Mary Wesenberg Marilyn Galazen Jean and Tom Ott Catherine Anne Wick Shawn Gilbert John and Denise Perhay Kathleen and Jimmy Williams Shirley Graham and William Zeigle Ronald and Nancy Peterson Dorothy Wrona Mary Lou and Gene Gross Elizabeth Polakowski Anonymous (2) Judith and Robert Gyurci Michael Prichard Shirley Hagerty Patrick Raleigh and Family

Fall 2016 page 9 Magney Circle members gather on the observation deck to see the recent land acquisition. Picnic shelter and boardwalk in Anderson park.

Magney Circle Mingle Recap Seeing the land we helped save at Isanti County’s Anderson Park Parks are created to take advantage park, it would not have been created and 3,300 feet on Horseleg Lake, of days like the one we had for our and without our members, the newest with plans to build a short portage Magney Circle Mingle on Sept. 8. addition to the park wouldn’t have trail between the two. This would pro- With the wind gently blowing to happened. vide canoe access to Horeshoe Lake. keep away the mosquitos, we gathered in the picnic shelter at Isanti County’s Anderson says this place tells the Irving & John Anderson Park to story of change and renewal: starting hear about and then walk to the land thousands of years ago when miles- thick glaciers occupied the land, to Parks & Trails Council of Minnesota helped to acquire for the park earlier providing a homeland for generations this year. of Native Americans, to being farmed Magney by his family, to returning to a more Circle Parks depend on people, and this park natural state as a park. It’s the story of Named in honor of in particular has been the beneficiary change and renewal of purpose. Judge C. R. Magney, the of people’s investments. Interpretive Magney Circle consists of members naturalist Tom Anderson, who also A renewed purpose is certainly hap- who support our mission with a happens to be the grandson of the pening on the former fox farm that generous contribution of $500 or original owners, told us how this park we’ve helped add as parkland. This more each year. Magney Circle was created in 2007 with the sup- addition straddles two clear, shallow members are invited to special port of a Friends Group. Without lakes, doubling the amount of park events during the year. To join, visit citizens advocating for adding this shoreline to 3,000 feet on Horseshoe parksandtrails.org/join_donate

page 10 Fall 2016 Friends Group Partners Friends Groups that are members of Parks & Trails Council of Minnesota Association, Inc. Cedar Lake Park Association Central Lakes Trail Association Meet a Friend Cuyuna Lakes State Trail Association Getting more people into the Big Woods Freeborn County Trail Association Friends of Anderson Park In the three years that Nerstrand Big Woods State Park has made Friends of Cannon Valley Trail friends with a group of committed Friends of Casey Jones Trail volunteers, the park has seen sky- rocketing visitor numbers. It could Friends of Fort Ridgely be coincidence, good weather, or Friends of Glacial Lakes State Park part of the system-wide trend, but the park manager says the friends Friends of Itasca State Park have been a boon to the park. Friends of Jackson County Trails Friends of Friends of Lake Bemidji State Park nerstrand big woods The friends have been busy from the get go. “We have a group of people Friends of Lake Maria State Park at a glance who like to do things,” says the chair of the Friends Group, Katy Gil- Friends of Luce Line West Mission: lespie. They’ve helped organize, pub- A community organization Friends of Maplewood State Park licize and provide volunteer support devoted to preserving and Friends of Mill Towns State Trail enhancing the experience of for numerous events, from prairie the park. seed collecting to candle-light skiing Friends of Nerstrand Big Woods and wildflower walks. State Park Websites: Friends of Scandia Parks and Trails friendsnerstrandbigwoods.org Three years ago attendance at the candle-light ski was about 150 Friends of Wild River State Park About Nerstrand Big Woods people and that number has jumped Frontenac State Park Association A 2,884-acre forested area with to 650 last year. “We just feel great spectacular spring flowers, 11 that we can support getting more Gateway-Brown’s Creek Trail Association miles of hiking and 6 miles of people out here,” says Friends mem- xc-skiing. Gitchi Gami Trail Association ber Emily Nesvold. Glacial Ridge Trail Association The group really wanted more peo- Glendalough Park Partners ple to discover the unique treasures in this park. “Nerstrand is one of Lake Louise State Park Association the best parks in the state for spring Minnesota Horse Council flowers, for fall colors and for mon- arch butterflies,” boasts Gillespie. MN Nordic Ski Association North Star Ski Touring Club Currently the group has about 150 Nerstrand Big people they can send the call out to Northstar Trail Travelers Woods State when volunteers are needed. Anoth- Prairie Visions er 43 provide financial support and 7 people serve as board members. Sibley State Park Improvement Association Fall 2016 Southeast Minnesota Associationpage of 11 Regional Trails (SMART) Board of Directors

Parks & Trails Council of MN Non-Profit Org Executive Committee U.S. Postage Julie Gugin, President 275 E. 4th St., Suite #250 PAID Bob Bierscheid, Vice President St. Paul, MN 55101-1626 Twin Cities, MN Permit #4936 Robert O. Erickson, Treasurer (651) 726-2457 or (800) 944-0707 Dorothy Anderson, Secretary www.parksandtrails.org Verónica Jaralambides Bruce Johnson Ed Murphy Directors Richard “Dick” Brainerd Kathy Connelly Anne Flueckiger Your membership anniversary is Jane Harper XX/XX Paul Karazija Kellie Lowman Emily Nesvold Stacy Osmond Maureen Reed Tom Stoa Name Honorary Directors Address Rollis Bishop Sen. David Durenberger City, State Zip Thomas T. Dwight Martin Kellogg David Minge Mike Prichard Peter Seed

Staff & Consultants

Brett Feldman Executive Director

Lisa Filter External Relations Director

Becky Hampton Office Coordinator

Ann Lenczewski www.parksandtrails.org Government Relations Consultant of Lockridge Grindal Nauen

Ian Marsh facebook.com/parksandtrails Government Relations Consultant of Lockridge Grindal Nauen

Andrew Oftedal Research & Policy Specialist Special Places is published three times a year by the Steve Young Parks & Trails Council of Minnesota Lisa Filter, editor Land Acquisition Consultant