Fall 2017 (Nov)

Special Places

PARKS & TRAILS COUNCIL OF NEWSLETTER

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Inside this issue

LETTER FROM BRETT...... PG 2 FRONTENAC PROJECT...... PG 3 KEEPING OHVS OUT OF PARKS...... PG 4 SHOOTING STAR TRAIL EXPANDED...... PG 5 EAGLE SCOUT PROJECT...... PG 5 NATURALIST CORNER: FALL...... PG 6 PHOTO CONTEST WINNERS...... PG 7 LAKE LOUISE SP & FRIENDS...... PG 10-11

Upcoming challenge Volunteers during a clean-up day at the newly acquired land on Lake 21 during summer 2017

Land Project Update Sibley Park’s Lake 21 all in the park This project has been years in the lake. But alas, the sale making and shows how patience can didn’t work out then. pay off. Lake 21 may sound like a Timing is critical in Mark your calendars for the annual slightly unloved lake, but for retired land deals and while there was a close one-day event when Minnesotans park manager Dave Lais, who has call with a sale for high-end develop- give to the max for causes they care been an active volunteer since retire- ment, which would have precluded the about. A group of dedicated support- ment, this lake has long been a special potential to ever incorporate into the ers have pooled together to create a place where he saw the potential for a park, that didn’t happen either. $15,000 challenge fund to match gifts completely natural lake experience— on this day to Parks & Trails Council. something quite rare in this part of Eventually the children inherited the the state. land and they had moved away so had Thank you to our matchers, Dick little use for the land. Because Dave and Mary Brainerd, Bob and Nancy He remembers discussions with the Lais had ensured that the owners Erickson, Gail Fiskewold, Chris landowner years ago. At that time the know the park would be interested if Howard, and Peter and Linda Seed. landowner was scaling back operations ever they sold, he was the first to get a on his minimal-frills resort along the Sibley State Park | pg. 9 www.givemn.org Acquiring, protecting and enhancing critical land for the public's use & benefit From the Executive Director The year we defended our parks’ from a whole new threat

By Brett Feldman reasoned way that is hard to refute. was going up for sale, the Friends had our back and helped us bring the As we put the finishing touches on Our members shared personal park community together in support of an 2017 and begin planning for 2018, it experiences and hammered home incredible addition to the park. is important we reflect on some of the the point that OHV users have 1800 amazing things we accomplished this percent more state land for their use The same is true at Sibley State Park year with the help of our members compared with state park users. This too, where the friends group has been and partners who so generously share is despite the fact that only 5 percent instrumental in ushering the restora- time, energy and financial resources of Minnesotans own an OHV com- tion work along at two land projects to protect Minnesota’s most special pared to 30 percent who visit state there. I want to give special thanks to places. parks. Dave Lais, Ron Erpelding and all the members who have pulled up their I’ll always remember this as the year I thank you for supporting our ef- sleeves to make this happen. when off-highway vehicles (OHVs) forts with your membership. And for became a real threat to our state those who took up the call to send in Special thanks also to Eagle Scout parks. And the year that we made our comments, we couldn’t have done it Connor Jarland of Corcoran for tak- voices heard to protect them. When without you. ing it upon himself to raise money to we learned the DNR was consider- build a biker changing station at Be- ing opening up three state parks on This was also a year when our land tram Chain of Lakes Park (see page the Taconite State Trail to OHVs our program made bold moves that 5); and to Senator Dave Durenberger members responded. Our combined allowed us to see the strength of for continuing to speak out in support efforts demonstrated the importance Friends Groups. When we learned of saving land for parks and trails. of these special places to so many that 159 acres of oak savanna people. And it showed that our mem- at the entrance of Frontenac State bers are knowledgeable enough to de- Park with spectacular bluffland views fend these places in a thoughtful and of Pleasant Valley Creek and Lakelet

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Minnesota TRAILS A Parks & Trails Journal / MnTrails.com www.mntrails.com page 2 Fall 2017

Supporters and neighbors hiking the land P&TC recently acquired and is working to add to Frontenac State Park. Local naturalist Bruce Ause talked about the history of the land and its creek (bottom center). Former U. S. Sen. Dave Durenberger spoke of the importance of people working to save land for parks. P&TC Event Recap Sneak peek at land we’re working add to Frontenac State Park

Sometimes seeing is believing. On Oct. ined what the next 60 will look like if Former U.S. Senator, Dave Duren- 7, Parks & Trails Council of Minnesota this bluffland, with its majestic view berger spoke of the power of people (P&TC) partnered with the Frontenac becomes part of the story. coming together to get things done for State Park Association (FSPA) to bring the benefit of others. In talking about supporters and neighbors to see for This land is located just outside the the efforts to save this land for the park themselves the 160 acres of land that we park’s boundary, which means the Min- he explained, “this is what brings us are working to add to the park. nesota Legislature will need to approve together.” a boundary adjustment before the park It was a damp day, but that didn’t can begin to manage it. A key supporter “You are part of a tradition of a renew- dampen the spirits of the 80-plus peo- in making this happen is the senator able resource,” he said. “And when you ple who came. As we hiked to the top representing the area, Sen. Michael get to my age and can’t run up and of the bluff, we carried a home-made Goggin, who was in attendance and down the hill as easily as you used flag, signed by all in attendance that shared his support. to, there’ll be somebody behind you. symbolized the people-power necessary They’ll do that because you gave them a to save land for parks. Chuck Richardson, a member of FSPA, good example; you raised their values.” shared the history of this volunteer- We planted it at the top and took a mo- based group that was integral to getting Together, we are continuing the legacy ment to reflect on the 60-year history of the park established and that continues of parks and trails for future genera- Frontenac State Park. And we imag- to support the park and this acquisition. tions.

Fall 2017 page 3 Issue update New Taconite State Trail plan approved, our voices were heard

This past July, the Minnesota DNR OHV route around the park would approved a new master plan for the be necessary. Also, the State Park Taconite State Trail. It was a plan we Visitor Surveys and public comments anxiously anticipated because of the during this planning process indicate implications it could have on intro- strong opposition to adding OHV ducing off-highway vehicles (OHVs) use within state parks. such as ATVs, into state parks. Previously, the draft plan was less We are happy to report that many of clear about the prohibition of OHVs the concerns we raised and encour- within state parks and simply stated aged our members to comment on, that a reroute may be needed to avoid have been addressed in the plan. This state parks. was an important step in continuing the protections our state parks benefit While we are heartened to see this from in terms of making it clear that important change in the Taconite OHVs are prohibited in state parks. State Trail plan, we realize that OHV groups continue to have a strong in- Our members played a critical role terest in removing the prohibition in in this plan. Of the 180 comment state parks. We will remain vigilant letters that the trail planners received, to any attempt at changing state park the “majority” expressed concern and rules (referenced above as MN Rules opposition to allowing OHVs on the 6100.1900) or at legislation that state trail, specifically within state would add an exemption. parks. Considering that the draft plan seemed to be treading a fine line To learn more about this issue visit in alluding to introducing OHVs our website at www.parksandtrails. without outright stating that intent, org/advocacy/ohv-in-state-parks/ it was an important time to unequiv- ocally denounce the idea, before it takes root.

“Such an out-pouring of concern for protecting our state parks is incred- ible,” says Brett Feldman, P&TC’s executive director. “We let them know how important this issue is to us--something that I don’t think they realized before.”

One of the most significant changes in the plan, which we were advocat- View the spproved Master Plan at http://files. ing for and that was made, is the dnr.state.mn.us/input/mgmtplans/trails/ Hiker points to sign along Taconite State Trail as it statement on p. 34 of the final plan: taconite_masterplan2017_final.pdf enters McCarthy Beach State Park (top). Litter on the Taconite State Trail seen shortly after photographer OHVs are prohibited in state parks saw ATVs illegally using the trail. per MN Rules 6100.1900, thus an

page 4 Fall 2017 Local trail advocates and DNR staff cut the ribbon on the newest segment of the trail. Trail Extension Opening Shooting Star State Trail Extended Three Miles

This fall, the Shooting Star State light on pp. 10-11) to this rural road tience, frustration Trail got a little closer to its goal of three miles west of Austin. The final and excitement are connecting into the city of Austin. three miles have yet to be funded, words that describe Shooting Star On September 15 a ribbon cutting but would connect the trail directly our journey to being State Trail was held for the 3-mile extension into the Hormel Nature Center in so close to finally running north from the town of Austin, which has miles of nature connecting with the Rose Creek, along County Road 56. trails and a new interpretive center. great Austin Trail System,” says local trail advocate Becky Hartwig. “We This extension brings the Shooting The effort to build the Shooting Star have been so fortunate to have so Star to a total length of 25 miles, State Trail began in the early 90’s many good people that never gave up stretching from LeRoy, through by the local community as a way to along the way!” (see high- invigorate the tourist economy. “Pa-

Park project highlight Partnering with an Eagle Scout for a changing station

Bertram Chain Mountain bikers know Bertram Chain of get the okay and the of Lakes Lakes Regional Park, just northwest of the Friends of Bertram Regional Park Twin Cities metro area, as a major destina- Chain of Lakes to seek tion. It has 11 miles of single-track trails funding. Parks & Trails with many fun and challenging obstacles. Council of Minnesota is But one thing it didn’t have was a place for the nonprofit umbrella changing out of sweaty or dirty clothes after for the Friends and together we pitched in a day of riding. the necessary funds to make it happen.

Local Eagle Scout Connor Jarland saw “I am so glad I could finish the project and people scrambling, often unsuccessfully, to I hope everyone who uses it, appreciates it find ways to change discreetly. “It seemed greatly,” Jarland said. that building a biker changing station would Connor Jarland by the changing help out in a big way,” he said. So, he talked station he built. with the Wright County parks director to

Fall 2017 page 5 Naturalist Corner What to look for this fall

Fall in Minnesota is an exciting time of across a branch left behind by a porcu- change. More than any other season, fall pine. Before the acorns begin falling from is a time of preparation and planning as the trees in late fall, porcupines climb up many animals scramble to gather the pro- and bite off branches full of acorns. They visions they’ll need to survive the winter. eat them up, a drop the branch onto the ground with the acorn caps still attached. The color of the leaves are the tell-tale The end of the twig is usually cut at a sign that change is coming. It’s almost as 45-degree angle with grooves visible from if the they are flashing a warning signal the teeth. to us with their yellow, orange and red Moose at . Photo by filling the landscape. It’s hard to miss As the leaves begin to fall from the trees, and worthy of special outings to see. But Travis Novitsky. formerly hidden bird nests are revealed. there are other signs of fall. They are less Most songbirds use a nest only once, noticeable, but that’s what makes them action. particularly fun to search out while walk- ing in the parks or trails. If you’re are in northern Minnesota, moose put on a similar display as they Look for mushrooms and other foraged change from their previously solitary foods hanging in the trees. It’s likely the behavior to more social and gregarious. work of red squirrels who are drying Keep your distance from moose--they the food before caching it away in their like a lot of space. underground, winter pantries. When visiting a lake or pond, search the Deer are in full swing with their breed- shallow areas for snapping and painted ing season. Bucks’ antlers are at full-size, turtles that have begun to dig into the having grown since spring to be ready for mud to wait out the winter. As the ice battles with other bucks at this time of begins to form, while it’s still a thin layer, Abandoned nest revealed after leaves have year. Listen for the sound of two bucks’ beavers can be seen and heard bumping fallen in Minnesota Valley State Recreation their heads against it to crack it open. Area. Photo by Liz Pushing. They do this until the ice gets too thick and they are sealed into the lake and take leaving it behind for other creatures, like mice to take over or take bits and pieces to use in their own nests until it blows away. Because each bird species builds nests differently, you can learn which birds were raising a babies in that place by looking closely at the size, shape and Young buck at Myre Big Island State Park materials used in the construction. munching one of the last mushrooms of season. Photo by Jimmy Rollins. Source for much of this corner came Beaver at Bear Head Lake State Park. Photo by from, “Naturally Curious Day by Day,” by Mick Rollins. Mary Holland. antlers crashing together as they estab- lish who will stick around to mate with refuge in the lodges for the winter. nearby does. If you walk past the site of the sparring, look for disturbed ground Keep you eye on the ground while walk- and you’ll know you found the site of the ing among the oaks to see if you come

page 6 Fall 2017 Photo Contest update Winners of our 2017 Photo Contest

1st Place in Seasonal Changes Category: Upper Agency State Park by Jussi Lehti

1st Place in Flora & Fauna Category: Judge C. R. Magney State Park by Jimmy Rollins

1st Place in Outdoor Recreation & Appreciation Category: Frontenac State Park by Manda Baldwin

Fall 2017 page 7 Member Spotlight Keith Ottoson: Think globally, act locally

Our members’ stories are essential to our story. The deep connection we all have with the places preserved as parks and trails provide inspira- tion to continue to advocate for these special places. Here is member Keith Ottoson’s story.

Keith Ottoson and his wife Carol Carol and Keith Ottoson at Gooseberry Falls State Park have always valued the outdoors, but at the turn of this century Keith said Keith says that his love of the out- connect on a personal level with the something clicked in him and he felt doors was instilled as a child with work being done and the other sup- the urge to invest in his environmen- family camping trips and growing porters. tal values. up as a boy scout. “Just being in the “I encourage everyone to participate He began supporting several envi- outdoors,” was influential to his and contribute to the best of their ronmental nonprofits. “I really liked formative years. He was also a runner; ability; to give generously of your the Minnesota focus of Parks & something he did for 50 years before time and talents,” he says. Trails Council,” he said. It resonated it began to hurt his knees. That’s with his sense of “think globally, act when he turned to riding bicycle and locally.” he never turned back.

Soon enough, Keith signed up for Exploring the many trails throughout what would become P&TC’s annual Minnesota has become a fun way to bike ride led by former congressman stay healthy. He says his favorite trails David Minge. Those trips hooked are the Mesabi Regional Trail in the Keith into our mission. He says those iron range and the Willard Munger rides gave him a whole new sense of around Duluth. connection to the various parks and Riding seems to be something that Magney Circle trails across the state and the commu- runs in the family. His 10-year old nities that support them. Named in honor of grandson has been riding with him Judge C. R. Magney, the Last year, Keith volunteered to lead on the Gitchi Gami State Trail ride Magney Circle consists of members the bike ride around his hometown for the past couple years. “He rode who support our mission with a of Shakopee. As someone who bikes 14 miles on a single speed bike; and generous contribution of $500 or 5-6 days a week, he was well versed if you’ve ever ridden that trail you more each year. Magney Circle in accessing the numerous parks and know... it’s not flat.” members are invited to special trails in the area. “It was an honor to events during the year. To join, visit When Keith and Carol joined have a long-time supporter step up to P&TC’s Magney Circle they began parksandtrails.org/join_donate continue the tradition for one more coming to all the events they could. year,” says P&TC staff member Lisa They both enjoy the opportunity to Filter.

page 8 Fall 2017 Latest project on Lake 21

Frontenac continued from page 1

Land we’re currently working to restore to native prairie to add to park soon.

ring when it was time to sell. the hard work of the Sibley State Park Improvement Association’s vol- However, with the park not in the unteer members who tackled this part position to buy at the moment, Dave of the cleanup. Lais called on Parks & Trails Coun- cil to buy the land, which we did in As this was the last piece of private 2017. Similar to the 154 acres we ac- property along the lake, a whole new quired for Sibley State Park in 2014, potential is opened up for a trail to Clockwise: View from land we recently acquired this land required some heavy lifting circle the lake. The group campsite is along Lake 21. Sibley State Park Improvement to remove all the buildings (3 dwell- located along this lake and now these Association members cleaning up the land. ings were moved) and other structures campers have a completely unob- Moving the house off the land with an oversized (decrepit shed, silo, and outhouse structed view of this beautiful lake. truck. Map of Sibley State Park showing history were demolished). Once again, it was of land projects we’ve assisted with.

Fall 2017 page 9 Lake Louise State Park Lake Louise State Park State Park Highlight

Situated nearly on the border, campground allows riders to camp directly south of Rochester, Minn., overnight. lies a quiet park with a long history. Lake Louise State Park is the site Many people enjoy the campground of Minnesota’s oldest, continuous for its smaller size with 20 sites, half recreation area. of which are electric. A key aspect to the campground has been the camp- The heart of the park is a portion ground hosts, Vernon and Darlys, of the that was who have greeted folks and helped dammed in 1853 to provide power care for the campground for 14 years. to a short-lived grist mill. When the This was their final year filling this mill was abandoned, the owner gave role and the friends group hosted a the land around the human-made farewell picnic for the couple with lake to the village for a recreation many people from the community. A area. Since that time people have new host will have big shoes to fill. enjoyed the place for picnics, swim- ming, fishing and boating. Bicyclists and rollerbladers enjoy the Shooting Star State Trail that runs The park’s namesake lake is located through the park. The trail starts at the meeting of two rivers. The park in the nearby town of LeRoy and encompasses the rivers as they sprawl continues for 20 miles, through a few

Mark Lingl out across a landscape of prairie and small towns and nearly to Austin, hardwood forest. Mowed-grass trails Minn. (see p. 7 to read about the follow the meandering rivers and recent extension). branch out through the restored tall- grass prairie with its fields of gold- Many wildlife species find a home in enrod sprinkled with other native Lake Louise State Park, thanks to its prairie flowers such as blazing star diverse mix of river, wetlands, prairie and asters. and forest habitats. Also, with the surrounding area intensively farmed, The park is popular among horse- wildlife find a refuge here. More than back riders with many of the trails 140 species of birds make for great designed for the dual use of hiking birdwatching. and horse-back riding. An equestrian

page 10 Fall 2017 Friends Group Partners Friends Groups that are members of P&TC

Border Route Trail Association, Inc. Cedar Lake Park Association Central Lakes Trail Association Faribault Flyers Bike & Ski Club Freeborn County Trail Association Friends of Anderson Park Friends of Bertram Chain of Lakes Regional Park Meet the Friends Group Friends of Lake Louise State Park Association Friends of Cannon Valley Trail Friends of Casey Jones Trail Friends of Father Hennepin State Park Friends Group Started in 1962 to advocate for the park’s Friends of establishment, which happened Friends of one year later. Friends of Mission: Friends of Jackson County Trails Support the operations and Friends of increase awareness of the park. Friends of Friends of Luce Line West “I get by with a little help from my The group organizes three main Friends of friends.” If a park could sing, Lake events every year: an open house, a Louise State Park would be sing- get-together in appreciation for the Friends of Mill Towns State Trail ing this tune. This park has just one camp hosts and a candle-lit walk Friends of Nerstrand Big Woods employee who makes a regular ap- event. All the events include food pearance in the park (other staff are and refreshments but they go all-out Friends of Scandia Parks and Trails shared with the nearby Forestville- for the open house with a full-day of Friends of Mystery Cave State Park), and she music and activities. “We’re lucky be- does it all with a little help from her cause we have a lot of local musicians Friends of friends. who donate their talent to the event,” Friends of says Vietor. Sally Vietor started as the buildings Frontenac State Park Association and grounds worker at Lake Louise When the budget cuts came last Gateway-Brown’s Creek Trail Association nine years ago. One year into her job, year and the vault toilet in the picnic she started attending the meetings of grounds by the beach was about to Gitchi Gami Trail Association the association and this last year she be closed, the association members Glacial Ridge Trail Association took on the role of president. volunteered to do the job of cleaning it every week. Glendalough Park Partners It’s a small but dedicated group of Lake Louise State Park Association members who come from the nearby Vietor says that the association is  small towns, including LeRoy, which critical to keeping this park open. Minnesota Trail Riders Association borders the park. Vietor explains that “They are spreading the word to it’s largely older, retired folks who come camp here and it’s working.” MN Nordic Ski Association care about the park and want to see North Star Ski Touring Club others appreciate it as much as they Northstar Trail Travelers do. Prairie Visions Sibley State Park Improvement Association Fall 2017 page 11 Southeast MN Assoc. of Regional Trails (SMART) Board of Directors

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

Staff & Consultants

Brett Feldman Executive Director Lisa Filter External Relations Director Becky Hampton Office Coordinator Ann Lenczewski Government Relations Consultant of Lockridge Grindal Nauen www.parksandtrails.org Ian Marsh Government Relations Consultant of Lockridge Grindal Nauen facebook.com/parksandtrails Andrew Oftedal Research & Policy Specialist Ashley Pethan Friends Group Coordinator Special Places is Barb Simonson published three times a year by the Accountant Consultant Parks & Trails Council of Minnesota Lisa Filter, editor Steve Young Land Acquisition Consultant