Annual Report 2016
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2016 Annual Report 1 ear DFriendsBrett Feldman, Executive Director JAY COOKE STATE PARK BY JANELL WESENBERG People love parks and trails, there's no doubt about that. So, one would be forgiven for thinking that our work is easy. But fostering the political will that's necessary to protect and fund these places is hardly done without obstacles and resistance. Lately that resistance has shown itself in unfortunate ways with some voices calling for a halt on extending the protections of state parks and trails to any more lands. As an organization that has been working for more than 60 years to acquire critical lands for parks and trails, we understand that this sentiment carries with it dire implications that may not be obvious on its surface. Such action, rather than fixing the current underfunding of operations and maintenance, would further contribute to it. It is a tell-tale sign of retreating from supporting parks and trails as a whole. And that's a future no one wants to see. That is why we are diligently advancing the imperative to both acquire and maintain our parks and trails. At a time when leading environmental scientists are calling for a momentous increase in amount of lands we protect for nature, we will not back down from this important job. And we will continue to impel legislators to fund their maintenance. As such, we celebrated the supplemental funding we helped secure for state parks and trails in 2016 for the coming year, which prevented staff cuts that were looming ominously over the system and provided funds for acquisition (more details on page 6). This past year, while state parks and trails were slowed in their work of adding criti- cal lands, we were heartened by the strong efforts to add more lands by county and regional parks and trails leaders in Greater Minnesota. The Legacy Fund has been in- valuable in aiding this effort. Working with Isanti County to secure critical lands for two county parks was especially rewarding, as land rich in natural beauty and outdoor recreation potential is at a premium in this quickly growing county. Too often the foresight to protect these lands happens too late. But thanks to this visionary action, future generations will continue to benefit from access to these protected parklands. Of course, the past year was also the year we celebrated 125 years since the creation of Minnesota's first state park at Itasca. What a great reminder of the impact of people's actions for future generations. Here's to another 125 years of visionary action in creat- ing and protecting land for parks and trails in Minnesota! Julie Gugin, Brett Feldman, President of the Board Executive Director 2 ur MissionO To acquire, protect and enhance critical land for the public’s use and benefit. ur VisionO We envision an interconnected system of parks, trails, waterways, natural areas and open spaces that provide all Minnesotans with outstanding outdoor recreational opportunities and that preserve the natural diversity of our state. Published May 2017 Cover photo: Parks & Trails Council of Minnesota members at Irving and John Anderson Park in Isanti County. Photo by Brett Feldman. 3 and ProtectionL Preserving a river gateway and pristine lakeshore Isanti County, located just north of the Twin Cities metropolitan area, has long been a rural county, but growth in the cities of Braham, Cambridge and Isanti has spurred rapid devel- opment. As such, preserving natural lands for parks and trails becomes more urgent than ever. In 2016 we partnered to add critical land to two Isanti County parks. The first project was for a park we helped to establish in 2004: Becklin Homestead Park and Wildlife Management Area. Resting along the scenic Rum River, Becklin Homestead is a peaceful place with 2.5 miles of trails. The 9.5-acre addition is critical for welcoming visitors as it is located right at the entrance. The land will undergo restoration from its past agricultural use to native prairie. For Parks & Trails Council to come in with the funds and expertise to quickly and smoothly handle this, it’s beyond beneficial to a small county like us. ~ Barry Wendorf, Isanti County Parks Director The other Isanti County Park we added to was at Irving and John Anderson Park. This park, which was established in 2007, underwent an intensive transformation to be restored from a farm into the thriving ecosystem it boasts today. In 2015 we acquired a critical parcel on the east side of the park that was virtually untouched by develop- ment throughout its ownership history. Shortly thereafter, we added another critical area expanding the northeastern boundary along the shore of Horseleg Lake. Together, these areas of land preserve a natural shoreline along two lakes that provide critical habitat for birds and a unique recreation experience for park visitors. 4 Saving special places for future generations We partner with state, regional, and local agencies as well as volunteer Friends Groups and others across Minnesota to acquire critical lands for parks and trails, ensuring the protection of their natural beauty and access for people to enjoy for generations to come. GLACIAL LAKES STATE PARK BY PHILLIP HUGH Our 2016 Land Acquisition Projects CONVEYED TO A PARK OR trail IN 2016 Land Year Location of Land Acres Value Acquired Description Irving & John Anderson Park 24.80 $155,000 2015 Land straddles and provides the only canoe access between Horseleg and Horseshoe (Isanti County) Lakes. Ski trails were added in winter 2016. Hiking trails with benches planned for spring 2017. Irving & John Anderson Park 55.00 $310,000 2016 Expands NE boundary of park along eastern shoreline of Horseleg Lake. County (Isanti County) currently removing structures with plans to add trails, picnic area and parking. Access from Vassar St. Becklin Homestead County Park 9.58 $147,868 2015 Located at the gateway to the park, this land will substantially enhance the (Isanti County) entrance and may provide additional miles of ski and hiking trails. TOTAL 89.38 $612,868 HELD IN TRUST FOR A parK OR trail at 2016 YEAR END Land Year Location of Land Acres Value Acquired Description Casey Jones State Trail 0.58 $2,500 2015 Land for a trailhead in the city of Lake Wilson where there is currently a 1.5-mile (in the city of Lake Wilson) segment of natural surface trail and efforts to connect to segment into Pipestone. Crow Wing State Park 5.00 $135,000 2004 Long-term holding acquired as excess, non-park land as part of a project that expanded Crow Wing State Park by 55 acres. Finland State Forest 3.50 $16,400 2004 Remnant land acquired as part of a land exchange with Lake County that helped (for Crosby Manitou State Park) expand Crosby Manitou State Park by 2,060 acres. Sibley State Park 153.06 $460,000 2014 Rolling grassy hills at SE corner of Sibley State Park necessary to build a spur for the Glacial Lakes State Trail to lead into the park. Superior Hiking Trail 40.00 $28,000 1995 Long-term holding of land to which we have granted a permanent easement to (at Devil's Track River near Grand Marais) the Superior Hiking Trail for use as part of the trail with a primitive campsite. Tettegouche State Park 2.50 $19,200 2013 Forested wetlands providing scenic views from Hwy. 31. and a quarter-mile buffer between highway and the Sawtooth Trail. Donated by Mark and Joan Strobel. TOTAL 204.64 $661,100 As our founders bore witness to pristine lands being sold and torn up for development, they made a commitment to dedicate their resources to a strategically managed land fund. The Samuel H. Morgan Land Fund operates as a revolving account that gets spent many times over to ensure critical lands are acquired for protection and incorporation into Min- Samuel H. Morgan nesota’s park and trail system. Our members have added to this fund over the years, making it a powerful force in the effort to preserve parks and trails. Volunteer attorneys and their firms from around the state generously donate all legal expenses. 5 esearch & RPublic Policy Funding Secured to Keep Park Staff Another Year We were able to play a key role in securing an additional $4.1 million for operating Minnesota State Parks and Trails in the coming year. These funds were passed in the supplemental budget bill in May 2016. Without these funds, staff cuts were being planned. Keeping staff working to care for and engage with visitors is essential. A portion of the the additional funds, approximately $1.15 million, will be used to ensure that key parcels within state park boundaries are acquired. 1 Celebrating 2 S 5 Y E A R of Minnesota Parks & Trails Investments Still Overdue 2016 LEGISLATIVE AGENDA Photo Credit: Randen Pederson To celebrate Minnesota’s parks and trails outdoors: Approximately half of our state trail miles remain As we celebrated the 125th anniversary of Minnesota's first state park at 125th birthday, let’s give them the birthday undeveloped, and over 43,000 acres of state park land is still privately owned. gift they deserve! Parks & Trails Council, with the help of local partners and On April 20, 1891, the Minnesota Legislature did something agencies across the state, have identified over $100 million (nearly) unprecedented: By a margin of only one vote, they of capital investment needs to revitalize, update, and Itasca, we urged legislators to invest in the restoration and rehabilitation of created Itasca State Park to preserve the headwaters of our expand our parks and trails.