This project saw the construction of a fenced pasture and watering facilities to accommodate a herd of bison in Minneopa State Park. The bison came from the herd at Blue Mounds State Park, which has a genetic make-up that is 99% pure bison. Creating a second herd at Minneopa is part of a cooperative effort with the University of Minnesota and the Minnesota Zoo to conserve this bison heritage.
This project saw the construction of a new railing for the day use area near Minneopa Falls. The project was greatly needed, as the rocky bluff area above the falls is crumbled in places, making it very dangerous to lean against the aged rail. This project is also significant because the original railing was a very beautiful iron railing that is listed on the National Historic Register. The rehabilitated railing was customized to match the original railing.
This project acquired ~74 acres of land within the boundary of Minneopa State Park. The land is near the bison range and may serve as hiking trails in the future.
The new Minnesota Naturalist Corps, year-round naturalists and seasonal naturalists will be added at the busiest seasonal parks and trails to expand conservation education programming and increase overall attendance at interpretive programs. The Minnesota Naturalist Corps will offer more interpretive programs as directed by new legislative guidelines.
The new Minnesota Naturalist Corps, year-round naturalists and seasonal naturalists will be added at the busiest seasonal parks and trails to expand conservation education programming and increase overall attendance at interpretive programs. The Minnesota Naturalist Corps will offer more interpretive programs as directed by new legislative guidelines.
The new Minnesota Naturalist Corps, year-round naturalists and seasonal naturalists will be added at the busiest seasonal parks and trails to expand conservation education programming and increase overall attendance at interpretive programs. The Minnesota Naturalist Corps will offer more interpretive programs as directed by new legislative guidelines.
There are 67 Minnesota State Parks and 7 Minnesota State Recreation areas that each have facilities to serve outdoor recreation users. Funds in this category are used for developing new facilities and include visitor centers, trail centers, roads, parking lots, bridges, campgrounds, and so on.
This program area provides for minor campground improvements and adjustments across the system of State Parks and State Recreation Areas; includes opportunities for replacement of fire rings, parking spur leveling, erosion control at campsites, vegetation management, and improved signing. This program report will now be part of "Renewal and Rehabilitation of State Parks and State Recreation Areas"
Rental fishing equipment has been made available in 30 of Minnesota's state parks. The rental equipment is free of charge for anyone to use and provides all visitors to take part in one of Minnesota's favorite past times.
The "Kids Discovery Kits" were designed to provide park visitors with a fun, hands-on, educational activity to do while visiting a state park. Each kit contains a variety of activities ranging from camp skills, to guided discover, to nature exploration.
This project provides panoramic virtual tours of state parks, and panoramic plus video virtual tours of state trails and water trails. Each panoramic virtual tour is accompanied by an accessible/dial-up version highlighting the same scenes.
Provide an increase in the maintenance and operation of a system of Forest Recreation Areas across the State. The additional funding will be spread to the highest use facilities to provide better customer service and experiences.
Non-personal interpretation provides visitors with opportunities to learn about the natural and cultural history of state parks at their leisure. Non-personal interpretation is an effective way to reach a wide variety of visitors without hosting a formal interpretive program. Wayfinding by using "You are Here" signs is an essential part of navigating state parks.
to construct 3.7 miles of a 10 foot wide bituminous trail segment of the Mississippi River Regional Trail in eastern Rosemount, connecting to Spring Lake Park Reserve
New State Trail development to complete key missing trail segments or to fulfill funding gaps in trail development projects. Potetial development to include multi-use trail, trail parking areas, trail waysides, or trail bridges. New trail development includes all associated engineering, design and construction, and is to incorporate current Best Management Practices.
Acquire 2.1 acres on shore of Lake Nisswa to support nature-based recreational activities for local, regional and statewide visitors, and provide the first public access to Nisswa Lake, very close to downtown Nisswa and the Paul Bunyan State Trail.
to install and connect a 9.85 KW solar photovoltaic array and monitoring system on the roof of the main community/education facility to power all indoor, outdoor and trail lighting and to install more energy efficient light bulbs throughout the building
Construct a new boat ramp on Otter Lake, redevelop parking area for boat trailers and adjacent off-leash dog area users, provide improved stormwater management, install new restroom facilities and provide site amenities and landscaping.
The special program series Outdoors EXTRA is designed to offer programs at Minnesota state parks and trails with less visitation. Programs are led by guest presenters and are often beyond the skill level of existing staff. Examples of programs are live music; live animal programs, such as an eagle program; or rock climbing programs.
The Division of Parks and Trails is engaged in critical work to connect people to the outdoors. As part of the work in this project area, the new touch-screen kiosk project will increase awareness about outdoor recreation opportunities at Minnesota state parks and trails among underrepresented groups by creating and installing accessible, touch-screen kiosks with information in multiple languages, in high-traffic, family-oriented locations. Connection plans deliver Minnesota State Parks and Trails' messages to new audiences.
This program accounts for administrative costs associated with the Parks and Trails Legacy Grant Program. This program:
•Provided $7,575,750 through 38 grants to local units of government for acquisition, development, restoration, and maintenance of park and trail facilities of regional or statewide significance.
•Provided $1,072,500 through 25 grants to local units of government for solar energy projects within parks or on trails of regional significance.
This program area accounts for all administration costs that support all projects DNR is engaged in to administer the FY10/FY11 strategic objectives of the Parks and Trails Legacy Fund. Administration costs are directly related to and necessary for project success including support for: accounting, clerical support, executive, managerial and supervisory personnel, facilities management, office equipment and supplies, human resources, information technology, communications, insurance, legal services, purchasing, rent/lease, and security.
The 17 member Park and Trail Legacy Advisory Committee is appointed by the Commissioner of the Department of Natural Resources, the Chair of the Metropolitan Council and the Chair of the Greater Minnesota Regional Parks and Trails Commission. The mission of the committee is to champion the 25 year "Parks and Trails Legacy Plan" by providing recommendations to enhance promotion, coordination, and accountability throughout implementation of the plan.
This program is beginning with a pilot research project to determine visitor satisfaction with new programs being offered through the Legacy Amendment and if the target market is being reached.
To provide grants to local units of government to support parks and trails of regional or statewide significance outside of the seven county metropolitan area. Funding for this grant program is from the Parks and Trails Fund created by the Minnesota Legislature from the Clean Water, Land and Legacy Amendment passed by the voters in 2008.
To provide grants to local units of government to support parks and trails of regional or statewide significance outside of the seven county metropolitan area. Funding for this grant program is from the Parks and Trails Fund created by the Minnesota Legislature from the Clean Water, Land and Legacy Amendment passed by the voters in 2008. Beginning July 1, 2015 (fiscal year 2016), the Greater Minnesota Regional Parks and Trails Commission (GMRPTC) assumed management of reviewing and awarding these grants.
To develop a 25 year long range plan for the use of the money available in the parks and trail fund as well as other traditional sources of funding. Also the development of a 10 year strategic coordination plan is required. The plan is to include a vision, goals and measureable outcomes. The plan must also address specific deliverables outlined in statute. Public engagement was the foundation for the recommendations. The plan was developed in collaboration with other park and trail providers.
This project entailed the reconstruction and resurfacing of 5.3 miles of segments of the Paul Bunyan State Trail from Pine River to Merrifield to Brainerd.
Trail reconstruction and renewal of 7.8 miles of portions of the segment from Hackensack to the Chippewa National Forest on the Paul Bunyan State Trail.
