In This Issue
Projects will focus on road, trail and facility modernizations in state parks, state forests and wildlife management areas
The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources has identified more than 100 access and accessibility projects throughout the state as part of the once-in-a-generation Get Out MORE (Modernize Outdoor Recreation Experiences) investments approved by the legislature and signed by Gov. Tim Walz in 2023. These projects will serve new and existing users by making it easier to get to recreational opportunities, and easier for people to enjoy outdoor recreation.
?Access and accessibility are vital to bringing new users to state parks, state forests and wildlife management areas to enjoy outdoor recreation and to improve the experiences of existing users,? DNR Commissioner Sarah Strommen said. ?These investments show Minnesota?s commitment to ensuring people of all abilities and interests enjoy a world-class recreation system.?
The DNR manages 74 state parks and recreation areas, 60 state forests and more than 1,500 wildlife management areas that encompass nearly 5 million acres throughout the state. Of the $149.9 million in Get Out MORE investments, $35.4 million will go toward enhancing access and accessibility, including:
- $15 million for accessibility improvements in state parks and wildlife management areas, which includes:
- Three comprehensive accessibility projects at key state parks ? William O?Brien, Sibley and Fort Snelling ? and 11 smaller scale projects across the state. These comprehensive projects will involve improving accessibility of park amenities, bathrooms, and other facilities throughout the park, bringing greater accessibility park-wide.
- Over 70 projects will focus on access improvements at wildlife management areas statewide, including building new accessible trailheads and ensuring existing hunting blinds, overlooks and trails are fully accessible.
- $9.4 million for road improvements.
- Road modernization will enhance more than 35 roads across Minnesota that provide access to recreational opportunities in state forests, wildlife management areas, state recreation areas, and state parks.
- Projects in this category include bridge replacements, road reconstruction, erosion control and resurfacing.
- These improvements will make it easier for more people to reach and enjoy outdoor recreation opportunities.
- $8 million for improvements to hiking and paved trails at state parks and hunter walking trails at wildlife management areas.
- These projects include improvements at more than a dozen state parks to improve accessibility and long-term sustainability.
- Improvements will focus on increased access to hunter walking trails at wildlife management areas across the state.
- $2 million for improved wayfinding and signage.
- These projects will create or improve trailhead signage at priority wildlife management areas and hunter walking trail networks.
- Additionally, the DNR will update maps for four state forests, including creating maps that users can download using various map apps and access even without cell service. These maps will include a high level of detail and highlight nearby recreation opportunities like trails and public water accesses as well as state forest amenities.
- Wildlife management areas will receive improved signage and wayfinding at access points and hunter walking trails to increase function and accessibility for all users.
- $1 million for adaptive equipment, including track chairs and accessible hunting blinds, and supporting infrastructure. This includes:
- Purchasing nine more track chairs and other items needed to support the track chair program, such as storage sheds and trailers.
- Purchasing 65 pairs of specialized glasses to assist visitors with red-green color deficiencies see colors outdoors.
- Adding of kayaks and adaptive accessories.
- Purchasing several mobile, fully accessible hunting stands for use during wildlife management area special and traditional hunts.
The historic, one-time Get Out MORE investment of $149.9 million centers on five key areas:
- Enhancing fisheries and fishing infrastructure?($60 million)
- Enhancing access and welcoming new users to public lands and outdoor recreation facilities?($35.4 million)
- Modernizing boating access?($35 million)
- Restoring streams and modernizing water-related infrastructure to support outdoor recreation ($10 million)
- Modernizing camping and related infrastructure?($9.5 million)
As further details are available about these projects, information will be added to the Get Out MORE webpage of the DNR website (mndnr.gov/aboutdnr/get-out-more).
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Registration is now open for the summer 2024 I Can! programs in Minnesota state parks and recreation areas.
I Can! is an award-winning series of outdoor programs from the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources that helps beginners learn new outdoor skills in a state park or recreation area setting. In addition to programs focused on the basics of outdoor recreation, there are some programs, like backpacking or sea kayaking, for people who are ready to try a more advanced version of an activity they enjoy.
?At the DNR, we are passionate about empowering people to explore the beauty of nature and gain confidence in outdoor activities they might have never experienced before,? said Eric Pelto, special programs coordinator for I Can!. ?Our goal is to remove barriers that keep people from trying new outdoor activities by providing the equipment and knowledge to get started.?
Programs are offered during the summer, beginning the first weekend in June and continuing through the end of August. Programs are low-cost thanks to funding from the Clean Water, Land and Legacy Amendment.
Programs include:
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I Can Camp! ? These programs provide hands-on instruction on setting up camp, starting a campfire, camp cooking and fun outdoor activities. All gear is provided, including the tent, air mattresses, cooking gear and other basic camping equipment. One-night, two-night and backpack sessions are offered.
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I Can Paddle! ? These programs teach the basics of canoeing or kayaking, including launching, paddling efficiently, and planning a safe outing. These programs are designed for first-time paddlers and equipment is provided. Two-hour canoe or kayak programs, river day trips, sea kayaking, and overnight canoe camping programs are available.
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I Can Mountain Bike! ? This program teaches mountain bike riding techniques at Cuyuna Country State Recreation Area, Minnesota?s world class mountain bike park.
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I Can Fish! ? These hands-on programs teach the basics, from fish identification to casting. Participants will be ready to begin a lifetime of memories on Minnesota?s lakes and streams.
?Whether you're a novice or simply looking to expand your horizons, our low-cost programs offer the perfect opportunity to extend your comfort zone and make lasting memories in the great outdoors,? Parks and Trails Division Director Ann Pierce said. ?From camping under the stars to paddling Minnesota?s waters, casting lines into the unknown, to tackling thrilling mountain biking trails, we provide expert instruction and all the necessary equipment for a safe and unforgettable experience.?
Schedules and registration
For more information about any of the programs ? including program dates, times, locations, and minimum age requirements ? visit the DNR?s I Can! webpage (mndnr.gov/ican).
To register for I Can! programs, visit the DNR reservation website (mndnr.gov/reservations) or call 866-857-2757 (8 a.m.-8 p.m. daily, except holidays).
About I Can!
Since 2010, more than 100,000 people have participated in I Can! programs. The Minnesota State Parks and Trails I Can! program series is made possible with funding from the Parks and Trails Fund, created after voters approved the Clean Water, Land and Legacy Amendment in 2008. The Parks and Trails Fund receives 14.25% of the 3/8% sales tax revenue that may only be spent to support parks and trails of regional or statewide significance.
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More than 40% of Minnesota is in moderate or severe drought
Minnesota boaters could find launching watercraft difficult this spring due to low water levels on many lakes and rivers. The lack of snow this winter and persistent dry conditions have left lakes without the normal spring recharge.?
The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources is working to repair boat ramps damaged over winter and will extend boat ramps when possible. However, it is not possible to extend boat ramps on waterbodies that are naturally shallow beyond the ramp. Boat ramps damaged by power loading are also a challenge to repair. A boater might be able to launch into the space at the end of the boat ramp ? however, a buildup of the material moved by power loading settles beyond the ramp can prevent boaters from getting to deeper water.
?With unusually low water levels, people launching larger boats and pontoons with longer trailers will need to pay extra special attention to ramp lengths and depths,? said Nancy Stewart, DNR water recreation consultant.
In addition to repair work, DNR crews will use the month of April to put docks in. For DNR public access sites, dock-in dates are shown on LakeFinder (mndnr.gov/lakefinder); search for the lake then click on water access sites noted on the lake map to find dock details on the water access site webpage.?
Spring boaters should always anticipate and prepare for cold water conditions. This year, they should also watch out for obstructions such as rocks and sand bars that typically are not an issue for spring boaters.???
Stewart offers the following tips for launching boats in low water conditions:?
- Launch slowly.
- Have a spotter in the boat while launching so trailer tires and boat axles don?t fall off the last plank where an existing blowhole might be present.
- Have hip boots or waders and a life jacket as it might help to get in the water and guide the boat or check the ramp for firmness and water depth.
- Lower the motor only after making sure there is enough water depth.
- Use a lake map as a guide to avoid shallow areas and watch for obstructions.
Boaters who encounter problems at a DNR public access site can contact their local DNR office or the DNR Information Center at 888-646-6367. For public water access maps, state water trail maps and boating information, go to the DNR?s public water access webpage (mndnr.gov/wateraccess).
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