In This Issue
The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources has finalized strategic master plans for each of the three primary categories of off-highway vehicle recreation: all-terrain vehicles, off-road vehicles and off-highway motorcycles.
The plans communicate the background and trends of OHV recreation, share information about statewide OHV trail management and strategic planning, and provide guidance regarding future trail maintenance and development practices. The plans also highlight conditions that are suitable for future trail development. Additionally, safety and responsible riding are core considerations throughout the plans, including guidance on education, design, signage and enforcement. The DNR also developed an overview document that ties the three individual plans together.
Each plan incorporates input from a wide range of groups, individuals and other levels of government received during plan development and after the draft plans were shared for review. Feedback during a 60-day comment period helped the DNR refine the plans to reflect statewide priorities, local perspectives, and the interests and concerns of people who engage in both motorized and non-motorized uses of public lands. The plans and overview document are available on the OHV strategic master plans webpage on the DNR website (mndnr.gov/input/mgmtplans/ohv/plans/ohv-strategic-master-plans.html). For questions or to request a printed copy, contact Molly Lou Pintok at [email protected] or 651-259-5095.
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Twelve new Minnesota Department of Natural Resources conservation officers have completed their training and now occupy previously vacant field stations across the state.
The officers, some of whom were hired through the Conservation Officer Prep program, completed the 15-week CO Academy at Camp Ripley and spent nearly four months in field training with experienced officers. Those who came in through CO Prep also spent four months earning their peace officer license at Hennepin Technical College before the CO Academy.
The officers bring diverse backgrounds and broad experience from which they’ll draw as they serve communities across Minnesota.
“Our conservation officers are on the front lines of ensuring future generations have the same or better opportunities to enjoy our state’s natural resources than we have today,” said Col. Rodmen Smith, director of the DNR Enforcement Division. “All 12 of these new officers have proven they have what it takes to carry on the proud, 138-year tradition of serving the people and natural resources of Minnesota.”
The DNR plans to hire in late winter/early spring 2026 for a CO Academy in spring 2027. To sign up for notifications on when applications open, visit the CO careers webpage (mndnr.gov/enforcement/careers) on the DNR website.
New officers and where they’re stationed:
- Grey Corbus – Pelican Rapids
- Ryan Schaefer – Bemidji #2
- Jack Lien – Walker
- Jacob Kaden – Long Prairie
- Jayden Frank – Mound
- Kris Ryan – La Crescent
- Nathan Garza – Duluth West
- Rheanna Deal – Duluth East
- Kaitlyn Istvanovich – Onamia
- Danielle Reuss – Benson
- Jacob Peterson – Redwood Falls
- Josephine Homeier – Spring Valley
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