May 25, 2007 - TOP STORIES
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Public access ensured to 1,600+acres
Arctic Cat Inc. to move its headquarters to Twin Cities
Pequot Lakes and Breezy Point announced as site 2008 Governor’s Fishing Opener
Options abound for the metro angler
Free admission at Minnesota state parks on Open House Day
Public access ensured to 1,600+acres
$1.7 million has been used to purchase a working forest conservation easement that restricts development of the property
DNR News
Access to more than 1,600 acres of forest lands has been protected. The Minnesota Forest Legacy Partnership, a public-private coalition formed to help keep the state’s working lands working and accessible, recently announced it has completed its first project by conserving more than 1,600 acres in Itasca County.
Federal, state and private money totaling $1.7 million has been used to purchase a working forest conservation easement that restricts development of the property. The agreement will protect jobs, conserve wildlife habitat and guarantee public access for outdoor recreation.
Gov. Tim Pawlenty said Minnesota has made great strides in recent years to protect jobs and forests through public-private partnerships. “Minnesota’s forests are an important part of our nation-leading quality of life. Our forests are enjoyed by hunters, anglers, hikers, birdwatchers, cross-country skiers and many more. Protecting our forests is a key element of our conservation efforts and I applaud the partners who made this deal a reality.”
“We will continue to be proactive and visionary like this in order to protect access to great habitat for hunting, fishing, hiking and other outdoor recreation, and to keep working forests working,” said Mark Holsten, commissioner of the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR), which provided about half of the funding for what is being called the “Sugar Hills” project.
Under the recently-completed agreement, Liila Forest Products, a division of Rajala Companies, a fourth generation family-owned company based in Deer River, Minn., will continue to own a 1,660-acre tract in southern Itasca County known as Sugar Hills. “We have a long history of providing good jobs and managing our lands so that the forest remains healthy and open to the public,” said John Rajala, president of Liila Forest Products Company. “This deal helps ensure that the Sugar Hills land will remain a working forest that is also open for public recreation with protected conservation values. This is truly a victory for all who love this forest and its multiple benefits.”
Sugar Hills includes a 26-acre lake, 77 acres of wetlands and Big Thunder Peak, one of the highest named summits in the state. The property also includes stretches of two clearwater creeks and some of the best cross-country ski trails in the state. Its mixed hardwoods are home to abundant and diverse populations of wildlife including black bear, bobcat, white-tailed deer, fisher, marten, red-shouldered hawk, ruffed grouse and neotropical migratory songbirds.
Thanking all partners, DNR Forestry Director Dave Epperly said, “Programs like Forest Legacy are critically important at a time when Minnesota’s forests face many threats to the commodities and values they provide, as well as the quality of life they provide for Minnesotans.”
The Minnesota Forest Legacy Partnership was created almost two years ago by The Nature Conservancy and the Blandin Foundation.
The partnership includes The Trust for Public Land, which facilitated the Sugar Hills transaction and helped secure the necessary public funding for the deal, and the Minnesota DNR, which will hold and monitor the conservation easement. Additional partnership members are: the Grand Rapids Chamber of Commerce, the Minnesota Forest Resources Council, The Conservation Fund, Minnesota Forest Industries and the Minnesota Deer Hunters Association.
The Sugar Hills conservation project was submitted to the U.S. Forest Service for federal Forest Legacy Program funding and, with strong support of Minnesota’s congressional delegation, received $750,000 this year. Matching funds were provided by the DNR and The Nature Conservancy. The DNR contributed $728,000, including $478,000 that was recommended by the Legislative Commission on Minnesota Resources from the Minnesota Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund. The Conservancy contributed $250,000 via a grant from the Blandin Foundation. Liila Forest Products also contributed financially to the project by offering the easement at a discounted price.
Bud Stone, president of the Grand Rapids Area Chamber of Commerce, said he was pleased Sugar Hills would be conserved. “This is a great deal for our community and for visitors,” Stone said. “Anyone who’s been up to Big Thunder Peak knows that it affords an absolute spectacular view. Keeping this land as a sustainable, working forest that remains open to the public is an enormous accomplishment.”
The Minnesota congressional delegation has also supported efforts to ensure Minnesota’s forest resources are protected by securing federal Forest Legacy Program funds for several projects in the state.
“Forests can be saved without sacrificing timber-related jobs or sources of revenue for local government,” said Sen. Norm Coleman, R-MN. “We can use conservation easements to protect our natural areas and keep the land in private ownership and on the tax rolls. This is an example of how partnerships among private landowners such as the Rajala family, governments at all levels and non-governmental organizations can come together to preserve the great Northwoods of Minnesota for our children and grandchildren.”
“Minnesota’s forests also provide benefits even to those who don’t experience them firsthand, said U.S. Sen. Amy Klobuchar, D-MN. “Our forests clean our air and water and provide essential habitat for wildlife. I am pleased with the success of this project and look forward to more successes to protect the critical forest resources of our Northwoods.”
“The Sugar Hills Forest Legacy project exemplifies the coexistence of good forestry practices and recreational activities,” said U.S. Rep. Jim Oberstar, D-Chisholm. “A healthy forest can provide both sustenance for the timber industry and opportunities for residents and visitors to enjoy the outdoors. As a result of this project, Sugar Hills will continue to be managed and treasured for years to come. I congratulate the project partners and the Rajala family for this outstanding success and their understanding that a healthy forest is a vibrant resource for many entities.”
State Sen. Tom Saxhaug, DFL-Grand Rapids, said the Sugar Hills deal is a model for protecting Minnesota’s Northwoods. “Conservation easements are essential for forest management and consolidation. We need them to make sure the land stays accessible for future generations.”
Jim Hoolihan, president of the Blandin Foundation, said that changes in forest products industry are causing much of Minnesota’s industrial forestland to be broken up and sold off. As a result, timber-related jobs, wildlife habitat and public access are threatened.
“There are a million acres of industrial forest in danger of being developed and if we don’t protect them now we have no assurance they will continue to benefit us in the future,” Hoolihan said.
The subdivision and development of large blocks of industrial forestland is the principal threat to Minnesota’ s timber-related jobs, abundant and diverse populations of wildlife and longtime tradition of public access for hunting, fishing and hiking and other forms of outdoor recreation. Itasca County has the highest concentration of privately held industrial forestland in the state.
The Minnesota Forest Legacy Partnership’s goal is to raise $26 million of private and public funding to purchase conservation easements on up to 75,000 acres of strategically selected parcels of private forestland in or near Itasca County from willing sellers.
Arctic Cat Inc. to move its headquarters to Twin Cities
THIEF RIVER FALLS, Minn. (AP) – Arctic Cat Inc., the snowmobile and all-terrain vehicle manufacturer founded and based in this northwestern Minnesota town, plans to relocate its headquarters and key corporate personnel to the Twin Cities area, the company announced.
Manufacturing operations will remain in Thief River Falls.
The company last week said the move is part of a reorganization that will divide the company into three components: ATVs, snowmobiles and retail. Arctic Cat also plans a one-time 30 percent reduction in snowmobile production to help dealers lower their snowmobile inventory levels to more closely match demand.
Officials said the steps are being taken to improve profitability and growth prospects.
The company said it sees full-year earnings between 89 cents and 95 cents per share and anticipates 2008 sales between $710 million and $736 million. Analysts surveyed by Thomson Financial expect a full-year profit of 82 cents per share on revenue of $717.6 million.
Pequot Lakes and Breezy Point announced as site 2008 Governor’s Fishing Opener
Governor Tim Pawlenty announced that Pequot Lakes and Breezy Point will be the sight of the 60th anniversary of the Minnesota Governor’s Fishing Opener, May 10 and 11, 2008. Governor Pawlenty made the announcement at the end of this year’s event at Leech Lake.
The 2008 Governor’s Fishing Opener will be held in the neighboring communities of Pequot Lake and Breezy Point. The two communities have a great history of working together to promote their area.
Breezy Point Resort will serve as the headquarters for the 2008 event. The resort has a grand tradition of hosting past Governor’s Fishing Openers including Governor Harold LeVander in 1970, Governor Rudy Perpich in 1989 and Governor Jesse Ventura in 2001.
“It’s a great time to have the Opener in the Pequot Lakes - Breezy Point area. This event is about fishing, but, it is also a celebration of our hosting communities and the kick-off to the summer tourism season,” said John Edman, director of Explore Minnesota Tourism, the state agency that coordinates the event. “What better place to host this 60th anniversary, than in the great Brainerd Lakes area so well-known for its hospitality and variety of fun activities for any visitor to the area.”
Co-chairs Dr. Ryan and Patty Buell will lead the hundreds of volunteers that will organize and work on the event. Dr. Ryan and Ms. Buell report that, “The communities of Pequot Lakes and Breezy Point are very excited to host Governor Tim Pawlenty and all the guests for the 60th anniversary Governors Fishing Opener in 2008. The Brainerd Lakes Chamber and the Brainerd Lakes Area are truly honored to have been chosen to plan this celebration.”
The Governor’s Fishing Opener has been a tradition in Minnesota since 1948. The event was designed to promote the development of Minnesota’s recreation industry. In recent years, the Opener has served as a celebration kickoff for the summer tourism season. It provides the community with an opportunity to highlight local fishing and other recreational activities, attractions and other points of interest.
More information can be found at: www.mngovernorsopener.com
Options abound for the metro angler
Can’t make it up North for the weekend?
Gas prices keeping you home?
No cabin?
No problem – Three Rivers Park District has some of the best fishing and boating opportunities right here in the Metro Area. The Park District offers shore fishing and fishing piers at several area lakes, and provides boat access to numerous lakes including Lake Minnetonka, Lake Independence and Medicine Lake.
Parking is free in Three Rivers Park District. However, a $5 daily or $30 season permit is required for boat trailer parking. Permits will be available at pay boxes near the boat launches, and at park visitor and nature centers. Permits may also be ordered by phone at 763-559-9000.
Minnesota fishing licenses are required for anglers 16 and older. Park hours are 5 a.m.–sunset, except at Lake Minnetonka Regional Park, which is open at 6 a.m.–sunset.
The Park District reminds boaters of its public-access procedures specifying that once the boat launch parking lot is full, a motorized watercraft cannot be launched until a motorized watercraft leaves the lake. This policy includes personal watercraft. Vehicles hauling motorized watercraft without a trailer must comply with the procedures and will be required to park in the boat launch parking area.
The public-access parking limits are in effect at Baker Park Reserve and Bryant Lake, Fish Lake, French and Lake Minnetonka Regional Parks.
Boat owners are reminded to check for Eurasian water milfoil before launching and when removing boats from the water.
Boating and Fishing Locations
Baker Park Reserve, Maple Plain
Lake Independence
• Muskies, walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, panfish
• Concrete launch with access for 58 motorized boats
• Located on County Road 19, 1/4‑mile south of County Road 24
• Launch spaces fill up early on weekends and holidays
• Rowboats, kayak and canoe rentals available during summer
Spurzem Lake
• Northern pike, panfish
• Concrete launch with access for 6 motorized boats
• Located on County Road 201, 1 mile east of County Road 19
Half Moon Lake
• Northern pike, panfish
• Carry‑in access is off County Road 19; follow Half Moon Camp signs.
• No gas motors or gas augers
Bryant Lake Regional Park, Eden Prairie
Bryant Lake
• Northern pike, hybrid muskies, panfish
• Launch with access for 20 motorized boats
• 15 mph restriction Noon ‑ 6 p.m., Sundays, Memorial Day ‑ Labor Day
• Launch spaces fill up early on weekends and holidays
• Located south of Highway 62 on Rowland Road
• Fishing pier - wheelchair accessible
• Rowboats and canoe rentals available during summer
Carver Park Reserve, Victoria
Lake Zumbra
• Largemouth bass, Northern pike, panfish
• Non‑paved launch with access for 12 motorized boats
• Located on Park Drive, off Highway 5
• Boat trailer parking permit not required
Lake Auburn
• Largemouth bass, Northern pike, panfish, bullheads
• Non‑paved launch with access for 12 motorized boats
• Located on Carver Park Drive, west of County Road 11
• Fishing pier ‑ wheelchair accessible
Steiger Lake
• Panfish, bullheads; all other fish must be released
• Non‑paved launch with access for 12 motorized boats
• Located on Steiger Lane
• 15 mph speed limit
• Fishing pier - wheelchair accessible
Parley Lake
• Largemouth bass, Northern pike, panfish, bullheads
• Non‑paved launch with access for four motorized boats
• Located north of Highway 5, off Township Road
Cleary Lake Regional Park, Prior Lake
Cleary Lake
• No gas motors; electric trolling motors allowed
• Fishing pier - wheelchair accessible
Coon Rapids Dam Regional Park, on Mississippi River, Brooklyn Park
Mississippi River
• Shore fishing and wheelchair accessible fishing dock on Brooklyn Park side for carp, smallmouth bass, Northern pike, muskie, panfish, rock bass, channel catfish, and sucker. Check State health advisory information before eating fish from the Mississippi River; call 612/627‑5046
• Located on County Road 12, one mile north of Highway 610
Crow-Hassan Park Reserve, Hassan Township
Crow River
• Shore fishing for carp, smallmouth bass, Northern pike, muskie, panfish, rock bass, channel catfish, and sucker.
• Canoe access
• Located on County Road 116; river access just west of County Road 144
Eagle Lake Regional Park, Plymouth - Eagle Lake
• Panfish, Northern pike, walleye
• Fishing pier – wheelchair accessible
• Located on Bass Lake Road and Zachary Lane
Fish Lake Regional Park, Maple Grove
Fish Lake
• Northern pike, bass, panfish
• Concrete launch with access for 12 motorized boats
• Located 1‑1/2‑mile west of I‑494, off County Road 10
• Launch spaces fill up early on weekends and holidays
• Fishing pier - wheelchair accessible
• Rowboats and canoe rentals available during summer
French Regional Park, Plymouth
Medicine Lake
• Largemouth bass, Northern pike, panfish
• Concrete launch with access for 52 motorized boats (shallow access)
• Located on County Road 9, 3/4‑mile east of I‑494
• Launch spaces fill up early on weekends and holidays
• Fishing pier - wheelchair accessible
• Rowboats and canoe rentals available during summer
Gale Woods Farm, Minnetrista
Whaletail Lake
• Carry-in canoe access 1/2 mile from main parking lot
• Fishing pier - wheelchair accessible
• Canoe and storage rack rental available. Call 763/694-2001 to reserve a canoe rack
• Located on County Road 110
Hyland Lake Park Reserve, Bloomington
Hyland Lake
• Largemouth bass, panfish, muskies; bass between 12” and 16” in length must be returned to the water
• Access located off East Bush Lake Road near park Visitor Center
• No gas motors or gas augers; electric trolling motors allowed
• Fishing pier ‑ wheelchair accessible
• Rowboats and canoe rentals available during summer
Lake Minnetonka Regional Park, Minnetrista
Lake Minnetonka
• Muskies, walleye, Northern pike, largemouth bass, panfish
• Concrete launch with access for 48 motorized boats
• Located north of Highway 7, off of County Road 44
• Fishing pier - wheelchair accessible
• Park hours: 6 a.m. - sunset
Lake Rebecca Park Reserve, Rockford
Lake Rebecca
• Largemouth bass, muskies, walleye, panfish, bullheads; muskies under 48” in length must be returned to the water
• Concrete launch with access for 28 boats
• Canoe access
• Located two‑miles west of Highway 55, on County Rd 50
• No gas motors or gas augers; electric trolling motors allowed
• Two fishing piers ‑ wheelchair accessible
• Rowboats and canoe rentals available during summer
Murphy-Hanrehan Park Reserve, Savage
Murphy Lake
• Panfish, walleye, bullheads
• Boat launch with parking for five trailers
• Located on County Road 75
• No gas motors or gas augers allowed; electric trolling motors only
North Mississippi Regional Park, Minneapolis/Brooklyn Center
Mississippi River
• Carp, smallmouth bass, Northern pike, muskie, panfish, rock bass, channel catfish, and sucker. Check State health advisory information before eating fish from the Mississippi River; call 612/627‑5046
• Shore fishing and wheelchair accessible fishing piers
• Located off I-94 and 49th Avenue
Free admission at Minnesota state parks on Open House Day
Free admission just one of the perks at Minnesota state parks on Sun., June 3
DNR News
Each year, Minnesota state parks and state recreation areas host an open house when vehicle permits are waived and admission is free. As an added open house bonus, many states parks also will offer refreshments and special programs. This year, Sunday, June 3, is when most of the state parks and recreation areas are hosting their annual open house event.
“Whether you are one of the 8.4 million annual visitors who already knows about Minnesota state parks or if you have never been to a state park, open houses are a wonderful way to experience what makes our state parks are among the best in the nation,” said Courtland Nelson, director, Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Parks and Recreation.
Although no vehicle permit is necessary during open house, fees will be charged for tours of Mystery Cave at Forestville, Soudan Underground Mine and Hill Annex Mine, and the usual camping, lodging and rental fees apply.
Here is a listing of state parks holding open house events on June 3
SOUTHERN REGION
Big Stone Lake, Ortonville: The Bonanza Quilt Show will be held at the Bonanza Education Center located within the Bonanza Unit of the park. Refreshments will be served. Although the show will be open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, June 2-3, free admission is available only on Open House Day.
Blue Mounds, Luverne: Get here early for a free buffalo burger and refreshments. Served at 11:30 a.m. at the shelter house in the picnic area, courtesy of the Luverne Chamber of Commerce. Take a peek at the park’s herd of bison and the buff-colored young calves. Luverne’s Annual Buffalo Days takes place June 1-3.
Camden, Lynd: Friends of Camden will be selling root beer floats as a fundraiser at the North Picnic Shelter and hosting a Fly-fishing Casting Workshop. Each workshop is 45 minutes long and sessions be run on the hour from 1-4 p.m. Since the clinics focus on “casting” and no actual fishing is involved, a trout stamp or fishing license is not needed. Those who want to fish for trout will need a current fishing license with a trout stamp. Four people per session. Sign-up in advance at the park office. Clinic instructor has written a book on fly-fishing the Redwood River in Camden along with info on flies and related fishing topics. That book will be for sale and will be signed by the author.
Forestville/Mystery Cave, Preston: Take in tours of either Mystery Cave or the little village of Forestville, a Minnesota Historical Society site. Though tour fees for both will be charged, no park permits are necessary. Forestville, the state’s most popular park with horse campers, also has great hiking trails.
Fort Ridgely, Fairfax: The Friends of Fort Ridgely and Nicollet County Historical Society are sponsoring a free concert from 1:30 to 3 p.m. in the park’s amphitheater. Enjoy the music of “Spiritwood,” a bluegrass band that also plays an assortment of music. Whopper wagon feed as a fundraiser for the Friend’s group before the concert. Free popcorn and lemonade will be available during the concert.
Frontenac State Park, Frontenac: Celebrating its 50th Anniversary. Refreshments and hikes. At 1 p.m., a Wall of Honor in the picnic shelter will be dedicated to all those individuals and groups who have donated their time or money to help establish or better the park. Guest speakers will tell of the history of the park as well as what is planned for the next 20 years.
Lake Louise, Leroy: Free hot dogs and refreshments. Food will be served by the Friends of Lake Louise State Park beginning at 11 a.m.. No motors allowed on the lake, so it’s perfect for a quiet canoe ride. Wildflowers plentiful, including the pretty Shooting Star, for which the bike trail that runs through the park is named.
Lake Shetek, Currie: Have lunch, visit with park staff during this Friends of Lake Shetek-sponsored event to raise funds to purchase additional children’s play equipment for the park. Stay after lunch for Friends Group Annual Meeting and learn what else the group is working toward.
Monson Lake, Sunburg: The Monson Lake Friends Group will host the event that includes refreshments and a prize drawing for four, two-night camping certificates.
NORTHEAST REGION
Crow Wing, Brainerd: Go back in time to the mid-1800s at the annual fur trade encampment. Crow Wing County Muzzle Loaders will set up a one-day tent city, complete with costumed traders, buck skinners and other denizens of the time period. Participants will demonstrate their “old time” skills from 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. Stop at the Old Crow Wing town site area that all but vanished after the railroad passed it by. Little remains of the town except the Clement Beaulieu house.
Gooseberry Falls, Two Harbors: Access to the entire park, instead of just the visitors’ center and trail to the falls, is free. Hike or drive down to the picnic area next to Lake Superior, where the ancient lava flows are easily seen, or look for agates on the shore.
NORTHWEST REGION
Buffalo River State Park, Glyndon: Celebrate summer with an introduction to the park and science center’s shared front yard, the Tallgrass Prairie. Program at the Regional Science Center coincides with the park’s open house. Tour the science center’s exhibits from 2-4 p.m. to learn more about a local natural resource, the prairie. A guided trail hike to Buffalo River State Park’s picnic area begins at the science center at 2:30 p.m. Visit the swimming area and beach.
Glacial Lakes, Starbuck: Friends of Glacial Lakes will be serving hotdogs and pop from noon to 3:30 p.m. at the picnic area. Tours of the park can be arranged for anyone. Hike the rolling hills that were fashioned when the last glacier retreated or enjoy boating (with electric motors only) on clear Mountain Lake.
Hayes Lake, Roseau: Demonstrations of a hunting simulator provided by the DNR Enforcement Division. The Hayes Lake Friends Group will have refreshments available for visitors to purchase.
Lake Bemidji, Bemidji: A hike along the bog boardwalk. Find a variety of orchids in bloom. Bog walk Sundays, when interpreters will point out bog features from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., will be held May 27 and June 3, 10, 17 and 24.
Lake Bronson, Lake Bronson: The Lake Bronson Lions’ Club will be serving cookies and beverages for visitors from noon - 4 p.m. The sand swimming beach open and anglers can fish in the area’s biggest lake, created in the ‘30s when the South Branch Two River was backed up to form Lake Bronson. Come back a week or two later, in mid-to-late June, when the Showy Lady’s Slipper and Yellow Moccasin orchids will be in bloom in the park and along the roadsides.
Old Mill, Argyle: Enjoy a swim in the sand-bottomed pool or check out the old mill, built by Lars Larson, who homesteaded here in 1882. The mill roars back to life on the last Sunday in August to grind whole-wheat flour which is sold to the public. The Newfolden Lions Club will provide refreshments at the picnic shelter.
CENTRAL REGION
Charles Lindbergh, Little Falls: Attend Family Fun Day and take advantage of free admission to the park and the Charles A. Lindbergh State Historic site, Minnesota Fishing Museum, Charles A. Weyerhaeuser Museum and Pine Grove area attractions.
Fort Snelling, St. Paul: Situated on the confluence of the Mississippi and Minnesota Rivers, the park has a lake for swimming and canoeing. Among the park trails is a steep one leading up to Historic Fort Snelling, which is run by the Minnesota Historical Society. Naturalists will give guided tours of the historic Upper Bluff building.
Lake Maria, Monticello: Steve Saupe from St. Johns University will explain how to identify, pick and prepare wild edible plants. Call for time and information (763) 878-2325.
Mille Lacs Kathio, Onamia: Gather at the picnic area to see and try out the latest and greatest in outdoor recreation gear including canoes, inflatable kayaks, personal flotation devices, fishing equipment, tents, camping gear. DNR and St. Cloud State University staff will present outdoor skills mini-sessions including campfire making, fish casting, compass orienteering for kids and camp cooking. 90-minute class on beginning bird watching at 9 a.m. 90-minute class on outdoor photography at 11 a.m.
ALTERNATE OPEN HOUSE DATES:
Glendalough, Red River, Sibley, Upper Sioux Agency, Wild River, William O’Brien and Whitewater state parks have an alternate date for their Open House celebration. There will be no free admission to these parks on June 3.
May 19 - Wild River, Center City: ‘Seegwan,’ a spring celebration when visitors can plant a prairie, go on a bird hike, yank out pesky European buckthorn, and buy native plants that attract butterflies and birds.
June 9 - Whitewater, Altura: Ninth annual Take a Kid Fishing Day is designed to help youngsters, 5 to 15 years old, learn how to trout fish. Lunch is provided. Participants receive a small, starter tackle box. Call (507) 932-3007, ext. 0 for time and reservations.
July 22 - Red River State Recreation Area, East Grand Forks: Free admission to the recreation area in conjunction with the city of East Grand Forks annual summer community picnic celebration.
Aug. 4-5 - Upper Sioux Agency State Park, Granite Falls: Colorful dress, drum music and the voices of singers are all a part of Wacipi (Dakota for powwow), a celebration of American Indian heritage, open to the public.
Sept. 8 - Sibley State Park, New London: Free admission to the park in conjunction with the town of New London’s celebration of Prairie Pothole Day
Sept. 29-30 - William O’Brien, Marine on St. Croix: See demonstrations and tour a Voyageur Encampment.
Note: A new state law now limits the wood that can be brought onto lands administered by the Minnesota DNR, such as State Parks and State Forests.
Approved firewood would include:
1. Firewood offered for sale by vendors currently under contact with the DNR.
2. Firewood offered for sale by vendors who have successfully completed an application process requiring that two conditions be met:
• The wood must have originated on lands within Minnesota and within 100 miles of the park or forest
• The vendor must provide a proof of purchase to customers.
3. Kiln-dried wood such as unpainted and unstained dimension lumber of kindling that is free of any metal or foreign substance.
© 2007 Outdoors Weekly Corporation