Park Management

Parks’ Reservation Site to Close Temporarily

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The Minnesota state parks’ on-line reservation system will be shut down from December 27, 2011 until February 29, 2012 for an upgrade and a change in providers, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources announced.

As BWCAW Fire Slows, Recriminations Flare

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After a second day in which weather conditions allowed a growing team of firefighters to hold ground against the fire burning in the Boundary Waters, frustration over the Forest Service’s initial response to the blaze has flared.

Voyageurs Eagle Nesting Areas Re-Opened

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Four developed campsites and four undeveloped areas in Voyageurs National Park that were off-limits due to bald eagles nesting have been re-opened, the Park announced recently.

Voyageurs Moving to New Headquarters

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In a move that reflects the warmed relations between Voyageurs National Park and its gateway community, park officials are set to move their headquarters to a new complex leased from the city of International Falls.

Bat Disease Causes Soudan Mine Concerns

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A disease responsible for the death of more than a million North American bats is a cause of concern for managers of Soudan Mine Mine State Park in northeastern Minnesota.

DNR to Host Vermilion Park Open Houses

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The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources will host two public open houses to solicit public comment on the draft master plan for the Vermilion and Soudan Underground Mine State Parks.

Quetico Plan Comments Due Friday

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The initial public comment period for proposed changes to the Quetico Provincial Park management plan will close on Friday. Park managers are considering designated campsites and defined travel routes in the park as well as commercial dog-sledding operations and the development of a long-distance hiking trail.

Superior National Forest Survey Planned

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The in-depth survey that National Forests undertake every five years to track visitor numbers and recreation trends is about to commence in the Superior National Forest.

Vermilion Park Comment Period Ending

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The initial opportunity for public input for Lake Vermilion State Park’s master plan will end on September 30, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources is reminding citizens.

New Quetico Plan in Review Stage

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Proposals for changes to Ontario’s Quetico Provincial Park’s management plan — possibly including designated campsites and defined travel routes — are in the public comment stage until mid-October. Park managers are also considering development of a long-distance hiking trail in the park as well as authorizing commercial dog-sledding operations.

Minnesota DNR Seeks Vermilion Park Input

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The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources is seeking public input as part of its Lake Vermilion State Park planning process. The DNR is asking citizens to respond to a short questionnaire on its web-site this month.

Parks Movie Nominated for Regional Emmy

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Minnesota’s National Park Legacy, a film made in collaboration with Voyageurs National Park Association and the state’s seven National Park units and produced in partnership with Twin Cities Public Television has been nominated for an Midwest Regional Emmy Award.

Eagle Nests Prompt Voyageurs Restrictions

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Voyageurs National Park announced the closure of three developed campsites and three undeveloped areas due to the presence of active bald eagle nests. The restrictions come under the auspices of the Bald Eagle and Golden Eagle Management Act.

The Future of Moose in a Warming World

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A combination of challenges threaten Minnesota’s sensitive moose populations – warming temperatures, changes in precipitation, increased varieties of diseases and parasites, and changes in predator populations. Are we watching the end of moose in Minnesota?