Comments: Lake Vermilion State Park
Results of the public comment opportunity
From November 2007 through January 2008, the DNR provided a web-based survey for the public to submit their ideas on what types of experiences might be provided at a new state park on Lake Vermilion. All comments received are included here as PDF links.
Natural & Cultural Resources
The Commissioner of the DNR is directed to administer state parks "to preserve, perpetuate, and interpret natural features that existed in the area of the park prior to settlement and other significant natural, scenic, or historic features that are present." (M.S., Ch.86A)
Given this direction, what do we want to accomplish and what do we want to avoid for the following resources and features at the proposed state park site at Lake Vermilion?
- Water resources comments
- Land resources comments
- Scenic features comments
- Historic features comments
Local Community Benefits
The proposed state park at Lake Vermilion will be a "neighbor" in the Soudan, Tower, Cook, and Ely communities. What do we want to accomplish and what do we want to avoid in order for the community and the park to prosper:
- What are the opportunities for local residents to benefit from the park?
- How can local businesses benefit in a way that serves the community and the park visitors?
- What are the opportunities for the state and local governments to work together to provide a quality visitor and local community experience?
Outdoor Recreation
The DNR wants to establish a "flagship, destination, next generation" state park on Lake Vermilion. What do we want to accomplish and what do we want to avoid in providing outdoor recreation experiences:
- What features at the park would attract visitors from outside the region?
- How could this park be connected to other state parks and other recreation opportunities in the area?
- What types of outdoor recreation opportunities would make this a “next generation” state park?
- What role does technology have in the outdoor recreation experience?
- What environmental considerations are important in recreation activity and facility design?
- What could be provided to attract the younger generations (20-40 year-olds) to the park?
Learning Opportunities
Every region of Minnesota has its unique natural, historic and cultural features. What do we want to accomplish and what do we want to avoid in providing learning opportunities for visitors to this area:
- What do you think people will want to learn about this area?
- What means of learning should be provided?
- What types of outdoor recreation skills would people be interested in learning?