Plan amendment would allow timber harvest for resource management projects
The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources is seeking public comments on a draft amendment to Rice Lake State Park’s management plan. The comment period is open through May 8.
The draft amendment would recognize the use of timber harvests as a resource management tool in the state park. This would allow the DNR to selectively remove ash trees affected by emerald ash borers along roadways and in public use areas.
The DNR uses timber harvests in state parks and state recreation areas to restore or manage native plant communities, but to do so it must be recognized in a management plan.
A state park management plan is a framework that provides long-range guidance for the park, with recommendations for managing natural and cultural resources and providing recreational and interpretative opportunities to park visitors. In some cases, a harvest is necessary to manage impacts from insects or disease, clear trails, or reduce forest fire risks from downed timber following a storm.
As part of the public input process, the DNR will host an open house on Tuesday, April 28, from 5 to 6:30 p.m. at the Rice Lake State Park ranger station, 8485 Rose St., Owatonna. People can also provide comments through 11:59 p.m. on May 8 by:
- Email or phone: [email protected] or 651-259-5598
- Mail: Jade Templin, Minnesota DNR, Parks and Trails Division, 500 Lafayette Road, St. Paul, MN 55155
The draft plan amendments are available for review on the DNR website. Paper copies are also available at Rice Lake State Park and the DNR regional headquarters in New Ulm.
The current Rice Lake State Park management plan is available on the DNR website.
About Rice Lake State Park
Rice Lake State Park was established in 1963. The park totals 712 acres and park visitors can explore a variety of habitats, including marshes, lakes, meadows, hardwoods, prairie and oak savanna. Rice Lake’s shallow waters and marshy edges offer an excellent spot for birding, particularly for waterfowl during spring and fall migrations. To learn more, visit mndnr.gov/ricelake.