Plan amendments would enable the removal of trees for resource management projects
The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources is seeking public comments on draft management plan amendments for 12 state parks and recreation areas. The comment period is open now through Dec. 11.
The draft amendments recognize the use of tree removal as a resource management tool in these state parks and recreation areas. Initial management activities would be conducted to selectively remove ash trees that have succumbed to emerald ash borer along roadways and in public use areas.
The DNR is amending management plans for the following state parks and state recreation areas: Big Stone Lake State Park, Blue Mounds State Park, Flandrau State Park, Greenleaf Lake State Recreation Area, Kilen Woods State Park, Lac qui Parle State Park, Lake Shetek State Park, Minneopa State Park, Monson Lake State Park, Nerstrand Big Woods State Park, Sakatah Lake State Park, and Split Rock Creek State Park.
The DNR Parks and Trails Division uses selective tree removal as a tool to meet resource management goals, promote forest health and to facilitate interpretive and recreation activities. Removal takes place in state parks and recreation areas primarily to restore or manage native plant communities. In some cases, it is necessary to manage impacts on forests caused by insects or disease. It also can be used to restore visitor access and safety by clearing trails and reducing the risk of forest fires from fallen timber following a storm.
A management plan sets the direction for the state park or recreation area for the next 15-20 years and includes recommendations for managing natural and cultural resources and providing recreational and interpretative opportunities to park visitors. These plan amendments would clarify the resource management tools used at these locations.
As part of the planning process, the DNR will host informal open houses at each location where a plan amendment is proposed as an opportunity for people to ask questions:
- Big Stone Lake State Park – Friday, Dec. 4, 5-6:30 p.m. at the park ranger station, 35889 Meadowbrook State Park Road, Ortonville
- Blue Mounds State Park – Monday, Nov. 16, 5-6:30 p.m. at the park ranger station, 1410 161st, Luverne
- Flandrau State Park – Monday, Nov. 23, 4-5:30 p.m. at the park ranger station, 1300 Summit Ave., New Ulm
- Greenleaf Lake State Recreation Area – Tuesday, Nov. 17, 5-6:30 p.m. at the DNR Hutchinson Office, 20596 Highway 7, Hutchinson
- Kilen Woods State Park – Wednesday, Dec. 2, 4:30-6 p.m. at the DNR Windom office, 175 County Road 26, Windom
- Lac qui Parle State Park – Friday, Nov. 13, 4-5:30 p.m. at the park ranger station, 14047 20th NW, Watson
- Lake Shetek State Park – Tuesday, Nov. 17, 4:30-6 p.m. at the park ranger station, 163 State Park Road, Currie
- Minneopa State Park – Friday, Nov. 20, 4:30-6 p.m. at the park ranger station, 54497 Gadwall Road, Mankato
- Monson Lake State Park – Monday, Nov. 16, 4:30-6 p.m. at the Sibley State Park ranger station, 800 Sibley Park Road NE, New London
- Nerstrand Big Woods State Park – Tuesday, Nov. 24, 4:30-6 p.m. at the park ranger station 9700 170th E, Nerstrand
- Sakatah Lake State Park – Thursday, Nov. 19, 4:30-6 p.m. at the park ranger station, 50499 Sakatah Lake State Park Road, Waterville
- Split Rock Creek State Park – Monday, Nov. 16, 5-6:30 p.m. at the Blue Mounds State Park ranger station, 1410 161st, Luverne
The public can also provide comments through 11:59 p.m. on Dec. 11 by:
- Email to Jade Templin at [email protected]
- Mail to 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 state parks and trails planning webpage. Paper copies are also available for review at each location where an amendment is proposed and the Minnesota DNR regional headquarters in New Ulm.