P&TC makes its frst land

purchase: the only section of

undeveloped, sandy beach
along the St. Croix River, which
leads to the establishment of
Afton State Park.
1968
M
innesota is renowned for the
amazing natural resources that
have been preserved throughout the
state for everyone to enjoy. While
mother nature played the extraordinary
role of creating these features, it has
been the eforts of dedicated citizens
that ensured they were protected as
parks and trails.
Tis year Parks & Trails Council
celebrates 60 years of preserving land
for parks and trails and providing an
independent, forthright voice to express
the needs of our states system. Over
the years, these eforts have resulted
in the establishment of numerous new
parks and trails, the acquisition of criti-
cal parcels within parks and trails, and
the necessary appropriations from the
state legislature to care for our parks
and trails.
While originally limited in member-
ship to 16 people, today P&TC has
over 3,000 members. Tese members
provide the most signifcant source
of revenue for the organization, and
ensure that these places are protected
for future generations.
parks & trai ls counci l of mn www. p a r k s a nd t r a i l s . o r g
6 Summer 2014 Minnesota Trails
Afton State Park (established through eforts spearheaded by P&TC in 1968)
Itasca established as
the frst State Park
in Minnesota.
1935
State Parks begin to be
managed as a division.
Prior to this they were under the
forestry division and largely man-
aged by local advisory committees.
9 new state parks created with
one omnibus bill drafted by
P&TC:

Banning, Glacial Lakes, Lake Louise, Maplewood,
Great River Blufs, Rice Lake, Sakatah Lake, Soudan
Underground Mine, Upper Sioux Agency.
________
Now lets build trails!

P&TC and spearheads eforts to create
foot, horse, cycle and canoe trails.
1963
Six decades of P& TC
New innovation
of nature trails and
naturalist-led hikes
become part of the
state park experience.
Late 1940s
1954
P&TC established as a statewide
citizens advisory committee.
This occurs at the urging of state park director U.W.
Hella during a meeting of Itasca State Park As-
sociation. At this time P&TC is called the Minnesota
Council of State Parks. Key decision made for P&TC
to be an independent, non-government entity.
1967
First state trail established: Casey Jones State Trail.
________
P&TC forms a frst-of-its-kind
foundation to acquire land for parks.

The leaders of Parks &

Trails Council of Minnesota
have always beenand
now, especially, are
relied upon by policy
makers as the lead voice
for parks and trails.

~Former Senator Dave Durenberger

(from P&TCs 2014 Annual Dinner)
1891
parks & trai ls counci l of mn www. p a r k s a nd t r a i l s . o r g
Minnesota Trails Summer 2014 7
Judge C. R. Magney
Founder of P&TC (1883-1962)
If there is one person who could be credited with
paving the way for citizens voices in parks and
trails, it is Judge Magney.
Te man people called Mr. North Shore had a
profound appreciation for the natural beauty of
Minnesotas natural areas.
As Mayor of Duluth (1917-1920) he immersed
himself in the citys parks planning. Later, he
became a Justice of the Minnesota Supreme Court.
Upon retiring he dedicated himself to sharing the knowledge and skills he gained
to preserve natural areas as parks for future generations. As he put it, Our state
parks are every mans country estate. Having earned the respect of legislators
and government leaders, his insights were heeded and numerous parks owe
their establishment to the founder of P&TC, Judge Magney. His philosophy of
preservation became the driving force of P&TC, which continues today.
1983
Landmark case for rails-to-trails
won by P&TC and DNR.
This case involved 10 miles of abandoned railroad that
abutting land owners argued should revert to their
ownership, but the Supreme Court ruled may be used
for the Gateway State Trail.
The unique Banning State Park
boulders are saved.
In partnership with the Minnesota Climbers
Association, P&TC acquires 108 acres along the
Kettle River in Banning State Park, and helps make
Banning the ffth state park to allow climbing.
60th Anniversary of P&TC.
To date, P&TC has over 3,000 members and has helped acquire nearly
11,000 acres and helped ensure all parks and trails are cared for.
Minnesotas tallest waterfall saved
to become the heart of Grand
Portage State Park.
This efort began a year earlier when P&TC success-
fully launched a campaign to acquire the initial 260
acres and then advocated for the parks establishment.
1988
1996
P&TC has 1,000
members.
Gold Rock Point is acquired,
saving the iconic view from
Split Rock Lighthouse State
Park.
This efort began when P&TC successfully
launched a campaign to raise $1 million and
mobilized necessary public support to approve
this addition to the state park.
1997
2008
Minnesotans approve the
Legacy Amendment.
2013
2014
Judge Magneys philosophy
continues to drive P&TCs
work today. Te Magney
Circle is comprised of
individuals who are inspired
and committed enough
in this grand pursuit of
preserving land for future
generations to contribute
$500 or more annually
to P&TC. Tis support
continues the legacy
established 60 years ago by
this Giant of the North.
To become a Magney Circle
member, please visit
ParksAndTrails.org