Acquiring, protecting and enhancing critical land for the publics use & benefit

Special Places
PARKS & TRAILS COUNCIL OF MINNESOTA NEWSLETTER
M
aria Ostman is a bit of a legend
within Tettegouche State Park
history. She was the immigrant care-
taker at Tettegouche camp (now part of
Tettegouche State Park) during its days
as the solitary-summer retreat for Duluth
business baron Clement Quinn. From the
mid-50s to early-70s Ostman spent her
days living of the land and tending to
the needs of Quinn, such as gathering ice
from the lake for his daily martini.
A recent land donation to the Parks &
Trails Council ties together this legendary
fgures story with two other Tettegouche
legends: Mark and Joan Strobel.
After her decades-long stint as the
Tettegouche Camp caretaker, Ost-
man continued to live just outside the
park boundaries on a parcel she bought
from her former employer Quinn. Her
property, which was split by Hwy 31,
remained wooded and preserved the up
north scenery for park visitors who travel
down Hwy. 31 to the current Tettegouche
Camp (where four rustic cabins can be
rented by park visitors).
In 2004, Ostman decided to sell the 4
acres that lay on the park-owned side of
Hwy. 31.
Strobel land donation continued on page 9
This 4-acre parcel in Tettegouche State Park was protected from becoming a
gravel mine. Inset: Maria Ostman at Tettegouche Camp.
Inside this issue
Bison at Minneopa pg 3
Welcome DNR Director pg 5
Durenbergers Speech pg 6
MN Rovers 60
th
Event pg 7
Mill Towns State Trail pg 8
Bike MN Jerseys pg 10
Magney Circle Events pg 10
Oberstar Memorial pg 11
Land Project Update
One couples actions save small parcel from
potential major disruption at Tettegouche
As the 2014 legislative session came to
an end in May, parks and trails support-
ers began celebrating. On May 20, Gov.
Mark Dayton signed into law the largest
capital investment package for parks and
trails since 2008, plus a bill that increased
several agency operating budgets, includ-
ing the DNR Division of Parks and
Trails. Get the details on pp. 4-5,
including:
Te bonding bill has funding for:
13 state trail projects
Asset preservation
Lake Vermilion State Park
Te surplus budget saves 16 jobs
Introducing a new state parks
and trails license plate
Summer 2014 (june)























































































































































Gitchi-Gami State Trail
Legislative Recap
2014 session brings
signifcant investments
to parks and trails
Leg. recap continued on page 4
Summer ( June) 2014 page 2
By Mike Tegeder, president
Ober is the German
for upper, often used in
compound words (where
it has a general meaning
of high, as in oberland
or highlands). It has the
sense of raising up or en-
hancing and how true that
is here in Minnesota.
When Ober is heard here, two giants
come to mind: Ernest Oberholtzer and
Jim Oberstar. Ernest Oberholtzer was
a friend to the Ojibwe people, the great
defender of the Boundary Waters and one
of the founders of the Wilderness Society.
His legacy remains with the BWCAW
and Voyageurs National Park.
Where do you start in describing the
legacy left by Representative Jim Ober-
star who died this past May 3? During
his 36 years representing Minnesota 8th
Congressional District he was involved in
most major federal transportation legisla-
tion whether by land, sea or
air. He lived up to his title of
Mr. Transportation.
And for us members of
P&TC he was a good friend
with a passion for parks and
trails. He walked the talk.
He literally biked the trail.
Ober, who got thousands of infrastruc-
ture projects approved in Congress, made
sure to insert bike safety measures and
bike trails in transportation funding bills.
Indeed, these were the legislative accom-
plishments he was most proud of in his
long and distinguished career of public
service.
Jim Oberstar has left us a tremendous
legacy and a challenge to renew our com-
mitment to make a diference. Although
Jim did not live to see the outcome of
the Minnesota legislative session, I think
he was cheering us on, especially with
the trails projects we advocated for in
the bonding bill. Te eforts of our staf,
members, friends groups, and consul-
tants helped to make this happen. By his
example and efort, Jim Oberstar raised
us up to that higher level.
Tank you all for your eforts this year in
lifting up our parks and trails. It is said
that legislation is made by those who
show up. Tis year you really showed up
and it made the diference.
A year ago I was up at the Cross River for
a dedication ceremony and Rep. Oberstar
characteristically showed up. After he
gave his thoughts for the occasion a bald
eagle swooped over our small group as if a
blessing. Tat eagle is still overhead.
From the President
Ober : being raised up by inspirational examples
From the archives
1983: Landmark case saves Gateway State Trail
On Jan. 23, 1980 the Interstate Com-
merce Commission authorized the
abandonment of a little-used section of
the Soo Line Railway on the condition
that any future use be publicly accessible.
A local community group now known as
the Gateway Trail Association quickly
formed and began working with the
DNR to convert the railway into a biking,
hiking, skiing and horse trail.
It didnt take long before several abutting
property owners organized in opposition
to the trail and engaged the state in a
bidding war for the abandoned railway.
Recognizing that the state was legally
bound to pay only the appraised value for
land, the property owners raised its bid
beyond what the state could ofer.
Parks & Trails Council stepped in to
donate the $8,000 necessary to match the
oppositions bid. Meanwhile members of
P&TCs board began meeting with Soo
Line executives, who eventually agreed
to sell to the state, convinced that the
publics interest in the land for a trail was
paramount.
Nonetheless, the battle continued with
the opposition fling a lawsuit claiming
ownership rights to the land. Te lawsuit
made its way to the Minnesota Supreme
Court (Washington Wildlife Preserva-
tion v. State).
Sam Morgan representing P&TC,
provided legal assistance to the DNR
attorneys. On Jan. 14, 1983 the Supreme
Court ruled that the right-of-way is still
being used as a right-of-way for trans-
portation even though abandoned as a
railroad. Recreational trail use of the land
is compatible and consistent with its prior
use as a rail line, and imposes no greater
burden on the servient estates.
Te ruling paved the way for many more
rail-to-trail projects in the state. Te
18-mile Gateway State Trail is currently
being extended with a 6-mile spur into
Stillwater that is expected to open in
either fall 2014 or 2015.
P&TC staf and members at the Gateway State Trail
It is said that legislation is
made by those who show up.
Tis year you really showed
up and it made the diference.

Summer ( June) 2014 page 3
W
hile Minneopa State Park is most
well known for its waterfalls,
there may soon be a new reason to visit
the park. DNR ofcials are currently
reviewing comments received during the
public review process for amending the
parks management plan. If approved,
Minneopa would be the second state
park with these giants of the prairie;
Blue Mounds State Park has had bison
since 1961.
Bisons history in North America is
tied directly with the fate of the prai-
ries. Prior to European settlement, they
seemed limitless, with some estimates in
the tens of millions. By 1900 they were
nearly extinct.
Te existence of remnant prairie at Min-
neopa was one of the reasons this park
was chosen for bison reestablishment.
Another reason was the parks proximity
to potential visitors. With interpretation
of natural resources a prime aim of our
state park system, bison ofer a unique
opportunity to both learn about the past
and the way ecosystems rely on interac-
tions between co-adapted species.
Establishing the herd of 30 to 40 bison
will require several signifcant changes.
Te park plans to install a six-foot fence
around the 330-acre prairie. Te fence
will have two gates with cattle guards
(metal bars on the ground that bison
cannot walk on) that allow vehicles to
drive through while keeping bison in.
Visitors will be allowed to drive through
this enclosure on a road that leads up
to an overlook at Seppman Mill, just
outside the enclosure. But visitors must
stay inside their vehicle while in the
enclosure. From the overlook visitors
will be able to take in sweeping views
of nearly the entire bison range and the
Minnesota River valley.
While many see this as an exciting
opportunity for people to learn about a
symbol of the majestic prairies, it does
come at a cost. An existing hiking trail,
which traverses the prairie, will be relo-
cated to the perimeter of the enclosure.
Tere are many lovers of the prairie that
will dearly miss that experience, said
Tim Pulis of the Friends of Minneopa,
a group that has been weighing the pros
and cons of this project.
Tis new trail is expected to increase the
miles of trail within the park, however
that trail experience will be diferent.
Park planners anticipate that the bison
will attract new visitors to the park,
which will likely increase the use of other
amenities in the park. Pulis explained
that this will likely have a positive afect
on the park with potentially more invest-
ments made in the park. With Seppman
Mill becoming a signifcant interpretive
location, park staf may need to make
improvements to the area and protect
the mill, which is on the National Reg-
ister of Historic Places, from increased
visitor use.
A few other infrastructure elements will
need to be built for the bison. Within
the enclosure, a water source will be
constructed, but attention will be paid
to making it blend in with the prairie by
designing it to look like a natural prairie
pothole. A handling facility will also be
built out of sight to aid in herd manage-
ment activities such as genetic testing.
Te bison genetics are an important
component of the program. One of the
goals of re-establishing bison at Min-
neopa is to conserve plains bison genet-
ics. Such a goal aligns with the legislative
mandate defning a key purpose of state
parks as, to preserve, perpetuate, and
interpret natural features that existed in
the area of the park prior to settlement
and to reestablish desirable plants and
animals that were formerly indigenous to
the park area but are now missing.
Early plans indicated that if the project
were approved, the introduction of bison
could be done as early as fall 2014.
State Park Update
Bison may soon roam the prairie at Minneopa State Park
Seppman Mill at Minneopa State Park would become a overlook site encompassing views of the bison range (photo of mill by Randy Wood).
Summer ( June) 2014 page 4
Over 31 park and trail projects totalling
$53.49 million were included in the 2014
bonding bill (see map below).
Within this package were 11 trail proj-
ects that P&TC has been advocating for
since 2008. We were thrilled that these
trail projects, which have been on hold
for years will fnally begin to be built,
said Brett Feldman, executive director of
P&TC.
Regrettably, one trail projectthe Casey
Jones State Trailwas cut from the bill
during the fnal hours of negotiation
despite the projects strong merits and
local support. P&TC plans to continue
working with local groups, the DNR, and
state legislators to develop Casey Jones,
which was Minnesotas frst authorized
state trail.
Lake Vermilion State Park received $14
million for its ongoing development.
Te park was acquired in 2008 yet still
has very limited areas open to the public.
Plans include developing a campground
at Cable Bay, camper cabins, picnic areas,
boat launches, Wi-Fi access, and a family
adventure area.
In addition to these projects, the DNR
received $10 million for asset preserva-
tion to be used for rehabilitation of
current infrastructure. However, this
amount was for all the DNR divisions
(e.g., State Forests, Wildlife Management
Areas, State Parks), and it is undecided
how much if any will be spent on parks
and trails. In addition, this $10 million
is far below the DNRs original request
of $30.4 million for state parks and trails
alone, which identifed trail resurfacing
projects and campground rehabilitations.
Overall, this years package increased
bonding dollars for parks and trails by
nearly 60% compared to the 2011-12
bonding cycle.
Te Metropolitan system of regional
parks and trails received funding for
several projects. And while greater Min-
nesota benefts from the numerous state
projects, we were disappointed that the
emerging system received funding for
only two projects.
Bonding Bill Appropriations
DNR System of State Parks and Trails
Lake Vermilion State Park ................................................ $14 million
Red River State Recreation Area .................................... $250,000
Fort Snelling Upper Post .................................................. $500,000
Blazing Star State Trail ...................................................... $433,000
Camp Ripley/Veterans State Trail .................................. $1.73 million
Cuyuna Lakes State Trail .................................................. $2.38 million
Gateway State Trail ............................................................ $520,000
Gitchi-Gami State Trail ...................................................... $1.47 million
Glacial Lakes State Trail .................................................... $1.3 million
Goodhue Pioneer State Trail ........................................... $260,000
Heartland State Trail .......................................................... $2.69 million
Luce Line State Trail ........................................................... $1.73 million
Mill Towns State Trail ......................................................... $476,000
Minnesota River State Trail .............................................. $346,000
Minnesota Valley State Trail ............................................ $2.17 million
Shooting Star State Trail ................................................... $2.17 million
Metropolitan System of Regional Parks and Trails
Metropolitan Regional Park System ............................ $4 million
Hastings Bridge Trail Connection ................................. $1.6 million
North Urban Regional Trail ............................................. $2 million
Como Park ............................................................................. $5.4 million
Maplewood Fish Creek Trail ............................................ $318,000
Inver Grove Heights Heritage Park ............................... $2 million
Springbrook Nature Center ............................................ $5 million
Oakdale Mud Lake Trail & Boardwalk .......................... $150,000
Greater Minnesota System of Regional Parks and Trails
Central Minnesota Regional Parks ............................... $500,000
Grant County Trail Grant .................................................. $100,000

Mapping the $53.49 Million Capital Investments in Parks and Trails in 2014
Environmental and Natural Resources Trust Fund Appropriations
Metropolitan Regional Park System ............................ $1.5 million
Mesabi Trail Development .............................................. $1 million
Brown's Creek State Trail .................................................. $1.25 million
Martin County Parks .......................................................... $435,000
Minnesota River Water Trailhead .................................. $198,000

* Te bonding bill also includes $10

million for natural resource asset
preservation, a portion of which
may be spent on state parks and
trails rehabilitation
Legislative Session Recap
Bonding bill passed with largest investment in parks and trails since 2008
Summer ( June) 2014 page 5
For the frst time in many years, the
state budget held a surplus of $1.23 bil-
lion. While nearly half the surplus was
returned as tax relief and another $150
million was put into a rainy day fund,
the remaining $263 million was spent on
programs, including $1.6 million to oper-
ate state parks and trails.
Te supplemental budget bill (MN Law
Ch. 312) included a few items from
non-surplus funding sources, including
$450,000 from the lottery-in-lieu account
toward state park and trail operations.
According to DNR Parks and Trails di-
rector Erika Rivers, these two additional
sources of funding will cover 16 positions
and 100,000 hours of staf time in fscal
year 2015. P&TC was instrumental in
advocating for this additional funding.
A few others items relating to parks and
trails were funded through the supple-
mental budget bill (MN Laws Ch. 312):
$350,000 to begin development of
a segment of the Willard Munger
State Trail in honor of the late James
L. Oberstar. Te new segment,
which will likely take years to
complete will extend the trail from
its current southern terminus in
Hinkley into Chisago County.
$450,000 to the Metropolitan
Regional Park System from the
lottery-in-lieu account to help
supplement their operations
and maintenance budget.
$200,000 to the Greater Minnesota
Regional Parks and Trails
Commission from the Legacy Fund
to develop a statewide system plan
for regional parks and trails outside
the seven county metropolitan area.
Introducing a new state parks and
trails license plate
Minnesotans will soon have an option to
buy a specialty license plate that sup-
ports parks and trails. Te plates have a
dual function of allowing donations to
state parks and trails while also earning
the owner unlimited access to state parks
without paying a separate admission fee.
Te state parks and trails license plate
can be obtained for a minimum donation
of $50 annually that will be deposited
into the state parks and trails donation
account, plus a $10 fee to cover the costs
of handling and manufacturing the plates.
Estimates from Minnesota Management
and Budget project the new license plates
could generate up to $800,000 for state
parks and trails annually.
Te plates will be designed jointly by the
Department of Public Safety and Natural
Resources in consultation with interested
groups.
Te license plates will be available for
purchase starting January 2016, at the
earliest.
The state parks and trails plates will be similar to the
current critical habitatplates.
DNR Updates
Welcome new DNR director Erika Rivers
Last April, Erika Rivers was appointed
director of the Minnesota DNRs Divi-
sion of Parks and Trails by Commissioner
Tom Landwehr. Rivers replaces Court-
land Nelson who retired after 10 years of
service.
Rivers has a wealth of experience with
Minnesotas parks and trails. She steps
into the position after being the DNRs
assistant commissioner since 2011. She
also oversaw the master planning process
for Lake Vermilion State Park, which
models the Next Generation state park
concepts of sustainability, connectedness
and inspiring participation.
Tis Next Generation focus already
seems to be a resonating as a theme for
Rivers work as she has emphasized the
need to connect with young families and
the evolving demographics in Minnesota.
Erika is a proven leader who comes into
the job with the respect of parks profes-
sionals throughout the state, said Brett
Feldman, executive director of Parks &
Trails Council. Were looking forward
to working with her on parks and trails
issues.
Erika Rivers with Brett Feldman at P&TCs Day on the Hill in
March 2014
Legislative Session Recap
States budget surplus saves 16 parks and trails jobs
Summer ( June) 2014 page 6
P
arks & Trails Council was honored to
have former Sen. Dave Durenberger
deliver the keynote speech at our Annual
Dinner on March 18, 2014. More than
250 people attended the event that cel-
ebrated the 60th anniversary of P&TC.
Durenbergers Speech: People-
Powered Policy: 60 years of
preserving our natural heritage
Few people know the history of the en-
vironmental movement in Minnesota as
well as Durenberger. He served as Min-
nesotas U.S. Senator from 1978 to 1995.
With this personal experience he shared
the stories of the people who helped craft
some of our states most momentous
environmental policies.
In his speech, he explained that the earliest
state parks were often created either as a
result of, or in opposition to the vast timber
extraction practices of the early 1900s.
However, by the 1950s, the mentality that
Minnesotas natural resources were never-
ending changed. Instead, the new mentality
is captured in the quote by humorist Will
Roger, Buy land. Tey aint making any
more of the stuf.
Durenberger went on to say that it was dur-
ing this era of the 1950-70s that a citizens
legislature began to anticipate the impact
that a growing economy and population
would have on our natural resources. In just
two short sessions, 1961 and 1963, ffteen
state parks were authorized, from Ban-
ning and Bear Head to Big Stone to Fort
Snelling.
Te theme of Durenbergers speech was
People-Powered Policy, and as such, it
was laced with the names of individuals
who worked to create the policy that pro-
tects our natural resources today. Nearly
every person mentioned, from C. R.
Magney to Will Steger, understood the
power of organizing as part of a group to
make their eforts sustainable.
In particular, Durenberger explained the
infuence of P&TC. We need another
hour on the subject of P&TCs role in
trails policy. Its so critical that our legis-
lators recognize just how far people, and
businesses and local government leaders
in every county in Minnesota have come
in just the last 30 years to bring us... the
most healthful of all outdoor activities.
Durenberger ended his speech with this
thought: In times that are as tough on
public policymakers as they seem today,
it is easy to take our natural resources for
granted... But Id like to remind you of
where I started. Teres a reason other than
visitor counts that we do this. Parks and
trails and heritage preservation bring people
together.
Individuals recognized for
outstanding service
Several people were recognized for their
contributions to parks and trails during
the annual dinner. Te prestigious Reuel
Harmon Award was given to former con-
gressman David Minge for his ten years
of leadership in coordinating P&TCs
annual labor day bike ride. Minge says
that it is a labor of love.
Te Minnesota Climbers Association
received a special award for their eforts
in partnering with P&TC to save the
boulders at Banning State Park.
Courtland Nelson, who retired as director
of Minnesotas state parks and trails was
honored for his ten years of service.

David Minge (center) received the Reuel Harmon Award
from Brett Feldman (l) and board president Mike Tegeder.
Members of the Minnesota Climbers Association receive
award for eforts to save the land at Banning State Park.
P&TC Event Recap
60th Annual Dinner marked by landmark speech on history
of Minnesotas parks movement
Sen. Dave Durenbergers speech on
Minnesotas parks movement
Read the transcript at:
www.ParksAndTrails.org
Watch it on YouTube:
www.youtube.com/user/parksandtrails
Keynote speaker former Sen. Dave Durenberger with his
wife Susan B. Foote and executive director Brett Feldman
Summer ( June) 2014 page 7
P
arks & Trails Council isnt the only
organization celebrating 60 years of
service this year; our community partner,
Minnesota Rovers Outdoor Club, an all-
volunteer outdoor club, is marking thir
60-year milestone with a multi-day event
at Wild River State Park in August.
Founded in 1954 as the outings program
of the University of Minnesotas Cof-
man Student Union, the Minnesota
Rovers it is one of the oldest, most active
outdoor clubs in the Upper Midwest.
Gradually, the group outgrew its roots
and became a nonproft organization,
independent from the U of MN.
Te mission of the Minnesota Rovers
Outdoors Club is to further an apprecia-
tion of the outdoors by facilitating the
organization of economical cost-shared
trips, arranging informative programs,
building and maintaining trails, and
providing opportunities for leadership
development.
Weve ofered outdoor adventures every
week of the year, since the organiza-
tion began in 1954. What makes our
club unique is that individual members
coordinate trips, says Barry Shillingford,
president of the organization.
Our trips run the gamut from bicycle
day rides in the metro area, weekend
trips hiking, canoeing or skiing, to multi-
week adventures on foreign soil. We
believe were successful because we take
an informal, cost-conscious, yet respon-
sible approach to exploring the outdoors
says Shillingford.
Minnesota Rovers Outdoor Club
Weekend celebration details
Aug. 810, 2014
Wild River State Park
$30/person over 12
$15/youth ages 6-11; under age 6 free
Te festivities will include:
Friday night meet & greet
Saturday continental breakfast,
catered picnic dinner
Sunday continental breakfast
Tent camping at the
group campsites
Weekend activities
coordinated by members
Whether you are new to the club, a past
member or have been involved for many
yearseveryone is encouraged to attend.
More information and registration is
online at reunion60.mnrovers.org.
Community Partner Events
Minnesota Rovers Celebrates 60 Years
Rovers working on the Border Route Trail
Rovers on a snowshoeing trip
Submit Your Community
Partner Announcement
If you are part of a Friends Group
that is working on a project or
event, let us know and well share
it either on our newsletter, website
or facebook page.
Send to Lisa Filter
lflter@parksandtrails.org
651-726-2457
Thank you to the following individuals & businesses
that donated to p&tcs annual dinner silent auction & raffle
Above the Falls Sports
Cove Point Lodge
Te Dinner Detective Minneapolis
Eastside Food Co-op
Brett Feldman
Kelli Fifeld at Tea Leaf Gallery
Larry Fitzgerald
Guthrie Teater
Rudi Hargesheimer
Te Loppet Foundation
Minnesota Trails Magazine
Minnesota Historical Society
Midwest Mountaineering, Inc.
Minnesota Center for Book Arts
Peace Cofee
Robyn Beth Priestley at
Painted Turtle Design
Dave Simpkins
Timber Trail Lodge
Michael V. Tegeder
Tere And Back Books
Steven Torne
Toro Company
Vertical Endeavors
Te Willard Munger Inn
Summer ( June) 2014 page 8
T
he land that Parks & Trails Council
helped acquire in January 2013 for
the Mill Towns State Trail will be the site
of a trail bridge by October of this year, if
all goes according to plan. Construction
began this spring and the pilings were be-
ing set when this newsletter went to press.
Tis trail currently has relatively few miles
paved (so few that no maps are currently
distributed for the trail). Yet, this new
bridge promises to be a well-used feature
right from the start, as it will provide
a scenic trail crossing connecting two
regional parks that lie on either side of
Lake Byllesby (a dammed portion of the
Cannon River), near Cannon Falls. Tese
two parks, while a stones throw away from
each other, have been virtually unreachable
to visitors on either side.
I can hardly wait to ride on this bridge,
said Peggy Prowe, an active volunteer with
the Friends of Mill Towns Trail, but I
think Ill wait till its done.
Joel Wagar, the DNR ofcial overseeing
the Mill Towns Trail development, said he
has been working with park ofcials from
Dakota County and Goodhue County to
extend the trails within the two regional
parks so they connect with the bridge. If
this can be coordinated at the same time,
the bridge will be open for public use dur-
ing the planned Oct. 2014 bridge comple-
tion date.
Tis bridge project was slowed down by
a dam reconstruction project at the site,
which was winding down at the end of
May. Te dam, which will be clearly visible
down river from the bridge, looks slightly
diferent now as there are two gates where
previously a cement wall used to be.
Once the bridge is completed and con-
nected to the park trails, the next phase
begins. Tis phase entails staking out and
paving the adjoining three miles along the
bluf line overlooking the Cannon River
until it connects with a city trail in Can-
non Falls, which connects to the Cannon
Valley Trail. Trail planners already began
initial sightings this spring. We had a lot
of fun walking along this area and envi-
sioning the best views for where the trail
will be, said Prowe who accompanied
DNR ofcials. Wagar expects the con-
struction of this phase to begin May 2015
and wrap up in fall 2015.
Tis project highlights the patience and
persistence required in building trails. Te
Mill Towns State Trail was authorized
in 2000 as a 25-mile trail running along
the Cannon River and connecting to the
Cannon Valley Trail in Cannon Falls at
its north end, running through North-
feld and then connecting to the Sakatah
Singing Hills State Trail in Faribault at
its south end. Tis project marks a major
milestone in the trails development.
Several other recent developments in the
trail bode well for its future. Te 2014
state bonding bill included $476,000 for
the Mill Towns State Trail (see full list of
bonding projects on p. 4) to acquire and
develop its southern end from Faribault
north to Dundas, using an abandoned rail
bed. Aiding in this project, Prowe said
that negotiations have just been fnalized
to acquire 50 acres near Dundas that have
been in negotiations for 15 years.
Another boost for the southern terminius
was the awarding of $764,000 from a fed-
eral transportation grant to pave the seg-
ment that connects to the Sakatah Singing
Hills Trail by 2018. Two underpasses have
already been constructed for this segment
in Faribualt that will allow trail users to
safely pass under the busy Hwys. 21 and 3.
Land Project Update
Mill Towns State Trail bridge at Lake Byllesby under construction
Parks & Trails Council members overlooking the Cannon River where the Mill Towns State Trail bridge is currently being built.
Segment of the Mill Towns State Trail currently being developed. P&TC helped to acquire a key segment along this 3-mile route.
Summer ( June) 2014 page 9
One possible buyer for the land was a
man who wanted to mine gravel from the
property, according to Tettegouche State
Park manager Phil Leversedge. Such a
small parcel may seem insignifcant in
the grand scheme of the 9,489-acre park,
but once a gravel mine takes up residence
there it tends to stick out like a sore
thumb.
With no other buyers interested and
DNR unable to acquire it, the fate of this
land seemed sealed. Tats when Mark
and Joan Strobel stepped up to acquire it.
Te Strobels have been working to add
land to Tettegouche for over 20 years.
Tey were instrumental in adding 3,000
acres in the Palisade Valley and the Bean
and Bear Lake areas to the park. Te
project involved intense negotiations with
Lake County board members for a land
exchange that, in the end, created a win-
win for all parties involved.
Mark Strobel said he didnt want to see
it become a gravel pit. We thought
maybe it will be our tent camping site,
but that never happened, explained
Strobel. Really its more convenient to
stay in the campground.
Earlier this year Strobel donated that
land to Parks & Trails Council of Min-
nesota. We wanted it to continue to be
preserved and by donating it to Parks
& Trails we thought it would create the
most beneft, explained Strobel. Not
everything is a Gold Rock Point [a
reference to the landmark area P&TC
helped save at Slit Rock Lighthouse
State Park], sometimes land needs to be
acquired just to prevent an incompat-
ible use like logging or housing.
Land donations like this, where some-
one buys the land to perpetuate P&TCs
mission are rare and greatly appreciated
by everyone involved with the organiza-
tion. While we are never surprised by
the Strobels generosity, we dont take it
for granted either, said P&TC executive
director Brett Feldman. P&TC plans to
hold this land in trust until such time it
can be transferred to the DNR.
Tis is hardly the frst contribution Mark
and Joan Strobel have made to P&TC.
Teir conservation eforts are entwined
with P&TC. In fact, Mark credits the
founders of P&TC with his knowledge in
successfully acquiring land for parks.
He stumbled upon the organization in
the 1980s when he wrote to the state
parks director Don Davison, wondering
why the highest waterfall in Minnesota
was not part of the state park system.
Davison told Strobel he wasnt the frst to
ask this question, but if he wanted to get
involved in tackling it, go see the Parks
& Trails Council. Strobel did and soon
thereafter spearheaded P&TCs campaign
to create Grand Portage State Park where
the waterfall is now protected.
Maria Ostmans story is nicely told in the
July/Aug 2011 edition of Conservation
Minnesota. Read the story and watch
video interviews at http://www.dnr.state.
mn.us/volunteer/julaug11/backwoods_
manor.html
Strobels land donation at Tettegouche
continued from page 1
project site
4 acres
TETTEGOUCHE
STATE PARK
FACILITIES AND
FEATURES
23 miles of hiking trails with
numerous scenic overlooks,
including a self-guided
interpretive trail to Shovel
Point
34 semi-modern campsites
(flush toilets and showers)
13 cart-in campsites
Five picnic areasBaptism
River, Nipisquit Lake, Bean
Lake, Tettegouche Camp and
Trailhead
Class I Wayside Rest Area at
Baptism River
Trout and salmon fishing in
both the Baptism River and
Lake Superior
Northern pike and walleye
fishing in four inland lakes
(access by foot trail only)
Four waterfalls on the Baptism
River, including Minnesotas
highest waterfall
12 miles of designated ski trails
The parks main winter attractions
are skiing, snowshoeing, hiking,
camping and snowmobiling.
Snowmobiles may unload in the wayside
rest parking lots. Trails from there allow
the snowmobilers to go to Finland, Silver
Bay and the North Shore State Trail.
1400
1400
14
0
0
1200
1200
1400
1400
1400
1400
14
0
0
1
2
0
0
1
0
0
0
1
4
0
0
14
0
0
1000
1
2
0
0
1
0
0
0
800
8
0
0
61
61
61
31
1
1
27e
Lax Lake R
oad
31
2.9 k
4.6 k
Trailhead
to Finland &
North Shore
State Trail to Finland
Tettegouche Camp
FINLAND
STATE
FOREST
FINLAND
STATE FOREST
T
e
tte
g
o
u
c
h
e
Tra
il
Sawtooth
Trail
Sawtooth Trail
R
ed
Dot Trail
Red Dot Trail
R
e
d
D
o
t
T
ra
il
R
e
d
D
o
t T
r.
to
North
Shore
State
Trail
S
a
w
to
o
th
T
ra
il
Northwoods
Ski Trail
System
to
Mt.
Baldy
to
Floating
Bog Bay
to
Palisade
Valley
Overlook
to
main
trailhead
3.4 miles
T
e
tte
g
o
u
c
h
e
T
ra
il
B
a
p
tism
R
iv
e
r
Lax Lake
Nipisiquit Lk.
P
alisade
Creek
Tettegouche
Lake
Mic Mac Lake
M
osquito Cr.
Palisade
Head
Shovel
Point
Crystal
Bay
Lake
Superior
SILVER
BAY
Bear
Lake
Bean
Lake
C
edar
Creek
Nicado
Lake
ILLGEN
CITY The Cascades
Two Steps
Falls
(no trail
bridge)
High
Falls
(trail
bridge)
Floating
Bog Bay
Cedar
Lake
Lax
Lake
Tettegouche
Lake
Mt. Baldy
Mosquito
Cr.
Papasay
Ridge
Lake
Superior
Eckbeck
Campground
Palisade
Valley
Conservancy
Pines
Raven
Rock
SEE DETAIL
ABOVE
H
K
I
L
C
A
B
D
E
F
G
J
2.6 k
2.4 k
2.2 k
1.4 k
S
u
p
e
rio
r
H
ik
in
g
T
r
a
il
Mt.
Trudee
Mile Post
43 Cr.
N
ic
a
d
o
o
C
r.
Round
Mtn.
Blue Jay
Lodge
(day-use shelter)
Mic
Mac
Lake
Cabin C
Restrooms/
Showers
Cabin D
Cabin A
Cabin B
toilet
Tettegouche
Baptism River
Campground
28
24
25
26e 23
22e
20e
21e
19e
17
18
16
15e
14e
13
10e
12e
11e
9e
5e
3
4e
2e
1e
6
7 8
29
30e
31e
32e 33e
34e
R
iv
e
r
B
a
p
t
is
m
Restroom/
Shower
Walk-in Sites
(23,24,25)
Road to
Trailhead &
Park
Entrance
Walk-in
Sites
(6,7,8)
toilet
toilet
Service Road
to Lax Lake
Entrance
1.5 miles
Trailhead
Parking for
Tettegouche
Camp
TRAILS
Trail Junctions
Superior Hiking Trail
(Hiking/Snowshoe)
Snowmobile
ATV/Snowmobile
Hiking/Cross-Country Ski
easy
more difficult
most difficult
Hiking/Snowshoe
Self-guided Interpretive
(Hiking/Snowshoe)
Lake Superior Water Trail
(Kayak)
FACILITIES
Information/Office
Highway Rest Area
Picnic Area
Parking
Overlook
Waterfall
Campground
Backpack Campsites
Boat Ramp
Carry-in Access (kayak)
Kayak Campsite
Cart-in Campground
Rental Cabin
Primitive Group Camp
Private Property
Public Use Prohibited
(except on designated trails)
State Park Lands Open to Hunting
A
Underlined site numbers
are RESERVABLE
LOOKING FOR MORE INFORMATION ?
The DNR has mapped the state showing federal,
state and county lands with their recreational
facilities.
Public Recreation Information Maps (PRIM) are
available for purchase fromthe DNR gift shop, DNR
regional offices, Minnesota state parks and major
sporting and map stores.
Check it out - you'll be glad you did.
Because lands exist within the boundaries of this park that are not under
the jurisdiction of the D.N.R., check with the park manager if you plan to
use facilities such as trails and roads other than those shown.
Kilometers
Miles
1.0 0.5
0
0
0.5 1.0
NORTH
1/2010 by State of Minnesota,
Department of Natural Resources
NORTH
SEE DETAIL BELOW
and back of this sheet
S
u
p
e
rio
r
Lake
W
a
t
e
r
T
ra
il
Illgen
Falls
Cabin
ILLG1
State Park
Land Open
to Hunting
State Park
Land Open
to Hunting
Park Entrance
Road to
Campground
& Trailhead
Lake
Superior
Baptism
River
Highway Rest Area
and State Park
Entrance
Joan and Mark Strobel
Thank you to our corporate & business sponsors
www.midwestmtn.com
Minnesota
TRAILS
A Parks & Trails Journal / MnTrails.com
www.mntrails.com
P&TC Land Committee
Opportunity
Te Land Committee oversees the
selection and successful completion
of land acquisition projects for
P&TC, which has added nearly
11,000 acres to parks and trails in
Minnesota since 1954.
P&TC is currently seeking pro-bono
real estate attorneys willing to pro-
vide legal counsel on land projects.
To learn more, contact
Brett Feldman, executive director
bfeldman@parksandtrails.org
651-726-2457
Summer ( June) 2014 page 10
Although the Bike MN with Parks &
Trails Council event is already full, there
are a few other ways you can be involved
with the event.
Buy a Jersey!
In celebration of the ten years that
David Minge has led the bike event,
we have made this custom bike jersey
that is inspired by Minges infamous
plaid shirts (as seen on the cover of the
Mankato Free Press in 2006). Te jersey
is generously sponsored by Eriks Bike
Shop.
Buy a jersey from our homepage
www.parksandtrails.org.
Volunteers Needed
Each year we rely on volunteers to help
make Bike MN possible. Tis years
event will be based at Jay Cooke State
Park near Duluth and we are looking for
volunteers.
Volunteer roles range from setting up
signs to coordinating rest stops. Plus
volunteers get discounts on the bike ride
registration and special spots reserved. A
full list of opportunities is online at
www.parksandtrails.org/bikeMN2014.
Tere are a few other events where
P&TC needs volunteers, such as tabling
at the Midwest Mountaineering Out-
door Expo and the State Fair.
If you are interested in any of these
volunteer opportunities please contact
Lisa Filter
lflter@parksandtrails.org,
P&TC Event Updates
Bike MN registration full, but still more ways to be involved
Magney Mingle & Discover:
State Park Rustic Architecture
Turs. Aug. 7 | 4:30 - 7pm
Wayzata, MN
Mingle and discover the picturesque log
and stone buildings that give our parks
their unique identity with a presentation
tour from Rolf Anderson that delves into
the philosophy and unique conditions
that gave rise to these iconic designs.
Rolf Anderson is an architectural histo-
rian who prepared National Register of
Historic Places Nominations for 22 state
parks in Minnesota. We will be hosted at
the famously designed Phillip Johnson
House on Lake Minnetonka, where the
outside is designed to feel inside.
Magney Mingle & Discover:
Bouldering at Banning
Sat. Sept. 13 | Time TBD
Banning State Park
Take a tour of the majestic land that was
recently saved at Banning State Park
through the partnership with the Min-
nesota Climbers Association and P&TC.
Te 108-acre parcel features sandstone
boulders along the scenic Kettle River.
Climbers from the Minnesota Climbers
Association will demonstrate the sport of
bouldering. Opportunities will be ofered
to try the sport yourself, which involves
climbing on a boulder with a cushy pad
positioned underneath, just in case.

Upcoming P&TC Magney Circle Events

Te following events are ofered to Magney Circle members in appreciation for the special dedication they show toward
Parks & Trails Council s mission. Save the date and invitations with RSVP information will be sent closer to the dates.
Named in honor
of Parks &
Trails Council
founder, Judge
C. R. Magney,
the Magney
Circle consists
of members
who help to advance the mission of
P&TC with a generous contribution of
$500 or more each year. Magney Circle
members are invited to special events
during the year. To join, visit
www.parksandtrails.org/join_donate
Summer ( June) 2014 page 11
Former U.S. Rep. Jim Oberstar will be
remembered as one of our states greatest
outdoor recreation champions. He died in
his sleep on May 3, 2014.
Today Minnesota is recognized for hav-
ing one of the nations best trail systems
and many people point to Oberstar,
the son of an underground miner from
northern Minnesota, as the impetus for
this great achievement.
Oberstar served as U.S. Congressman
from 1974 until 2011, making him the
longest serving Congressman in Min-
nesota history. From 2007 to 2011 he was
chairman of the House Transportation
and Infrastructure Committee, allowing
his vision and leadership on transporta-
tion issues, including multi-use trails, to
shine.
As an avid biker he had a personal under-
standing of the joys of biking. In the frst
summer of his retirement he said he was
logging more than 1,400 miles on bike.
During a press conference that he held
after his 2010 electoral defeat, he listed
the Gitchi-Gami State Trail as among his
proudest achievements for the 8th district
he represented.
Parks & Trails Council greatly appreci-
ated Oberstars support for trails. He
participated in several P&TC events
throughout the years and could be
counted on as a strong advocate for the
work we do.
He was a man of many talents whose
trailblazing on many issues will continue
to inspire leaders for years. Today, and for
generations to come, we all beneft from
his commitment to trails.
In Memoriam
Jim Oberstar, a giant among
trailblazers
Jim Oberstar at P&TC Annual Dinner
jJim Oberstar biking during
Te DNR is partnering with several
organizations to host a Water Trails
Tourism Summit - an interactive and
educational gathering of communities,
businesses, and user groups. Tis frst-ev-
er event will focus on how paddlesports
can increase outdoor tourism, foster eco-
nomic development, build community,
and provide a better quality of life.
Learn how to make your community
paddle friendly, engage local paddling
clubs to organize and promote Water
Trail events and stewardship, and more.
Updated information and a link to the
registration will be posted on Parks &
Trails Council website by Aug. 1, 2014.
Every spring the Parks & Trails
Council of Minnesota is amazed by
the generosity of 3M and its current
and former employees who contribute
to the 3M Environmental Match
program. Te outpouring of support
has made a tremendous impact on
the Parks & Trails Councils ability to
acquire, protect and enhance critical
land for the publics use and beneft.
Tis year, 68 individuals donated
through the 3M campaign for a total
of $15,220, which was all matched by
3M, bringing the total to $30,440.
Tank you to everyone who was a
part of this campaign, including past
P&TC president Tim Farrell who
dedicated time and resources to help
make this successful.
Workplace Giving
3M Match Raises $30,440 for P&TC
Parks & Trails Council of Minnesota
is a proud member of the Minnesota
Environmental Fund, a workplace
giving option comprised of 23
environmental nonprofts working
to protect, conserve and restore
Minnesotas environment.
Visit the website to see if you can
donate through your workplace or to
fnd out how to add your workplace
to the program.
WWW.MNENVIROFUND.ORG
Special Places is
published three times a year by the
Parks & Trails Council of Minnesota
Lisa Filter, editor
Parks & Trails Council of MN
275 E. 4th St., Suite #250
St. Paul, MN 55101-1626
(651) 726-2457 or (800) 944-0707
www.parksandtrails.org
Non-Proft Org
U.S. Postage
PAID
Twin Cities, MN
Permit #4936
Board of Directors
Executive Committee
Mike Tegeder, President
Julie Gugin, Vice President
Robert O. Erickson, Treasurer
Timothy Eschweiler, Secretary
Kathy Bonnifeld, Director at large
Andrew Brantingham, Director at large
Mark Larson, Director at large
Tom Pavey, Director at large
Directors
Dorothy Anderson, Ph.D.
Richard Dick Brainerd
Kathy Connelly
Gary Connett
Anne Flueckiger
Vernica Jaralambides
Bruce Johnson
Paul Karazija, M.D.
Emily Nesvold
John Oldendorf
Tom Stoa
Honorary Directors
Rollis Bishop
Sen. David Durenberger
Tomas T. Dwight
Martin Kellogg
David Minge
Mike Prichard
Peter Seed
Staff & Consultants
Joe Bagnoli
Government Relations Consultant
Vicki Dunlop
Database Administrator
Brett Feldman
Executive Director
Lisa Filter
External Relations Director
Beth Hynes
Database Administrator
Jess Mann
Administrative Assistant
Andrew Oftedal
Research & Policy Specialist
Sarah Psick
Government Relations Consultant
Steve Young
Land Acquisition Consultant
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