DNR’s interactive map of state water trails makes online debut

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DNR’s interactive map of state water trails makes online debut
(Released April 28, 2011)


The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has released a new online interactive map to help people explore the Minnesota state water trail system, which offers 4,400 miles for canoeing, kayaking, boating and camping along rivers and in Lake Superior.

Interactive map: http://mndnr.gov/watertrails

 
The interactive map includes all 32 designated water trails, in addition to public water accesses and campsites along each route. The map makes it easy to zoom, search, and pan and to find and print information about facilities.

“Minnesota is the state of paddling,” said Mel Baughman, president of the Minnesota Canoe Association. “We are fortunate to have the premier water trails system in the nation. There is a DNR water trail within about an hour of almost anywhere in the state. These new interactive maps will make it easier for paddlers and boaters to plan outings and find new adventures.”

The new digital map format provides paddlers and boaters with an opportunity to create a customized map and to take advantage of the connections between water trails and other public lands, such as state parks, state trails, wildlife management areas, and state forests. DNR still distributes free paper maps as well.

“We were honored to win the 2009 American Trails ‘Winning Website’ national award, and the DNR water trails program continues to improve its online trip-planning features,” said Forrest Boe, deputy director of the DNR Division of Parks and Trails. “Also, we will soon launch an upgrade to the river level reports on our website.”