Outdoor recreation opportunities were big winners in 2011

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Minnesota’s natural resources and outdoor recreation opportunities were big winners in 2011
(Released January 5, 2012)

Minnesotans across the state benefitted from the creation of several exciting new outdoor recreation opportunities in 2011 and the ongoing protection of the state’s waters, forests and other natural resources, according to the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR).

“From fighting forest fires to helping stop the spread of aquatic invasive species, we were focused on protecting and improving Minnesota’s natural resources,” said DNR Commissioner Tom Landwehr. “We also created some new and unforgettable outdoor opportunities, whether you’re a hunter, mountain biker or waterfowler.”

Here are some highlights of the work DNR did in 2011.

Aquatic invasive species prevention a high priority
In May, Gov. Mark Dayton signed legislation aimed at strengthening Minnesota’s aquatic invasive species prevention efforts. The law came after a year-long effort by the DNR to gather input and support from stakeholders, including lake associations, cabin owners, angler and conservation groups, and local units of government.

In addition to doubling the DNR’s aquatic invasive species budget, the law bolstered the DNR’s ability to conduct watercraft inspections and decontamination; implement enforcement check stations; accelerate the hiring of new inspectors; require lake service providers to acquire training and permits; and enforce stronger rules prohibiting the transportation of invasive species.

During the summer, the DNR developed rapid-response actions for two small-scale zebra mussel infestations. The agency’s Enforcement Division more than doubled the hours spend on enforcing aquatic invasive species laws, and those duties are now included in the division’s core responsibilities.

The DNR also collaborated with an Asian Carp Task Force to develop an Asian carp action plan, which was adopted and promoted by Gov. Mark Dayton. The goal of the plan is to prevent the movement of Asian carp up the Mississippi River, particularly north of Minneapolis, and in the St. Croix River, while continuing to understand the distribution and movement of the fish.

With other government and conservation partners, the DNR conducted extensive eDNA testing for carp and netting operations in search of live fish. No Asian carp were caught in those operations.

Creation of La Salle Lake State Recreation Area
A 1,000-acre parcel in Hubbard County was acquired Oct. 27 by the DNR and opened as the La Salle Lake State Recreation Area. This area, with the 233-acre pristine La Salle Lake as a centerpiece, was identified as an area of high biodiversity significance that presents an opportunity to provide unique outdoor activities in conjunction with nearby Itasca State Park.

Crews fought Pagami Creek and Juneberry wildfires
Division of Forestry personnel and equipment played crucial roles in fighting two historically large and fast-moving wildfires that occurred in the fall of 2011. The Pagami Creek fire in the Superior National Forest had a single-day growth of nearly 100 square miles; the fire ended after consuming 93,000 acres. The Juneberry Fire, near Greenbush, burned more than 30,000 acres in three days.

Minerals revenue sets record
Mineral revenue to state coffers for fiscal year 2011 set a single-year record of $35,502,427. Taconite and iron ore royalty and rentals accounted for $34,019,491. Mineral revenue was 13 percent higher than the previous record and is expected to climb to more than $40 million in fiscal year 2012. Also, five mineral leases were issued for mining natural iron ore tailings that were stockpiled more than 70 years ago, making it the first year mineral royalties were received from iron ore tailings. The tailings royalties should total more than $800,000 for 2011.

Mobile applications for the outdoors
The DNR developed and released three mobile applications called Lake Finder, Water Access Site Locator, and Fall Colors. They provide information on water quality and fish species abundance in lakes, aids for driving to public water access sites and daily updates on peak fall color viewing. These applications recognize the demand for on-the-go information in hand-held devices. Response has been very positive, with thousands of app downloads and page views logged. They position the DNR well to engage with the next generation of outdoor enthusiasts.

New mountain biking trail
The Division of Parks and Trails opened a 25-mile single-track mountain bike system at Cuyuna Lakes State Recreation Area in north-central Minnesota. The system, spread across 800 acres, has more than 30 routes to choose from, from beginning level to double-black diamond. The trails wind through birch and aspen forest with views of turquoise-tinted former mine lakes. The trail system is located in northeastern Minnesota, two hours north of the Twin Cities, near Crosby and Ironton. The trail system’s reputation is expected to increase tourism to the area.

Rapid recovery after July wind storms struck St. Croix Valley

After two July storms devastated state forests and recreation areas in the upper St. Croix River Valley, DNR staff responded quickly to reopen roads, trails and St. Croix State Park. Forty forestry staff from around the state moved quickly to appraise and bring to market damaged timber. Since the storms, the DNR has sold 180,000 cords of salvaged timber for $2.3 million, while another 45,000 cords will be sold and recovered during the next 18 months, starting in 2012.

St. Croix State Park opened for day use in September, just six weeks after the first storm on July 1. All the park’s campgrounds and sites were cleared of trees by December. Of the park’s 127 miles of roads and trails, only one mile of hiking trail had yet to be cleared by the end of 2011

Walk-In Access (WIA) program unveiled
The new federally funded pilot Walk-In Access (WIA) program began with 89 private landowners enrolling 9,117 acres across 17 counties in southwestern Minnesota. By providing incentives to landowners to open their lands to the public, the WIA program offers hunting and wildlife viewing access similar to programs in the Dakotas. Nearly 75 percent of the landowners signed contracts for two or three years. The program targets land already enrolled in a state or federal conservation program. The WIA payment helps enrollees bridge economic gaps to keep land in conservation programs.

Waterfowl season changes
The DNR convened a group of 15 dedicated duck hunters to provide input into waterfowl regulations. The first-ever waterfowl hunting focus group helped the agency shape new regulations and provide valuable insights in habitat, season structures and hunter recruitment. Their input was instrumental to restructuring the state’s season framework into zones, changing shooting hours on opening day and liberalizing bag limits for some species. The changes are intended to rebuild interest in waterfowl hunting after years of decline in hunter numbers.

Other accomplishments
In 2011, the DNR also: opened of Big Bog Visitor Center at Big Bog State Recreation Area near Waskish; completed a 25-year Park and Trail Legacy Plan; purchased a 7,000-acres “working forest” easement from Potlatch; helped the state achieve TB-free status for in northwestern Minnesota and tested hundreds of deer for chronic wasting disease in southeastern Minnesota; achieved dual-party certification for state forest lands; and protected roughly a mile of shoreline on Lantern Bay on Woman Lake..