DNR news releases for Feb. 16, 2012

Minnesota Department of Natural Resources header

MINNESOTA DNR NEWS #11 FEBRUARY 16, 2012
All releases are available in the DNR's website newsroom at www.mndnr.gov/news.

IN THIS ISSUE
Brown's Creek State Trail on track for paving now that purchase agreement is signed
DNR seeks input on three proposed hunting regulations changes
DNR seeking comments on Hardwood Hills Subsection Forest Resource
Management Plan
DNR officer honored by the Minnesota Wildlife Society
Dudley named 2011 DNR Snowmobile Safety Instructor of the Year

DNR NEWS – FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE FEBRUARY 16, 2012
Media contacts: Patricia Arndt, Parks and Trails Division communications and outreach manager, 651-259-5578; Amy Barrett, Parks and Trails public information officer, 651-259-5582.

Brown's Creek State Trail on track for paving
now that purchase agreement is signed

An estimated 75,000 people annually might travel on foot or bicycle to and from downtown Stillwater and the St. Croix National Scenic Riverway in the near future along the 5.9-mile Brown's Creek State Trail corridor that the state of Minnesota acquired Feb. 16 from David Paradeau. He operated the Minnesota Zephyr dinner train along the route until 2008.

Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) officials signed the purchase agreement at the Washington County Government Center in Stillwater today, after obtaining the exclusive right to purchase the property in 2010.

"We really can't overstate the importance of this addition to our state trail system," said Courtland Nelson, director of the DNR's Parks and Trails Division. "We anticipate that the Brown's Creek State Trail will be extremely popular with residents and tourists alike. We're particularly grateful to Washington County for jumping on board with us to make this recreational trail a reality. This large acquisition was made possible with their support and with funding from two other important sources – the Environmental Trust Fund and the state's Clean Water, Land and Legacy Amendment."

Seeing the long-term potential for this recreational facility, Washington County committed $1 million from its 2006 open space referendum funds toward the $4.25 million purchase early in the negotiations process. DNR funding included $2.15 million from the Environmental and Natural Resources Trust Fund, administered by the Legislative-Citizens Commission on Minnesota Resources (LCCMR), and $1.1 million from the DNR's Parks and Trails Fund, which receives 14.25 percent of the Legacy Amendment sales tax revenue. The nonprofit Gateway Trail Association (now renamed the Gateway-Brown's Creek Trail Association), a strong advocate for the new trail, also contributed $1,000.

Given its proximity to the Twin Cities, with a population of 3.5 million people, the trail's impact could be considerable. In 2008, recreational trail users contributed $2.4 billion in total spending and $206 million in state and local taxes, and accounted for 31,000 jobs in Minnesota.

"There's no doubt this trail will be an asset to area businesses," said Washington County Commissioner Gary Kriesel, "and it's going to be a wonderful trail for the citizens. It will provide a strategic link to connect other trails in the area to a trail that ultimately will go all the way along the river to Hastings. We have a wide variety of bike-friendly shops and restaurants that will be eager to welcome trail users."

Planning for the trail is well underway. Two public open houses were held at the Stillwater Public Library last fall. Comments on the draft master plan were accepted until Jan. 6.

The master plan will soon be completed and signed by DNR Commissioner Tom Landwehr. The specific timeline for construction will depend on funding and coordination with local partners, but the DNR anticipates the following will occur this year:

Removal of rails and their supporting ties.
Redevelopment of a bridge over St. Croix Trail/State Highway 95.
Beginning of trail paving, starting at Laurel Street East/Stillwater Depot.

The deal that culminated with the signed purchase agreement has been years in the making. Paradeau approached the DNR in 2006 about purchasing the rail corridor. In 2007, the Minnesota Legislature authorized the Brown's Creek State Trail as part of the Willard Munger State Trail system, which includes the Gateway State Trail in east-central Minnesota. Like the Gateway State Trail, state statute dictates that the Brown's Creek State Trail will be developed primarily for hiking and non-motorized riding.

"We've been working diligently to purchase the Brown's Creek corridor for some time now," said Nelson. "State trails often have to be acquired one small parcel at a time, so we're excited about being able to purchase this entire 5.9-mile trail segment from a single landowner all at once. It is very rewarding to have completed this long-awaited transaction today. We expect the economic benefit of this trail to be significant in the years to come."

The 18-mile Gateway State Trail, paved from St. Paul to Pine Point Regional Park north of Stillwater, is part of an award-winning statewide trail system that includes more than 600 paved miles, and expands by approximately 10 new paved miles each year. The combination of this extensive, high-quality, family-friendly state trail system and all of the other state, regional and local trails earned Minnesota the distinction of being named the Best Trails State in the country by American Trails in 2010.

"It's been an emotional few years, but it is rewarding that the corridor will end up in public hands in perpetuity," Paradeau said. "The level grade of this former railroad route will make the trail very accessible, and its connections to the state, regional and local trail systems will make Stillwater a more popular destination than ever."

The Brown's Creek State Trail will pass through stretches of scenic woods, along a designated trout stream and past historic sites. Ultimately, it may also connect to a future trail system linking Minnesota and Wisconsin as part of the proposed St. Croix River Crossing.

To see a map and photos of the route to be developed for the Brown's Creek State Trail, visit www.mndnr.gov (www.dnr.state.mn.us/input/mgmtplans/trails/browns_creek.html).
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NOTES TO MEDIA:

Photos are available at ftp://mediaroom.dnr.state.mn.us in folder named Brown's Creek Trail images 02-16-12.

More information about the Clean Water, Land and Legacy Amendment is available at www.dnr.state.mn.us/legacy/index.html. More information about the Legislative-Citizens Commission on Minnesota Resources is available at www.commissions.leg.state.mn.us/lcmr/.

DNR NEWS – FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE FEBRUARY 16, 2012
Media contact: Steve Merchant, DNR wildlife population and regulation program manager, 651-259-5220>

DNR seeks input on three proposed hunting regulations changes

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) will seek citizen input on three hunting and trapping issues at a series of public meetings this winter.

The DNR is seeking input on the following proposals:

Requiring non-toxic shot for rail and snipe hunting.
Adding a third waterfowl zone in southern Minnesota.
Allowing snaring to begin earlier on private property in the farmland zone.

Meetings will be from 7-9 p.m. on the following dates:

Tuesday, Feb. 23,Tandeski Center, 1200 Storr's Pond Road, Winona.
Tuesday, Feb. 28, Highland Middle School, 801 Central Ave. N., Crookston.
Thursday, March 8, Nicollet Conservation Club, 46045 471st Lane, Nicollet.
Thursday, March 8, Mille Lacs Energy, 36559 U.S. Highway 169, Aitkin.
Thursday, March 15, DNR Headquarters, 500 Lafayette Road, St. Paul.

If the Minnesota Legislature approves and the governor signs a bill authorizing a wolf hunting and trapping season, a separate public input process will be conducted.

The DNR regularly conducts public meetings across the state to gauge hunter and trapper opinions about regulations, seasons and other wildlife management issues. Those who cannot attend a meeting are urged to complete a questionnaire online at www.mndnr.gov/hunting starting Feb. 23.

Comments are also welcome via email at wildlife.dnr@state.mn.us. Written comments may be addressed to: Season comments, DNR Section of Wildlife, 500 Lafayette Road, St. Paul, MN 55155-4007.
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DNR NEWS – FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE FEBRUARY 16, 2012
Media contact: Pat Matuseski, forest planner, DNR Forestry Division, 218-308-2381.

DNR seeking comments on Hardwood Hills
Subsection Forest Resource Management Plan

A draft of the Hardwood Hills Subsection Forest Resource Management Plan (SFRMP) is now open for public comment until 4:30 p.m. March 17, according to the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR).

The draft Hardwood Hills SFRMP outlines the planning process, forest vegetation management goals and directions, and implementation strategies and stand selection criteria used to identify the forest stands to be field evaluated by DNR staff and possibly treated over the next 10-year period, 2011 through 2020. Appendix D of the plan contains the 10-year stand exam list, which includes 210 stands totaling 3,787 acres that are being considered for site visits and possible treatment over the next 10 years.

"The focus of the public review is to seek comments on the draft plan, including individual forest stands on the 10-year stand exam list," said Pat Matuseski, forest planner, DNR Forestry Division.

Stands on the list have received a preliminary prescription (i.e., final harvest, thin, site visit to determine management or re-inventory) based on the directions as stated in the draft Hardwood Hills SFRMP. Once the stands are field evaluated, final treatments will be assigned. Based on past experience, not all stands identified on the stand exam list result in a timber sale and harvest.

The draft Hardwood Hills SFRMP is available online at: www.dnr.state.mn.us/forestry/subsection/hardwoodhills/index.html.

Individual forest stands on the 10-year stand exam list can be viewed on ForestView at: www.dnr.state.mn.us/maps/forestview/index.html.

Paper copies may be requested from the DNR at the address below.

Comments on the draft Hardwood Hills SFRMP or individual forest stands may be submitted to: Pat Matuseski, DNR Forestry Division, 2115 Birchmont Beach Road N.E., Bemidji, MN 56601; phone: 218-308-2381; fax: 218-755-4417; or email pat.matuseski@state.mn.us.

All written comments received will be considered with responses prepared. Comments and responses will be included in the Final Hardwood Hills SFRMP scheduled for adoption by the DNR in April.

The Hardwood Hills is an ecological subsection in central Minnesota that includes approximately 46,000 acres of state forestlands administered by the DNR Division of Forestry and Section of Wildlife. The Hardwood Hills subsection covers approximately 3.5 million acres in an area from near Clearbrook in the northeast to near Mentor in the northwest, and from near Paynesville in the southwest to near Clearwater in the southeast.

The draft Hardwood Hills SFRMP takes into consideration a broad range of factors that affect forest management including: increasing forest health and productivity, managing vegetation for rare species and habitat, balancing timber age classes over time, identifying stands to be managed as older forest to accommodate diverse wildlife and ecological resources, and limiting impacts to cultural, visual and water resources – all balanced to provide sustainable forest resources. Sustainable forest management is the underlying goal of the SFRMP planning process.

The DNR prepares management plans consistent with ecological subsection boundaries to ensure that ecological characteristics are considered as forestry management is implemented. The Hardwood Hills SFRMP is one of nine planning areas in the state for which the DNR has prepared a subsection plan.
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DNR NEWS - FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE FEBRUARY 16, 2012
Media contact: Rich Sprouse, public information officer, DNR Enforcement, 800-366-8917,
ext. 2511.

DNR officer honored by the Minnesota Wildlife Society

Solving a high-profile poaching case involving a record 8-point buck. Responding to major floods in Minnesota and North Dakota. Being among the first responders following the 35W bridge collapse.

These are just a few of the activities that led the Minnesota Chapter of the Wildlife Society to recently name Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) conservation officer Tyler Quandt of Red Wing as their 2011 Law Enforcement Officer of the Year.

"Whether it's been a natural disaster, poaching incident or bridge collapse, these types of response efforts require a real desire to step out of your comfort zone to help others in need or to protect our natural resources," said 1st Lt. Dean Olson, Rochester area enforcement supervisor. "Officer Quandt is always one of the first to respond."

Quandt has managed to make many life-saving rescues since joining the DNR in 1991.

"Consistent, dependable and a good partner to work with." Olson said. "Those are the comments from emergency first-responders that work with him."

Those attributes are also reflected in Quandt's reputation among conservation officers while serving as a primary field training officer for many years, passing along his knowledge, skills and positive attitude for others to model.

"He develops confidence in each new conservation officer through demonstration and encouragement as a highly respected trainer," said Olson. "He is a model officer in every way and someone to emulate."

Quandt's other honors include 2007 DNR Boat and Water Safety Officer of the Year, 2009 National Wild Turkey Federation Officer of the Year, and 2009 DNR Enforcement Education Officer of the Year.

The professional accolades and respect also mirror Quandt's community involvement, particularly on two projects.

The first project was a massive undertaking that Quandt carried solely on his shoulders. It included working with the Army Corps of Engineers, the DNR, the city of Red Wing and a
nonprofit group. The result was a large fishing pier used by anglers, sightseers and walkers year-round. The pier also provides a great opportunity for eagle watching.

The second project speaks volumes of Quandt's connection to the city of Red Wing. With his family and a small core group of volunteers, $520,000 was raised within one year for a playground specifically designed for special needs children.

"Officer Quandt is worthy of this prestigious award from the Minnesota Chapter of the Wildlife Society," Olson said. "He is simply one of the best conservation officers Minnesota has to offer."

Quandt said he's proud to receive the award and thanked the many people he's worked with during his career. "I have always appreciated working with all of the other wildlife professionals within and outside the DNR over my career," Quandt said. "The people who make up the Wildlife Society are a very dedicated and talented group of people. It is a great honor to be recognized by them."
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NOTE TO MEDIA: Image available at ftp://mediaroom.dnr.state.mn.us in folder named Wildlife Society Officer of the Year 02-16-12.

PHOTO CAPTION: (L-R) CO Tyler Quandt of Red Wing is named the Minnesota Chapter of the Wildlife Society's Law Enforcement Officer of the Year by the chapter's out-going president, Mike Larson.

DNR NEWS - FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE FEBRUARY 16, 2012
Media contact: Capt. Mike Hammer, Education Program coordinator, DNR Enforcement Division, 800-366-8917, ext. 2504.

Dudley named 2011 DNR Snowmobile Safety Instructor of the Year

A Lake City man who has helped more than 600 students earn their snowmobile safety certificate has been named the 2011 Snowmobile Safety Instructor of the Year by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR).

Wayne Dudley, a DNR certified snowmobile safety instructor since 1986, was presented the award Feb. 11 at the Minnesota United Snowmobile Association (MnUSA) Winter Rendezvous
in Fairmont, Minn.

"Wayne is a fine example of an outstanding snowmobiler, promoting safety and the sport of snowmobiling," said Capt. Mike Hammer, DNR Enforcement Education Program coordinator. "Safe operation is crucial to a great snowmobiling experience."

Dudley has been active in the Cliff and Coulee Climbers Snowmobile Club for nearly 34 years, including a term as club president, as well as serving as a regional director for MnUSA.

Hammer said the DNR Enforcement Education/Safety Section is thankful to the thousands of volunteers like Dudley who step up and deliver DNR safety programs to youth in their local communities.

In Minnesota, anyone born after Dec. 31, 1976, must have a snowmobile safety certificate to operate a snowmobile. Children under 12 may drive snowmobiles on public lands, public waters, or grant-in-aid trails if accompanied by an adult. Youth ages 12-13 may drive snowmobiles on public lands or waters if accompanied by an adult or in possession of a valid snowmobile safety certificate. People ages 14-18 may drive a snowmobile across state or county roads if in possession of a snowmobile safety certificate, driver's license or ID card with a valid snowmobile indicator.

For safety training information or a copy of the DNR's 2011-2012 Minnesota Snowmobile Safety Laws, Rules, and Regulations handbook, call the DNR information Center at 651-296-6157 or toll-free 888-646-6367.
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NOTE TO MEDIA: Image available at ftp://mediaroom.dnr.state.mn.us in folder named Snowmobile safety instructor of the Year 02-16-12.

PHOTO CAPTION: (L-R) DNR Commissioner Tom Landwehr with Wayne Dudley of Lake City, the 2011 DNR Snowmobile Safety Instructor of the Year.

Minnesota Department of Natural Resources
info.dnr@state.mn.us

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