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April Legislative Update

Minnesota is more than halfway through the 2022 legislative session. This year’s session is a bonding year, as the state’s biennial budget for FY2022-23 was established last year. With the projected general fund surplus, however, Gov. Walz has proposed significant additional one-time investments in the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and the work of the Parks and Trails Division, including new funding to support public water accesses, state park roads and trails, native plant restoration in state parks and public land acquisition. In addition to the general fund supplemental budget request, Gov. Walz also proposed $221.4 million in bonding  for the DNR.

All of these proposals, plus many other initiatives and ideas, have been under consideration at the legislature. Committees in the House and Senate have been meeting since January and DNR staff have testified and provided technical information on many topics. We have tracked, reviewed, and commented on more than 130 bills, keeping an eye out for issues that may affect PAT. We are now at the point in the session where many proposals have been incorporated into larger, omnibus bills. As is often the case, the House and Senate each have their own priorities in their respective omnibus bills. Here are a few omnibus bills that DNR is watching closely:

• Omnibus Environment and Natural Resources Bill (HF4492/SF4062)
  • The House version includes some, but not all of the governor’s request, as well as an initiative to increase Lottery-in-Lieu (LIL) funding that goes to the natural resources fund, which would increase revenue to PAT’s LIL accounts.
  • The Senate version does not include any of the governor’s fiscal items, but does include the governor’s policy proposals.
• Omnibus Legacy Bill (HF3438/SF3701)
  • The House version includes some additional Parks and Trails Legacy funding in FY23 due to increases in sales tax revenues.
• Omnibus Climate and Energy Bill (HF3337)
  • This includes $4.1 million in funding for electric-vehicle charging stations in state parks.
• LCCMR/Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund Bill (HF3765)
  • This includes several LCCMR recommended projects for Parks and Trails.
• Omnibus Bonding Bill
  • SF4413 is currently the language of the Governor’s bonding request in the Senate.
  • The Senate and House Capital Investment committees will (likely) be sharing their bonding bills later in the session.

Importantly, there are still several weeks left in the legislative session, which ends May 23, 2022. Changes often occur all the way up to the end. Predicting the outcome at this point is like guessing next year’s ice out in July, i.e., a wild guess – so stay tuned!

Interpretive Naturalist Meeting

In early April, PAT naturalists participated in a statewide meeting that included informational sessions on topics such as nontoxic ammunition, forest bathing, and an introduction to Somali culture. Kristine Hiller, Interpretive Naturalist at Jay Cooke State Park, presented a toolkit she developed to evaluate interpretive exhibits through an inclusive lens.  That inclusive lens considers how to integrate diversity, equity, accessibility and inclusion (DEAI) into the interpretation presented to visitors.  The toolkit is divided into inclusive design elements such as installation, using non-English languages, word choices, storytelling and choosing visual media.  Each section has best practices, examples, evaluation questions and resources. 

Inclusive interpretation allows our diverse visitors to become part of the story, to create their own experience and reaffirms that they are welcome to be there.  Some overall best practices in integrating DEAI into our work:

• Welcome everyone – all visitors should have an equal opportunity to engage at your site safely, easily and with dignity.
• Make inclusion everyone's job – all staff should understand how they contribute to making an inclusive experience at their work site.
• Integrate DEAI at the beginning of your project, not as an afterthought once you've begun.
• Understand that your perspective is not the only one nor is it the most important. Be open to the experiences of other people and provide space to tell their story.

New Supervisory Staff

Below are brief introductions to eight new supervisors with the PAT Division. A warm welcome to all! Each was asked the questions “what makes you most excited about starting a new job with Parks and Trails?”  We are looking forward to many years together of connecting people with the outdoors while conserving and protecting Minnesota’s state parks and trails.

Heather Broughten, Operations Supervisor, Lake Vermilion Soudan Underground Mine

I am excited by my new position at parks and trails and its diverse opportunities. I look forward to involvement with future development of the park which includes identifying and developing more recreational opportunities and visitor programs. Also, I’m interested in protecting and educating visitors on natural resources, especially the historic nature of the mine and its operations in Minnesota. Both underground and above ground tours feature geological formations, like the 2.7-billion-year-old Soudan iron formation.

Heather began her new position on Feb. 10. Prior to joining the DNR, she worked for the U.S. Forest Service (USFS) starting in 2010, and was stationed at the Superior and Chippewa National Forests. During her time with the USFS, she worked as a wilderness ranger and in the areas of reforestation, recreation, fire, and timber. Her husband currently works for the DNR Enforcement Division. They have a daughter named Ellie, age 4. Heather’s hobbies are hunting, fishing, hiking and camping.

Shannon Bungart, Assistant Park Supervisor, Lake Bemidji State Park

I’m excited for the opportunities and challenges that will come with being the Assistant Park Manager at Lake Bemidji State Park! It has been my dream to work in a career that lets me enjoy outdoor recreation, as well as have a hand in the management and sustainability of our natural resources. Recently relocating from Florida, I’m mesmerized by Minnesota! The snow was beautiful, and I can’t wait to try the “hot dishes” I’ve heard so much about.

Shannon joined Region 1 on Feb. 22. She arrived from Daytona Beach, FL where she worked as a special events coordinator for one of the municipal parks and recreation departments.  Prior to that position, she worked in New Mexico as a park ranger for the Bureau of Land Management and as an autopsy technician for the State of New Mexico. Shannon has a B.S. degree in anthropology from the University of New Mexico and a M.S. degree in forest resources and conservation from the University of Florida. Her daughter, Mercedes, age 5, and her husband will move to Minnesota soon. Shannon’s hobbies include hiking, paddle boarding, kayaking, and scuba diving. She also has a side business that sustainably converts discarded plastics and microplastics into jewelry.

Sonja Davidson, Assistant Park Manager, Afton State Park

I transferred from Frontenac State Park where I was the Assistant Park Manager from June 2020 to Jan. 2022.  I am excited to be at Afton because the park offers a different experience to users than Frontenac, and it’s exciting to interact with the public and be a part of their unforgettable memories.  It is also gratifying to be a part of a group of dedicated staff members who care so much about the park, their colleagues, and the visitors.  We have some of the best jobs in the world and I feel very proud to call myself a Minnesota Park Ranger (in training).

Sonja previously worked in supervisory roles in the animal care industry. She started her career at the DNR as a parks worker at William O’Brien State Park, and over the years has held customer service, office administrative, and NR Supervisor 1 positions. Sonja’s hobbies include camping, beach time, traveling, reading, cooking new recipes, and enjoying a good happy hour.

Katie Hofschulte, Assistant Park Supervisor, Savanna Portage State Park

What I’m most excited about in my new job is to continue growing my knowledge and love of Minnesota’s state parks. I started going to parks as a child with my grandparents and hiked all of the North Shore parks in search of waterfalls. I fell in love with the outdoors then and started at Gooseberry Falls State Park as a natural resources worker in 2010. From high school on, I knew I wanted to work outside.

Katie started her new job on March 2. She most recently has worked as the park specialist at Zippel Bay State Park for many seasons and has been employed with PAT since 2010 in a variety of roles. Katie has a B.S. in natural resources management with an emphasis on parks management from the University of Minnesota, Crookston. She and her husband have three dogs and a cat. Her hobbies include hiking, camping, tubing, and fishing.

Ashley Huinker, Assistant Park Supervisor, Split Rock Lighthouse State Park

I am really excited to be a part of the team that cares for Split Rock Lighthouse State Park. I value natural resources and public lands, and am looking forward to helping create and manage a space where people can connect with our natural resources. I especially look forward to the busy summer when I can get outside patrolling and talking with park visitors. Since the park is opening a new campground, I look forward to the grand opening and the extra responsibilities that come with introducing 46 new electric campsites.

Ashley started with PAT on March 7. She is originally from Waconia, and is happy to return to Minnesota after 10 years away. Previously she worked as a private lands conservationist for Pheasants Forever in eastern Colorado, managing federal Farm Bill projects and helping farmers and ranchers convert cropland into high quality wildlife habitat. Ashley received a M.S. in wildlife conservation from Michigan State University, and a B.S. in Biology from Montana State University. Ashley loves exploring Minnesota's state parks and public lands.

Tim Johnson, Assistant Park Supervisor, Scenic State Park

I am excited about the opportunity to interact with and help park visitors. Throughout my life, positive outdoor experiences provided me with enjoyment, many great memories and knowledge. I look forward to assisting visitors in creating their own lasting memories. I am excited about working with others in the division and helping as much as possible with preservation and development projects that will further enhance the parks. The state’s parks and trails are tremendous assets in teaching people about the environment, outdoor recreation, history, culture, and stewardship of natural resources, so it is great to be part of a team that strives to do all of that. Overall, I am excited to join the DNR and a department where we work to make people happy in an awesome setting.

Tim began his new position on March 2.  Tim served as Executive Director of: Edge of the Wilderness Discovery Center, Marcell Family Center, Edge of the Wilderness Lodging Association and Bigfork Valley Community Foundation. He was also Community Coordinator for both the Edge of the Wilderness National Scenic Byway and the Northern Itasca Joint Powers Board.

He is a Winona State University graduate with a B.A. degree in Mass Communications/Advertising. In his free time Tim enjoys the outdoors, sports, family time, and travel.

Molly McCay, Assistant Park Supervisor, Buffalo River State Park

I’m most excited about helping the public connect with and gain a passion for the outdoors. I appreciate the Division’s passion for protecting the outdoors and making it accessible to Minnesotans and visitors from all over. I think the number one facilitator for preserving and protecting nature is to help the public connect with nature which will build a sense of personal responsibility to preserve natural resources. I am looking forward to an awesome spring/summer season working outside in the park. Above all, I love what the DNR stands for, and I’m very excited to be involved in the Parks and Trails division.

Molly has a B.S. in biology-environmental science from Winona State University. Following graduation, she worked as a park ranger naturalist at Nugget Lake County Park in Pierce County, Wisconsin. She then worked as a naturalist for Baker Outdoor Learning Center for the Three Rivers Park District, while working as a manager for the Eagan Civic Arena. Her hobbies include hiking, rock climbing, backpacking, and time with family and friends. 

Louise Thompson, Assistant Park Supervisor, McCarthy Beach State Park

I am most excited about the opportunity to be a part of an organization that aligns with my values. For example, I am impressed with the culture of respect at the DNR which includes being open and honest, working together and respect for others. It's a unique privilege to contribute to an organization that has a direct daily impact – and a long-term impact -- on both people and natural resources. 

Louise joined the Region 2 team on Feb. 9. Most recently, she was a park specialist at Itasca State Park, and before that, worked on land management projects at the state and federal level. She has a B.A. in psychology from St. Cloud State University and a M.S. in natural resource science management from the University of Minnesota.

Safety message

The National Safety Council decreed April as distracted driving awareness month. Statistics from the Minnesota Department of Public Safety (DPS) show that between 2016 and 2020, distracted driving contributed to an average of 31 deaths and 192 life-changing injuries each year. DPS reports that more than 39,000 crashes were distracted driving-related from 2016-2020, contributing to one in nine crashes in Minnesota.

Distractions of any kind are all potentially deadly. A few of them are visual distractions, like looking away from the road, physical distractions, like taking your hands off the wheel to do something else, cognitive distractions, like being lost in thought, and a combination of all of these like texting while driving. If you text while driving, on average, you take your eyes off the road for up to 4.6 out of every six seconds. That’s like traveling the length of a football field at 55 mph hours without looking up.

These incidents are preventable, and simple common sense will keep drivers safe. Here are some tips from DPS about driving smart:

• Cell phones — Park the phone by putting it down, turning it off, placing it out of reach or going hands-free.
• Music and other controls — Pre-program radio stations and arrange music in an easy-to-access spot. Adjust mirrors and ventilation before traveling.
• Navigation — Map out the destination and enter the GPS route in advance.
• Eating and drinking — Avoid messy foods and secure drinks.
• Children — Teach children the importance of good behavior in a vehicle and model proper driving behavior.
• Passengers — Speak up to stop drivers from distracted driving behavior and offer to help with anything that takes the driver’s attention off the road.