PATH Newsletter, September 2014, Vol 5 - #7

September 2014
Volume 5 - #7

Inside this issue ...

Director's Corner
Safety Message
What's New
Happenings
From Our Customers
Personnel News

Director
Erika Rivers

Deputy Director

Luke Skinner

Central Office Section Managers
Administrative Services
Linda Notch

Policy, Programs and Planning
Laura Preus

Operations
Peter Hark

Acquisition and Development
Dana Vanderbosch

Communication and Outreach
Pat Arndt

Regional Managers
Region 1
Phil Leversedge (acting)

Region 2
Scott Kelling

Region 3
Jan Shaw Wolff

Region 4
Peter Hark (acting)

PATH Editor - Paul Nordell

PATH is distributed as an internal newsletter sent via e-mail to all staff. Send your news items and comments to: path.newsletter@state.mn.us

Director's Corner

Goodwill Ambassadors: Why do you do what you do?

It’s hard to believe we are already in the final days of summer. My family was blessed, as so many other Minnesotans were, to have spent quite a bit of time on the river, in our state parks, and on our state trails over the summer months. In fact, I am proud to report that since June, I have collected 35 stamps in my “director’s passport” and visited five state trails. Throughout my travels, I have captured many stories and photos of the amazing work our staff does every day. I have come to see all staff as potential goodwill ambassadors for the natural world and for the DNR. Your dedication to our natural resources – as well as your spirit of public service – have humbled me in too many ways to recount.

Stories of your ambassadorship have been discussed frequently in recent weeks as our division leadership team grapples with some core questions:
• What is our core purpose, cause or belief?
• Why should Minnesotans invest in what we do?
• How is anyone (or everyone) better off?
We are asking these critical questions because, even as we have seen first-hand how your work positively impacts the lives of Minnesotans and visitors to our state, we also know that we have to better articulate the positive impacts of that work to those making funding decisions come January. In the vernacular of the day, we call this “results-based accountability” (RBA). As natural resource professionals, we are skilled at collecting data (“performance measures”) on the number of people served, miles of trail maintained, or programs delivered. Where we could use some improvement is in articulating the trends we are changing (“population-level indicators”) that will make Minnesotans’ lives better because we provide the public service that we do. For example: 1) People are living happier, healthier, higher-quality lives; and 2) communities realize social and economic benefits from nature-based recreation.

Like all good ambassadors, most of us shrug off compliments about our good deeds as “just doing my job.” Next time you find yourself thinking or uttering those words, I ask you to pause and consider one question, and then send me the answer:
Why was that person better off because I came to work today?
Thank you for all you do, every day, to create unforgettable experiences for those we serve.

Erika Rivers

Safety Message

Mosquito caution: West Nile Fever in peak season!

With the late-season incidence of West Nile Fever on the rise, it is time to take precautions against mosquito bites. Practice the 3D approach for protecting yourself:
Drain - Mosquito problems in your area are likely to come from water-filled containers. All mosquitoes require at least some water to breed. Drain all pools of standing water. Dispose of old tires and anything else that collects water. The carriers of the sometimes fatal West Nile virus are happy to hatch in any water, whether it is open or shaded.
Dress with light-colored, loose-fitting clothing, with long sleeves and pants. Mosquitoes are attracted to dark-colored clothing.
Defend yourself with mosquito repellant. Two of the most common and effective repellants are DEET and Picaridin.

As of August 29, Minnesota confirmed 4 human cases of West Nile Fever. Last year the state experienced 73 confirmed cases and 3 fatalities. About one in five human exposures to West Nile virus results in a fever and flu-like symptoms and about one in 150 people bitten by infected mosquitos will develop the more severe condition of encephalitis. This condition can be most severe among the elderly. Between now and the final autumn freeze, the virus is becoming concentrated within surviving mosquitos.

Symptoms of West Nile Fever include headache, body ache, joint pain, vomiting, diarrhea or rash. Most people recover completely, but fatigue and weakness can last for weeks or months. No vaccine exists to protect from West Nile virus. Over-the-counter pain relievers can be used to reduce fever and relieve symptoms. In severe cases, patients often need to be hospitalized to receive supportive treatment, such as intravenous fluids, pain medication and nursing care.

What's New

Grand opening ceremony at Ray Berglund State Wayside

On July 31, DNR and the R.R.W. and Florence Berglund Family Foundation dedicated a new visitor plaza and restroom at the Ray Berglund State Wayside. The ribbon-cutting for the facility, open since Memorial Day weekend (see PATH June 2014), was attended by Tom Landwehr, Erika Rivers and family member Ken Berglund, along with other DNR and local representatives.

The wayside, halfway between Tofte and Lutsen on the North Shore, includes 54 acres of land at the mouth of the Onion River. It is one of 8 waysides managed by the DNR. Donations from the foundation have helped fund significant upgrades over the years.

I Can Mountain Bike! debuts at Cuyuna Country Recreation Area

On Saturday, July 26, the first I Can Mountain Bike! program was held at Cuyuna Country State Recreation Area. At the end of the day there were 24 happy participants. Organizers learned a few lessons, but overall the program went REALLY well. All of the participants were enthusiastic and after the event they returned with ear-to-ear grins and nothing but positive things to say. After one of the sessions the mother of two young participants said, "Finding out about this program provided exactly what I've been looking for!"

Seven yurts installed as part of pilot project

Yurts are all about anticipation. The three Minnesota state parks where yurts have been constructed are Glendalough and Afton state parks and Cuyuna Country State Recreation Area. The anticipation can almost be felt in the air. The yurts are wood lattice-framed structures with heavy-duty reinforced fabric sides and insulated liners and a round sky-dome in the peak of the domed roof.
Managers are now meeting weekly to work out operational issues prior to making the yurts fully operational. They will all be designed for year-round occupancy. We now have seven yurts total - two at Afton State Park, two at Glendalough State Park and three at Cuyuna Country State Recreation Area.

Tamara Simonich, supervisor at Afton State Park, said, “I was delivering some firewood to a visitor who was staying in one of the camper cabins and she was going on and on about how much she loved staying in the cabins. I pointed to the newly constructed yurts and told her that she should check them out once we have them ready to go. She got very excited about them and said, 'Every year there is something that makes me love state parks even more.' ”

Paul Bunyan State Trail completed to Crow Wing State Park

In an official ceremony on Sunday, July 27, a 6.5-mile paved segment of the Paul Bunyan State Trail linked with Crow Wing State Park, completing the southern terminus of the trail. The trail, at 115 miles, is now the longest rail-trail in America. It’s all off-road, except for a few blocks in Baxter and Bemidji. It connects to the 47-mile Heartland State Trail between Park Rapids and Walker and the 110-mile Blue Ox Trail from Bemidji to International Falls. Eventually it also will connect to the future 30-mile Cuyuna Lakes State Trail from Brainerd to Crosby-Ironton.

The Paul Bunyan State Trail owes its origins to the Brainerd and Northern Minnesota Railway Company, building north from Brainerd in 1894 and extending to Bemidji by 1897. The railroad served the Northern Mill Company located at the Brainerd Dam, which was completed in 1892. By 1900, this railroad was undisputedly the most important logging railroad in the country, according to the Minnesota Valley Lumberman. The railroad was abandoned by Burlington Northern Railroad in 1985,and the DNR acquired the section between Brainerd and Bemidji in 1988. The first portions of the rail-trail were paved in 1995.

Happenings

River Cleanup in Wild River State Park

On July 12, 21 volunteers took part in the annual St. Croix River clean-up held in cooperation with the Friends of Wild River State Park. Gary Noreen started the day with a brief talk on behalf of the St. Croix River Association and shared the importance of the St. Croix River. Volunteers consisted of campers, local community members and Boy Scout Troop 242, all of whom had been coming to the event for years. A stop for lunch included a short naturalist program led by Mike Dunker (naturalist, Wild River State Park). When the group returned to the park’s southern boat landing, the volunteers unloaded their collection of trash to show off to each other numerous “treasures.”

Lingering impact of severe June weather at Blue Mound State Park

It’s been a tough summer at Blue Mound State Park. An E. coli outbreak before Memorial Day closed the camper showers. On June 13-14, heavy rain took out the lower dam and reservoir on Mound Creek. The floodwaters destroyed several parts of the bison fence (approximately 300 feet in total). By June 14, the bison fence was repaired. On June 15, additional rain breached the fence again. The total rainfall for June 13-16 was over 11 inches.

Conservation Corps Minnesota crews provided much of the damage recovery help prior to the park reopening on July 13. It had been closed since the storm. Attendance at the park is now stable at about 50% of pre-flood levels. Other than the excitement down by the fence, the bison were un-phased by the whole adventure. Discussions are now underway concerning the drained reservoir, with no timetables yet established for repairs.

U.S. Senator Klobuchar visits Itasca State Park

On July 1, Senator Amy Klobuchar visited Itasca State Park to highlight the Act of Congress that will close the Saint Anthony Falls Lock and Dam. It’s part of the fight against the 100-pound silver carp that is invading Minnesota waters. As it invades, this carp takes up about 90% of the biomass of the waterbody.

Don't miss the 29th Annual Fort Ridgely Golf Invitational

This event, on Friday, Sept. 19, is for all DNR employees, retirees, families and friends. It will be held at the Fort Ridgely State Park Golf Course. New this year will be motorized golf carts. Bring your cart to ride on the course. Your cart will be allowed on the day of the tournament only. The cost is only $25 per golfer (plus a vehicle permit, of course). The invitational includes categories for 4-person best ball as well as an 18-hole tournament.

Adopt-a-River brings 21st found-objects sculpture to Minnesota State Fair

The Adopt-a-River program, with support from Boston Scientific Corporation, presented its 21st sculpture at the fair, encouraging volunteers to adopt a portion of shoreline for their own cleanup, and commemorating the nearly 100,000 volunteers who have removed about 6.5 million pounds of trash from our public waters over the past 25 years. This year’s sculpture was created by Tristan Kyrsta and was subtitled “Rabbit out of a Machine.”

From Our Customers

A huge thank you to Grand Portage State Park and Band of Ojibwe

I would like to express a huge thank you to the DNR and the Grand Portage Band of Ojibwe for my visit to the most beautiful state park I've ever been to (and I've seen most of them). A Band staff member was out walking the paths and stopped to talk to us. He was so very professional, informative and friendly. He pointed out things that we never would have thought to ask. The woman in the office couldn't have been nicer. We had a handicapped person with us and she instantly helped us with the wheelchair. We were thoroughly impressed with both the park and the staff. Hats off to you all!
Joan Taylor, August 2014

Lost in the Woods at Maplewood State Park

On Thursday July 10 my husband and I, who are senior citizens, started on a leisurely hike on a nature path in the woods. Somehow, 2.5 hours later we found ourselves hopelessly lost somewhere in the woods with no clue as to which direction to go. Having hiked to the point of our limits with no hope of getting back, we were fortunate indeed to be able to use our cell phone and contact 911. Maplewood State Park ranger Don DelGreco made his way out to us on difficult trails to bring us back to our campsite. I want to tell you how much we appreciated his kindness and concern. He was so nice to us and so understanding and non-judgmental in our obviously poor decisions of that day. We are so grateful to him and wanted to tell you what a credit he is to our state and certainly to the DNR. Sincerely, Judy and Leon, July 13.

Unusual visitor appears at Itasca State Park

An unusual visitor appeared at Itasca State Park on July 25. Best guess is that it was a snack misplaced by Paul Bunyan, who failed to notice that his snack also had some strange wheels attached.

An old guy at William O'Brien State Park relates an unforgettable experience

This morning, I had what will be an unforgettable experience. We were on our usual daily bike ride from home, through William O'Brien State Park, up to Scandia and back. On the return, we were going to do our usual through-the-campground tour. At the entrance to the upper campground, a bear ran out directly in front of me. I hit the brakes hard but must've hit the front brakes harder and did a slow-motion front wheel stand followed by a very slow front somersault, landing on the road facing away from the bear. I couldn't see where it was as I lay sprawled on the ground and having it suddenly behind me, but Mary Margaret said I missed landing on it by just a couple feet. Fortunately, the bear was rendered helpless by laughter and then ran off but I could still hear it giggling. OK, the giggling might have been from a bunch of campers who watched it happen (or maybe it was MM?). I actually thought it was a pretty athletic and graceful maneuver for an old guy. A woman in one of the vehicles towing a camper asked if I was all right and I said, "Lady, I just landed on a bear! Of course I'm all right!"
Anyway, just a bloody knee and elbow, a blown out bike seat and handlebar grip and a few stripped gears. Sorry, no photo available. Seriously, it was pretty cool...thanks to you and your staff for continuing to make all this possible.
Joel Stedman, June 2014

Personnel News

New Appointments

Kris Erickson has been appointed manager at Mille Lacs Kathio and Father Hennepin state parks. He started his Parks and Trails career in 2001. Kris served in a number of positions and state parks since that time, including assistant manager at Nerstrand Big Woods and Temperance River state parks. For the past nine years, Kris has been the assistant manager at Mille Lacs Kathio State Park.. He is hoping to some day catch an even bigger fish. His first day in the position was August 14h!

Franni Rahne has been appointed as PAT Northeast regional office administrative specialist in Grand Rapids. Franni comes to us most recently from Northeast region Fisheries where she served as regional office administrative specialist for the past two years. Prior to that, she managed construction loans for a local mortgage company. Franni, a native of Grand Rapids, is an avid outdoorswoman. Her first day in the position was August 13.

Laurie Maloney has been appointed as park specialist for Beaver Creek Valley State Park. Previously she worked for Mississippi Valley Conservancy, Wisconsin State Parks, Natural Resources Foundation of Wisconsin, and Chippewa Tribes. Laurie’s first day was Monday, Aug. 25.

Retirements

Diana (Dede) Johnson (office administrative specialist at Sibley State Park) retired July 1. She has 31 years of state service. Dede began her state career in 1982 at Vocational Rehabilitation Services in Willmar as an office administrative specialist. In 1995 she began working at the DNR Trails and Waterways office in Spicer as an office administrative specialist. In 2005 she worked at Sibley State Park. She and her family had the opportunity to camp and visit all the state parks in the 1990s.

Dede plans to travel, spend more time with their children and grandchildren and enjoy time on their farm. Her parting words were, “I’ve made many friends and feel fortunate to have worked with so many wonderful people. Thank you for a great 31.5 years! Take time each day to give thanks for your blessings!”

Rebecca Wooden ( OHV planner, Central Office) retired July 9 after a DNR career spanning some 36 years. Rebecca (Becky, to many of us) started with the DNR in 1978 as a Young Adult Conservation Corps worker at the old Pike Island Visitor Center in Fort Snelling State Park, working alongside Joel Stedman (see "old guy" above), who was a parks intern at the time. Before returning to Parks and Trails in 2010, she held positions in Trails and Waterways (user studies), Minerals (environmental review), Planning (more environmental review), and Waters (land use programs), ruefully noting that every division she worked in was eventually merged with another. In retirement, Rebecca intends to reconnect with her “inner farmer,” ride trains, and learn new languages.

Ron Jones (manager, Father Hennepin and Mille Lacs Kathio state parks) retired July 7. His last day wearing the DNR uniform was July 3. Ron says, “After 38 plus years it's time to take the other fork in the road.” His first DNR job was as a tower man in Sand Dunes State Forest fire tower. Ron has done everything from counting deer in a helicopter to spotting fires from an airplane, from training park rangers in firearms use to assisting a bear researcher pull a bear from its den, to paddling a voyageur canoe on a naturalist program. A visitor said to Ron last fall, "Wow, you have, like, the best job ever." Ron says, “I think she was right. I've been blessed to be able to work with a lot of great people over the years in some of the most beautiful places in Minnesota.” His parting words to us were, “Take care and I hope to see you out there in the parks, on the trail, or on the road.”

Linda Notch (administrative services manager, Central Office) retired August 12 after over 35 years in state service and 20-plus years with DNR. Linda started her state career in 1978 with the Department of Commerce, and for six years worked to complete her education in accounting and computer science. She then moved on to the Department of Education where she supervised accounts payable and payroll for seven years.

In 1993 Linda joined the DNR, working in the office of management and budget services. Linda helped to develop what we know today as the “org structure” in our financial accounts. She spent many years developing and training staff on how to use that reporting system to provide management and staff with financial information. Four and half years ago Linda moved to Parks and Trails. It was the highlight of her career. She finally got an opportunity to see the impact of her work on the ground and understand what it all meant to our public.

Linda says she has thoroughly enjoyed her career with the state and she looks forward to her next adventure. She plans to spend more time with her two children and six grandchildren. She says they have grown up so fast and that she now wants be more a part of their lives. Linda plans to travel and to look forward to finding a place warmer in the winter.

“The DNR is an outstanding place to work and the people of this department are passionate and devoted to the mission of our agency,” she said. “I am proud to have worked here and wish all the best for my colleagues.”

Length of Service Recognition for July 2014

Celebrating 290 years of service to the public

5 YEARS
Eric Iszler – Upper Sioux Agency State Park
Nicholas Schwaegerl – Crow Wing State Park

10 YEARS
Mark Magnuson – Bemidji Regional Headquarters
Jaxan Goodsky – Two Harbors Area Office
Debora Anderson – Gooseberry Falls State Park
Georgia Wright – Gooseberry Falls State Park

15 YEARS
Jerry Baland – Soudan Underground Mine State Park

20 YEARS
Joan Broten – Soudan Underground Mine State Park / Tower Area Office
Kim Balfe – Fort Snelling State Park
Shawn Donais – Fergus Falls Area Office
Martin Besch – Moose Lake Area Office

25 YEARS
Rebecca Fultz – Itasca State Park

30 YEARS
Sheryl Bessler – Itasca State Park
Wanda Swor – Lake Carlos State Park
Debra Fisher – Itasca State Park
Carol Sauer – Itasca SP

Length of Service for August 2014

Celebrating 120 years of service to the public

5 YEARS
Shirley Fritze – Itasca State Park

10 YEARS
David O’Brien – Lake Carlos State Park
James Pointer – Soudan Underground Mine State Park

15 YEARS
Christine Hudspeth – Interstate State Park
Pete Pellinen – Soudan Underground Mine State Park

30 YEARS
Stan Linnell – Central Office

35 YEARS
Linda Notch – Central Office

Final Departure:

John “Jack” Skrypek (retired DNR Director of Fisheries), age 75, passed away July 26, 2014. Jack had influence reaching far beyond the boundaries of his division. For example, he was an early champion of cleaning the public waters, a cause eventually also taken up by the DNR Adopt-a-River program when it began in 1989. Jack noted in the Adopt-a-River Cleanup Review (summer 1993) that when he was test-netting in 1964 he found practically no fish downstream from the Pig’s Eye Wastewater Treatment Plant in Saint Paul, extending all the way south to Grey Cloud Island and beyond. His test nets, which once came up with actual toilet paper, were the nets that first came up with trophy-sized walleye, an indicator that better days were ahead for the Mississippi River.