The draft master plan for the new Lake Vermilion State Park has attracted relatively light public comment so far, despite open houses held in Tower and Fridley last week. About 60 people turned out for an open house in Tower last Thursday, while 25 people attended a similar event in Fridley two days earlier. An additional 20 people have offered their views on the DNR’s online forum.

The public is generally supportive of the plan, according to the comments so far. “The main concern we are hearing is a challenge we face in all of our parks— mitigating conflicts with different types of use,” said Erika Rivers, the DNR’s park project manager. “Primarily, the suggestions are to minimize and mitigate noise from those seeking a quiet experience by separating different kinds of use,” said Rivers.

Others mentioned their concerns over invasive species, particularly aquatic species, which could become an issue with increased visitation.

The DNR will continue to take public comments through Wednesday, Dec. 22. You can review the plan and make your comments at www.dnr.state.mn.us/state_parks/ lake_vermilion/masterplanning.html

The draft plan goes to Commissioner Mark Holsten for his review on Dec. 23.

What’s next?

Once approved, the master plan provides a broad outline of park development, with many details yet to be worked out. “All the components have their own design needs,” said Rivers.

For park planners, the next steps will involve prioritizing the development and planning tasks and finding funding sources to move the project forward.

While the state’s ongoing budget difficulties are likely to pose funding challenges, Rivers notes that some funding is already in place. “We still have about $1.7 million from the original [$20 million] grant,” she said. In addition, a $3 million allocation was approved earlier this year by the Legislative and Citizens Committee on Minnesota Resources, or LCCMR, although that recommendation must still be approved by the Legislature.

The DNR has also been able to tap $2.25 million from the DNR’s road account for road construction in the park. A total of $900,000 in funding for the Mesabi Trail will also likely benefit park users, noted Rivers.

Open to snowmobilers

The new park is already providing expanded trail riding opportunities for snowmobilers. “That was a big push for this year,” said Larry Peterson, a DNR development specialist. The newly-brushed trails are open but have not yet been groomed and conditions could still be rough until grooming gets underway.