PARK RAPIDS — The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources is seeking public comment on two sets of proposed changes at Itasca State Park.
The changes are draft management plan amendments, which the DNR describes as a “long-range plan that sets the direction for the state park, with recommendations for managing natural and cultural resources and providing recreational and interpretative opportunities to park visitors.”
One of the proposed management plan amendments is under overnight use and winter trail activities. The proposal would upgrade Itasca's cross-country ski trails, add new overnight camping options, convert two buildings into overnight lodges and remove the Nicollet Court guesthouse by Douglas Lodge and replace it with a picnic pavilion and gathering space.
Another amendment would redevelop the public water accesses at Bear Paw Campground and Douglas Lodge into carry-in use only. The aim is to protect water quality of Lake Itasca by reducing runoff and restoring shoreline habitat, as well as consolidate drive-in boat access to the main launch, which has a space for aquatic invasive species inspection.
The DNR will host an open house on the proposed changes 5-7 p.m. Tuesday, March 24, at the Jacob V. Brower Visitor Center at the Itasca State Park.
Public comment on the proposed amendments will be accepted through April 10, with more information on the DNR’s website.
-
Contributed/Nicole Neri / Minnesota ReformerGov. Tim Walz commended Minnesotans’ compassion during tragedy and praised their resilience after a federal immigration crackdown, political assassination and school shooting. -
Contributed/Adobe Stock Image via Minnesota News ConnectionExtra dollars in the state will fund the public input process ahead of possible changes to the state's financial aid program. -
Plus: the federal government approved St. Louis County's public labor agreements for road and bridge projects; an additional 5,000 trees will be distributed in the ReForest Bemidji event; and four Northern Minnesota fire departments will host Women Explore Fire Day events on May 2, 2026. -
Lorie Shaull/KAXEResearch indicates that in the coming decades, the state is likely to see more risk days of wildfires starting on the ground due to more extreme droughts connected to climate change. -
Matt C/UnsplashWomen Explore Fire Day in Minnesota offers hands-on opportunities to learn more about volunteer, paid on-call and full-time positions in local fire departments in all regions. -
Contributed/Minnesota Department of Natural ResourcesAfter 10,000 tree seedlings were claimed within 48 hours, the ReForest Bemidji program secured an additional 5,000 trees for its distribution May 17, 2026. -
Lorie ShaullA recent national study found an increasing number of federal environmental impact statements are receiving significant contributions from citizen science data. -
The multi-bill omnibus signed April 21, 2026, allows happy hours for nursing home residents without a license and expands local authority in some Northern MN communities. -
The bill would define e-bikes as having output of no more than 750 watts, and motorized bicycles, 750-1,500 watts. Anything with higher power is defined as an electric motorcycle. -
Three of the communities receiving grant funding in this cycle are in Northern Minnesota: Floodwood, Fosston and Deer River.
