Possible Changes At SE Minnesota State Forest Being Reviewed

St Paul (KROC AM News) - The Department of Natural Resources is seeking public input on some possible changes involving trails in a popular SE Minnesota recreational site.

The DNR is currently reviewing the trails within the Richard J. Dorer Memorial Hardwood State Forest in southeastern Minnesota. The review includes both motorized and non-motorized trails.

The Zumbro Bottoms, Hay Creek and Kruger areas contain multiple trails primarily used by people on horses, but are also popular with hikers, hunters and off-highway motorcycle users. 

The DNR says among the improvements being considered are new connections to facilities and amenities, new trails and rerouting or closing of rutted or damaged trails.

The DNR has scheduled a virtual meeting Aug. 27th from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Those who want to take part can do so through computers, smartphones or phone.

Registration is required and available on the project webpage.  Attendees are encouraged to submit questions in advance by emailing foresttrailplanning.dnr@state.mn.us.

The meeting will be recorded and made available on the project webpage for those who cannot attend.

Written comments may be submitted by fax to 651-297-1157, by email to foresttrailplanning.dnr@state.mn.us or by mail to Joe Unger, Parks and Trails Division, Minnesota DNR, 500 Lafayette Road, St. Paul, MN  55155-4039. The DNR will accept written comments until 4:30 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 10.

This state forest includes bluffs of the Great River Road of the Mississippi River and a number of state water trails. Cannon River, Mississippi River, Root River, Whitewater River, and Zumbro River state water trails are within the forest's boundaries.

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