Dear Neighbor,
This week was a busy time helping individuals with items that needed resolution with our state agencies in St. Paul.
Last Friday, I attended the 2018 DNR Roundtable gathering in Minneapolis. The event was well attended by those interested outdoor recreation. Of particular interest was the discussion about how much public land and waters is enough in Minnesota.
My takeaway was we haven’t quite figured out the answer to that question. Minnesotans are blessed with one of the highest public acres per capita ratios of the lower 48 states. We currently have about 2.6 acres of public land and waters for every man, women and child in Minnesota.
We are 16th out of 50 states with respect to how many acres are in public hands. However, when Alaska and the Rocky Mountain states with huge federal land holdings are taken out, Minnesota residents have access to huge amounts of public land when compared with citizens in other states with similar geography.
Wednesday found me in Brainerd. The Brainerd School District officials provided an update on the long range facilities plan and the upcoming school bond referendum. Early and absentee balloting begins Feb. 23 and the actual election is April 10. For more information on this important local decision please visit: www.Blueprint181.org.
Later on Wednesday, the Minnesota Care Providers hosted a gathering with nursing home, assisted living and in home care professionals. This was a great opportunity to hear firsthand from the wonderful men and women that work in this important area, as we continue to look for ways to improve services for our elderly and disabled.
Last night, I was pleasantly surprised with an award from the Cuyuna Lakes Mountain Bike Crew (CREW). The award was presented at the CREW’s annual meeting at the Hartwood Senior Center in Crosby. I was honored to be one of the many individuals recognized for helping to put our area on the map for mountain biking and the many other recreational opportunities that the Cuyuna Country State Recreation Area (CCSRA) has to offer.
We have some great plans in the works to expand the recreational opportunities at the CCSRA and our work in this area is far from over.
Sincerely,
Dale