Browsing by Subject "Outdoor recreation"
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Item All-Terrain Vehicle Use on the North Shore State Trail: A Feasibility Study(2006-03-01) Minnesota Department of Natural ResourcesThis study assesses the physical capacity of the North Shore State Trail (NSST) on a 6.4 mile segment to accommodate summer season ATV use. The principal environmental concern noted is potential impact on surface waters and wetlands, especially where the trail crosses protected waters. Of special concern are trout streams and their tributaries and wetlands. Summer season ATV use poses greater risk than all other trail users because of unfrozen conditions and mechanical disturbance to soils. The study finds that the NSST could be capable of supporting summer season ATV use but that modifications would be required throughout the entire length of the trail. Costs of such modifications are estimated at $577,000. The trail in its current condition is not capable of supporting summer season ATV use except where ATV use is already permitted.Item American Indian Gathering and Recreation Uses of National Forests(2004) McAvoy, Leo; Shirilla, Paul; Flood, JosephThis paper identifies and describes the patterns of use of the Chippewa National Forest (Minnesota) by Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe members; and, the use patterns of six national forests in northwest Montana by the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes. The paper also identifies conflicts tribal members encounter while using the forests and makes recommendations regarding the management of national forests in light of tribal members' use of these lands. The implications from both study areas indicate that Forest Service managers should pay more attention to cooperative approaches, and potential co-management of forest resources that are near American Indian reservations. Managers need to be more sensitive to American Indians' uses and values associated with national forests and other protected lands that are close to reservations. They also need to be aware of the history of government and tribal relations, as well as tribal member traditional and historic uses of forests.Item Case Study: Voyageur Canoe Outfitters(2008) Southern Rural Development CenterThis is a three-page pdf describing a family-owned recreational business in Grand Marais. While water-based resources is not specifically mentioned in the article it is implied through references to the BWCA and being "on the water." The article notes the importance of web-based marketing to business success.Item Climate change, forest composition, and outdoor recreation in northeastern Minnesota(2022-09) Bakshi, BaishaliClimate change will likely result in a change in the composition of northern Minnesota forests by the end of the century, affecting outdoor recreation, which is a valuable ecosystem service as well as a key economic driver for the state with over $4 billion in annual expenditures in hunting, fishing, and wildlife viewing. Yet, the links between climate change, forest composition, and outdoor recreation have not been well studied. Current research finds that deer can also affect the links between climate change, forest composition, and outdoor recreation. In this dissertation, I examine and evaluate the links between these four main variables: climate change, forest composition, deer, and outdoor recreation, and a variety of other relevant predictors, using a combination of econometric modeling and spatial analysis applied to region-specific data in the Laurentian Mixed Forest Province (LMF) of northern Minnesota. My results improve understanding of these complex relationships to better inform Minnesota’s climate adaptation strategies and contribute to the literature on ecosystem services.Item Cook County Plan - The Future Cook County(1997) Cook CountyThis document gave a clear vision in 1997 of how citizens want the Highway 61 corridor and the City of Grand Marais to appear in the year 2015. The proximity of Lake Superior, preservation of coastal wetlands, management of septic systems, and an undeveloped feel to Highway 61 reflect deep connectivity to water and forested habitat in the region.Item Duluth Parks and Recreation Master Plan Final Report, 2010(2010) Duluth, Minnesota Parks and RecreationThis plan establishes a blueprint to achieve an economically sustainable park and recreation system. The Guiding Principles and the action plans of this Master Plan set a course to: reduce operating and capital costs, enhance efficiency, improve parks, strengthen partnerships, connect the city with trails, increase access to nature, increase and stabilize funding, create equitable access to healthy recreation, and enhance stewardship. The plan recommends new sources of funding be dedicated to Duluth Parks and Recreation and that those funds be invested in: Park maintenance and stewardship - Duluth is fortunate to have a large and diverse network of park lands. Acquiring park land is often the most difficult and costly part of creating a park and recreation system. With the park land system largely in place, the City and its partners can focus on park improvements, upkeep and stewardship of parks and natural resources. Trail and bikeway connections – Duluth has several of the most important trails and parkways in Minnesota, but needs connections and enhancements to realize the potential of these gems. The Lakewalk, Munger Trail, Superior Hiking Trail and Skyline Parkway are wonderful assets that can form the backbones of a future trail and bikeway network. Trails are the most popular recreation feature and attract tourist and locals alike. Recreation facilities and programs – Convenient and equitable access to recreation facilities and programs is a hallmark of a healthy and vital community. Fully utilizing schools as community places and targeting city investment in people and sustainable recreation facilities will foster community, family and individual health. Realization of this vision will take time, dedication and funding, but it will result in a park, trail and recreation system that will help drive economic growth and enhance quality of life for decades to come.” Not much reference is made about water resources in the master plan files available on the city website; most of the survey pertains to non-water recreational park use.Item Duluth Parks and Recreation Master Plan: Principles and Objectives(2010) Duluth, Minnesota Parks and Recreation12 slide Powerpoint presentation. Principles, listed below, in addition to specific objectives for each are included. Principle 1: Provide Safe, Clean, Fun and Beautiful Parks Principle 2: Ensure Adequate and Stable Funding Principle 3. Build Partnerships Principle 4: Ensure equitable access Principle 5: Connect the community Principle 6: Connect with Nature Principle 7: Continue to meet evolving natural resource needs Principle 8: Be sustainable Not much reference is made about water resources in the master plan files available on the city website; most of the survey pertains to non-water recreational park use.Item Duluth Values Open Space(2002) Kreag, Glenn MThis report documents how residents perceive the importance of open spaces in Duluth, Minnesota. While not specifically about water resources, this study refers occasionally to the value of wetlands, lakes and rivers. Key findings of the survey are extracted and reproduced below. Executive summary: “Duluth is known for its extensive open spaces, particularly their natural ambiance and relation to Lake Superior. The type, nature, and quantity of open spaces contribute significantly to the character and quality of a community, a concept captured locally in the community-wide "2001 & Beyond" visioning process (completed in 1997) where participants indicated that maintaining Duluth as an "urban wilderness" was a priority. The data in this report are the result of an 8-page, 20-question survey that reached 955 Duluth residents in 2001. The University of Minnesota Sea Grant Program designed the survey with assistance and review from the EAC, the NRI Committee, and the Minnesota Center for Survey Research. Two types of open space were defined in this study: Natural Open Space - places where the native vegetation grows without significant alteration and, Developed Open Space - places where land and vegetation are altered or controlled. Of the questions relating to water resources, 93% of those taking the survey reported that they frequently use and enjoy views of Lake Superior and the St. Louis River. 50% reported using and enjoying wetland areas. Regarding developed open spaces, 68% reported using a public access for boating and fishing. 70% of respondents felt that water supply, sanitary and storm sewers were important government functions related to open spaces.”Item Economic Impact and Social Benefits Study of Coldwater Angling in Minnesota(2002) Gartner, William C; Love, Lisa L; Erkkila, Daniel; Fulton, David CThis study was conducted of anglers utilizing Minnesota’s northeast region cold-water fisheries in 2000-2001, and was based upon a staged mail-back questionnaire sent to anglers who had purchased a trout/salmon stamp from the Minnesota DNR. The purpose of this study was to investigate the economic and social benefits of coldwater angling participation in the state of Minnesota. Overall 10,297 questionnaires were mailed, and 3,029 returned for a response rate of 33%. Two null hypotheses guided this study: 1. There are no expenditure differences between the different types of coldwater angling investigated. 2. There are no experience differences between the different types of coldwater anglers. The survey looked at access points; bait used; species preferences; preference for fishing location; angler age, gender and education; trip distance; purpose of anglers’ trips; and numerous other behaviors and preferences. It also assessed the economic impact of anglers on local economies. The report notes that “fishing equipment was the largest expenditure in preparation for the trip ($12.57/person/day). Total expenditures at home were $33.90 per person per day. The largest expenses en route and onsite were lodging ($15.39/person/day), prepared food ($12.55/person/day), and gas ($12.70/person/day) totaling $71.31 per person daily. In sum, the typical coldwater angler spent $105.21/day. Overall, anglers were satisfied with their trip, and the quality, size and number of fish caught. The study concludes with the following findings: “There were many differences noted between the five different types of fishing investigated in this study. The differences were substantial, significant, and revealing. The evidence presented strongly argues for rejecting both of the null hypotheses used to guide this research. Therefore, we can state with a high degree of certainty that expenditure differences do exist for anglers between the different types of coldwater angling and that different experiences are sought by anglers engaging in different types of fishing. The research that allowed us to reject both null hypotheses also provides us with some interesting insights into other differences between anglers in the five different fishing types."Item Grand Marais Recreation Park Master Plan(2009) Grand Marais Park BoardThis is a bullet-point summary of current and proposed future uses to the park. Key points are that water-based activities be prioritized. Facilities that do not need waterfront access should be relocated (animal shelter, public works storage garage etc.). Shoreland vegetation and historic sites should be preserved. Future harbor development should be anticipated.Item Lake County Comprehensive Trail Plan(2013) Arrowhead Regional Development CommissionExecutive Summary: “In 2011 Lake County representatives approached the Arrowhead Regional Development Commission regarding the development of a comprehensive trails plan to help the County identify needs, prioritize projects, improve connectivity with other trail systems, increase awareness, and generally improve management of the County’s trail system. In July, 2012, work began on the plan. The plan envisions a trail system that is beneficial to the health, economy, environment, education and quality of life of the County, its residents, and its visitors. Though the plan focuses on trails within the County, it does take into consideration connections to federal, state and local trails and destinations. The plan identified partnership opportunities for Lake County with other governmental organizations, users, and non-profits with interests in the County. The visioning process laid a foundation for future trails, projects, and funding. A marketing plan outline would become beneficial in encouraging residents and visitors to enjoy Lake County’s beauty, recreational offerings, and destinations. Trails are important to the health of County residents, to the economy of the County, and to the overall quality of life for those living in and visiting Lake County. Health and active living studies have shown that active living, including having trails accessible to the local population, results in benefits to physical and mental health. A citizenry that uses trails and outdoor recreation facilities has less obesity, heart disease, diabetes, and a longer life expectancy. The number of trails and trail users have an impact on the economy of Lake County. This impact is especially significant because studies have shown that the northeast region of the state led all regions in trail-related spending in six of ten trail uses. Studies done on the quality of life in other locations indicate that trails have an overall positive influence on quality of life. People enjoy having ready access to the outdoors and maintained, connected trails provide that access. While recreational use figures are not specifically available for Lake County trails, recent studies have categorized use in the 9-county northeast region of the state. Typically, visitor day trail use for snowmobiling, ATV riding, and RVing were higher in the northeast region than any other region in Minnesota, even though the metro area has a much larger population. The northeast area ranked second to the Metro area in cross-country skiing and off-highway motorcycle riding. An important aspect of any trails program is the key recreational attractions that bring visitors from outside the County, as well as being favorite recreational sites of local residents. Vision and goals: Lake County has a long history of trail use tapping its natural resources. Trails have provided access to nearly all areas within the county. Today, these trails are used by residents and visitors year round to view natural attractions, used to access hunting areas, or are part of a destination package. With this in mind, Lake County desired to develop their trails and improve connectivity to enhance the users experience and to promote economic development). The goals are: form a well-connected, integrated trail system; have a system that is manageable and sustainable; a system that is safe; and a system available (or multi-use). Future goals and strategies were developed to address continued growth in the number and different types of users. As the report progressed, four key elements became apparent about the trail needs in the county. They were: • better access to the extensive ATV travel routes system • better connectivity between the City o( Two Harbors and the County’s Trail System • more opportunities for road biking and mountain biking • marketing Lake County’s trails. These elements became the overall recommendations and when looking at the trail maps, it becomes apparent that these concepts apply throughout the county. The plan also contains specific recommendations as well as strategies for implementation. With over 2,000 opportunity miles of trails available, Lake County abounds with opportunities.”Item Long Range Interpretive Plan: Grand Portage National Monument, 2005(2005) National Park Service, Department of the InteriorThis report summarizes the Park mission and goals and primary interpretive themes. It provides detail on visitor experiences, visitor experience goals, and existing conditions assessment, information about the Park website, and on-site visitor services and information. It lists interpretive programs, informal programs, facilities and wayside exhibits. A number of private and public partnerships are listed, as well as community events, curatorial and library services, and disability information. There are numerous recommendations to make the Park more amenable to visitors as a tourist destination. The report does not generally focus on water resources except for the introductory and background information at the beginning of the report. Key passages are extracted and reproduced below. Summary: "The Grand Portage or Gitchi Onigaming (Great Carrying Place) is an 8.4-mile trail on the northwestern periphery of the Great Lakes-St. Lawrence River drainage in the middle of North America. It connected the lakeshore with Pigeon River, an embarkation point for Native peoples, explorers, and voyageurs heading west and a gathering point for furs going east. The portage was the most direct route from the Great Lakes into the Canadian interior. Several falls and cataracts blocked human travelers’ use of the Pigeon River so that a portage was needed, hence the name “Grand Portage.” French and later British traders entered the Great Lakes-Northwest trade by traveling west from Montreal. Having learned to use birch bark canoes, they moved into the mid-continent along an established inland network of Indian canoe routes. Building on entrenched Indian exchange practices and catering to Indian preferences, traders bartered imported European goods and commodities for Indian furs, provisions, and services. This ultimately led to an intercultural exchange of languages, ideas, technologies, diseases, and genes. It also promoted commercial, political, and marital alliances. PLAN “When the North West Company and the XY Company moved their operations north to Kaministikwia (later Fort William, Ontario) at the beginning of the 19th century, Grand Portage became remote to the main channels of trade and communication and less important to the outside world. The boundary between Canada and the United States between Lake Superior and Lake of the Woods was not firmly established until the Webster-Ashburton Treaty of 1842. Under the terms of that treaty, the Grand Portage clearly became United States property; however, the use of the trail was to remain free and open to citizens of both the United States and Great Britain. The historic portage represents the essential resources of Grand Portage National Monument, which is bordered on the north and south by the Grand Portage Indian Reservation, on the east by Lake Superior, and on the west by the Pigeon River and Canada. It lies within both the Grand Portage Indian Reservation and the unincorporated community of Grand Portage. The community is the homeplace and tribal government center of the Grand Portage Band of Minnesota Chippewa (Ojibwe)."Item Minnesota State Water Trails History(2009) Minnesota Department of Natural ResourcesThis report is a brief four-page history of the state water trails and public access program, centering mainly on the 1960s and 1970s. The main focus is on the Minnesota and Saint Croix rivers. No specific mention is made of Minnesota's coastal region.Item Minnesota's Network of Parks and Trails: An Inventory of Recreation Experience Opportunities in Minnesota: Northeast Region Profile(2010) Davenport, Mae; Schneider, Ingrid; Date, Andrea; Filter, LisaItem Motivations, Barriers, and Constraints Affecting Underprivileged Youths' Participation in Nature-based Outdoor Recreation(2011) Schiff, Jessica KThe types of motivations, barriers, and constraints affecting youth participation in nature-based outdoor recreation are researched in this study. The participants represent underprivileged youth affiliated with a drop-in after-school youth program sponsored by a local soup kitchen in an upper-Midwest city. Guided by the Constraints Negotiation Theory and following previous leisure and recreation research on perceived motivations, barrier, and constraints, this study utilizes qualitative techniques to collect data. Results reveal sets of common motivations and constraints affecting underprivileged youths’ participation in nature-based outdoor recreation. This information will benefit public and private local and regional organizations that provide and promote nature-based outdoor recreation opportunities for a diverse youth population by helping them to better understand their audience.Item The North West Voyageurs Brigade Historic Trails Award(2003) Boy Scouts of AmericaThis short but interesting pdf describes an award given by the Boy Scouts of America to scouts accomplishing a route in the Voyageur's National Park. It contains a brief history and images of Native American and early European canoe routes. The pdf notes the importance of historic water routes to transportation and commerce.Item Northeast Minnesota Industry Cluster Study(2001) Munnich, Lee W; Chatfield, Nathan; Schrock, Greg; Lichty, Richard W; McIntosh, Chris; Wittrock, TianaThis major study explored factors contributing to the economic competitiveness of northeastern Minnesota communities and counties. It has a strong focus on economic and industrial development. The study focuses on four “clusters”: forest products, tourism, health services and information technology. The first two clusters are assumed to require an adequate supply of water, and are assumed to greatly influence the quality and quantity of water available for multiple uses. Summary: "This regional study sought to understand the issues shaping the competitiveness of Northeast Minnesota’s industry clusters. The study follows the Michael Porter 'industry cluster' approach to understanding competitiveness. The project identified four clusters for the region: 1) forest products, 2) tourism, 3) health services, and 4) information technology. Focus groups and individual interviews with local business leaders and economic development professionals offered insight into the industries. The study region encompassed a twelve-county area of northeastern Minnesota that centered on the city of Duluth (St. Louis County). Also included are Aitkin, Carlton, Chisago, Cook, Isanti, Itasca, Kanabec, Koochiching, Lake, Mille Lacs, and Pine Counties.”Item Outdoor Recreation in the Regional Copper-Nickel Study Area(1978) Webb, SaraThis 35-year old study primarily discusses non-Indian recreational use of public and private lands in the Cu-Ni region of Minnesota’s Iron Range. This recreation-oriented study does not specifically note Native American use of study area lands except for very indirect references to gill-netting and wild ricing. It has a strong focus on human use of water resources in the region, but does not investigate potential impacts of increased recreational use, mining, or other anthropogenic activities with potential to affect condition of these resources. The study abstract and key segments are extracted and reproduced below. Abstract: “Geographic patters of outdoor recreational use in the Copper-Nickel Study Area were investigated as part of a study of potential impacts of copper-nickel mining in Northeastern Minnesota. With the objective of characterizing patterns of recreational use of facilities, water bodies and public lands, interviews were held with thirteen land use managers and others familiar with the study area. Findings from this interview program together with past recreation research provide a data base on existing recreational use necessary for to impact analysis. Numerous public and private recreation facilities are located along Study Area lakes and streams. Outside facilities, public and some private lands are used for diverse land-based activities when afforded road, trail, or surrogate trail access; old logging roads serve this function in the most heavily-used areas, although some activities such as and winter camping rarely occur in recently logged zones. Dense settlement and lowland bogs restrict access by most land-oriented recreationists. Water-based recreation is concentrated on large, deep lakes in the Study Area's northern half. Part of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area (BWCA), a national wilderness area, lies within the Study Area's north boundary. Canoeists and fishermen use BWCA lakes heavily. Dozens of smaller lakes throughout the Study Area serve Iess diverse but sometimes more intensive recreation functions. Only a few lakes lack any recreational use; most are quite small and lack access or recreation resources. Most Study Area streams have limited recreational use because of low water levels, with the exception of two rivers, the Kawishiwi and the St. Louis River. Three general types of outdoor recreation can be distinguished: facility -based recreation), dispersed land-based recreation, and water-based recreation. To spare the time and expense of primary field surveys, a program of interviews with thirteen land managers such as conservation officers and foresters was designed, using Spradley's interview method. Key points: ‘Outdoor recreation in all forms is dependent upon access: roads, trails, and public lands. The region is covered with an extensive network of land management units at various levels. Land-based recreation use relates closely to the area's logging history and logging roads. Lake, stream, road and facility use must be carefully evaluated before siting decisions about mining and recreational use are finalized.’Item Schroeder Township: Planning for the Future(2004) Schroeder Township Planning CommissionThis is a document intended to support planning by residents and local officials. The citizens of Schroeder developed this document as their contribution toward full implementation of the county’s “Land Use Guide Plan for Cook County, Minnesota”, and is intended to guide the Cook County Office of Planning and Zoning and the Cook County Board of Commissioners in all subsequent decisions impacting land use in Schroeder Township. Key passages are extracted and reproduced below. “The purpose of this document is to provide the Cook County Board of Commissioners and the Cook County Office of Planning and Zoning with citizen-based input into the revision of the ‘Land Use Guide Plan for Cook County, Minnesota (1997) as it pertains to Schroeder Township. Schroeder recognizes its unique sense of place on the North Shore, and seeks to create a functional blend of residential and business uses while maintaining and complementing the scenic characteristics of the area. Schroeder is a unique community within Cook County. Our town possesses: • Historical significance as one of the original townships in Cook County and the presence of the Schroeder Area Historical Society. John Schroeder, the town’s namesake, ran a significant lumber harvesting operation in the area. • Natural characteristics such as the Cross River, Baraga’s Cross, Two Island River, Temperance River State Park and Sugarloaf Interpretive Center, as well as the Natural Forests which surround the township. • Recreational opportunities abound such as: hunting, cross-country skiing, snowmobiling, snowshoeing and hiking on the Superior Hiking Trail. There are many boating and fishing opportunities from public access to Lake Superior at Taconite Safe Harbor and Baraga’s Cross or from one of the many inland lake accesses. The Lake Superior Water Trail, a kayak and canoe route, also passes through the area. The town park with picnic facilities is situated at scenic Baraga’s Cross. County, township and forest roads are frequent leaf and bird-watching routes, including the noteworthy Moose Drive Fall Color Tour Loop. Construction of the paved Gitchi-Gami Bike trail will connect the town of Schroeder with the town of Tofte and eventually connect the entire length of the North Shore from Duluth to Grand Portage for bicyclists and in-line skaters.” Water-related planning notes include the following points: “E. Special Areas: 2015 Conditions for Interior Waterways: • The Township recognizes the environmental sensitivity of the interior lakes, rivers and streams and recommends lot sizes and densities be designed for long term environmental sustainability based on the site conditions and the natural physical limitations of the area. 2015 Conditions for Forest Service and DNR Lands: • Public lands continue to be managed for the benefit of public recreational and economic concerns, maintaining the current blend of motorized and non-motorized access opportunities and encouraging all users to be wise stewards. • The Township supports conforming with current zoning on all privately held lands within these public lands.”Item Wildland Recreation Research in the Western Lake Superior Basin: An Annotated Bibliography(1990) Lime, David W; Fox, Karen M; Jeong, Gang Hoan; Lewis, Michael SWhile this annotated bibliography touches upon visitor use of water resources in coastal areas, it is primarily a recreation/leisure studies document with little detail on coastal water resources. The abstract is reproduced below. Abstract: "A wealth of basic and applied research on wildland recreation use and management has been conducted in the western Lake Superior basin during the past four decades. This annotated bibliography includes 193 research-based citations focusing on: (1) visitors to these wildland areas--who they are and how they use these resources, (2) investigations of environmental impacts resulting from recreation use, (3) studies of the economic impacts of wildland recreation, and (4) techniques to manage wildland visitor use and resources."