Once DNR Parks and Trails takes possession of the US Steel property, what
will be the first actions that the Dept. will take as the new owners?
There are requirements that are in place for any new acquisition for Parks
and Trails. We will work with US Steel on basic survey responsibilities for the
property boundaries as required by law. We will get some aerial photos of the
property to begin to lay out areas for initial land assessment, make plans for
the "on the ground" investigation of cultural and natural resources, and
evaluate the features of the property that will need special care and/or concern
from a public safety point of view.
We will take at least 5 months to inventory the natural and cultural
resources. We will use our established processes to investigate the cultural
history of the area, particularly along the lake, and work with the Bois Forte
Band to make sure that we are complying with the needs of the tribe in our work.
The natural resources activities will emphasize the flora and fauna inventory on
site and to identify any species of concern as per our usual requirements. Both
of these surveys will serve as basic data for any recreational or facility
planning that will follow.
What can the public expect with recreational opportunities on the property
and when?
After the initial property and resource assessment, there will be
pre-planning and engineering work for developments within the park. Generally
this consists of site analysis, wetlands evaluation, and looking at the
potential for some water, sewer, road and trail planning. This is basic work
that precedes the specific park development plans. Topographical maps and "on
the ground" evaluation of corridors for utilities and roads will be the
emphasis. All of this is generally a part of an environmental assessment
process. This will lead to opportunities for the planning of recreational
facilities both on the land and along Lake Vermilion lakeshore. All management
activities will be staged from Soudan Underground Mine State Park and the Tower
DNR office, which are adjacent to the park. This will include staff, equipment
and resources for the short term.
If DNR has at least $2m this work can proceed and we can expect some basic
day use developments on site by the late summer of 2011 following the procedures
addressed earlier. If there are more funds available there will be an emphasis
on lake shore protection, day use facilities, and initial planning for other
features that may come about in the park including overnight facilities (camping
and camper cabins), an interpretive and a park contact office, and the
development of a park master plan schedule. Private sector firms would be hired
to fulfill needs in the planning and engineering activities and well as some
project management responsibilities.
What else will happen this spring and summer?
DNR staff will pick up the planning activities with the St. Louis County
interested parties, the Lake Vermilion Task Force, Legislature and Minnesota
residents in laying out the desires for the park. The 2008 Task Force
recommendations were really the starting point for meaningful discussions about
the scope and scale of park planning and development activities. Critical
resources will need protection and careful planning. Staff and consultants will
work on identifying opportunities and understanding local and regional needs as
the planning process moves forward.
Have 2010 bonding funds been requested for Lake Vermilion?
No. This acquisition was just announced and there are no requests for
development funds.
How will the park be managed if in fact the purchase goes through with US
Steel?
Initially all management activities will be staged from Soudan Underground
Mine State Park, adjacent to the US Steel land to the west. Other support will
come from the DNR office in Tower. There are no specific decisions with regards
to park management other than we will look for effective use of our staff and
resources in all cases. In the future revenue will be used to offset some park
costs as the park development takes place. This will take many years to fully
develop the revenue generating portion of the park.
The Legislature appropriated funds for Lake Vermilion State Park. What else
did the legislation include? The Legislature appropriated $20 million for the
purchase of U.S. Steel land on Lake Vermilion for a state park. The legislation
gives the commissioner of natural resources the authority to acquire the lands.
Any funds not needed for acquisition may be used for development of Lake
Vermilion State Park.
Why a state park here?
When developed, the park will provide public access to Lake Vermilion and
its 40,000 acres of water, 365 islands and 430 miles of shoreline. Lake
Vermilion is the fifth largest lake in Minnesota. A state park will give all
visitors an opportunity to experience this beautiful lake. The opportunity to
purchase land that consists of natural and scenic resources to qualify as a
state park from a single landowner is very rare. Minnesota has not created a new
state park in over 30 years.
When will people be able to use the new park?
Once the purchase agreement is finalized and the state takes ownership the
DNR will provide limited access to these lands for day use even as a master plan
for park use is being developed.
What kind of activities and services will be provided?
The DNR created a Commissioner’s Advisory Task Force to help identify the
types of activities and services that could be provided at the park. This
concept was presented to the Legislature in 2008. Once the land is acquired, DNR
will begin a formal process to create a detailed park master plan. In general,
the park will have overnight and day use opportunities, access to the lake, and
will complement the rich cultural resources of Soudan Underground Mine and the
Tower-Soudan area.
When will the park be up and running and open to the public?
It will take about a year to inventory the natural and cultural resources
and to develop a master plan. In the interim, once the deal is finalized, we do
plan to invite the public in to hike in the park and see this gem. We also want
to hear from the public with regard to what they want to see in this state park.
How will the park affect the local economy?
A recent survey of North Shore resort owners showed that one of the top
attractions for their visitors was the opportunity to visit nearby state parks.
We expect to have the same partnership with the resorts and businesses on Lake
Vermilion. We anticipate that after development, the park would generate over a
half million dollars in direct revenue and $8.5 million in local visitor
spending each year.
What will happen to the boathouses?
The boathouse area has received National Historic Landmark designation. The
DNR will work with lessees to improve the area and provide better access to the
lake.
Where can I find more information?
Watch for updates about the park on the DNR Website at www.mnstateparks.info. We will also have
regular updates in the media.
