07-24-2007, 04:10 AM
A new management plan for Sakatah Lake State Park is being developed and the public is invited to attend an introductory open forum meeting at the park on July 24 to learn more about the planning process.
The public forum will be Tuesday, July 24, from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the park's former Interpretive Center. An overview of the planning process, maps illustrating the park's natural resources and recreation opportunities and issues will be addressed during the meeting.
Attendees also can offer input on the future role of the park. People may stop by anytime during the forum. There will be no formal presentation.
People who cannot attend the event but would like more information can contact Colin Kelly, senior planner with Minnesota State Parks.
"Anyone interested in the future of Sakatah Lake State Park is encouraged to come to this open forum, share their views and find out how they can participate in the planning process," said Kris Backlund, park manager. "The planning process will include two public open forum events and a series of meetings with a Citizens Advisory Committee that will discuss future issues and make recommendations to the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources on resource management and recreation development."
"The Citizen Advisory Committee will be made up of representatives from various interest groups and the general public," said Backlund. "People attending the July forum can sign up to become members of the committee. The group will meet approximately four times between September and December."
The last management plan for Sakatah Lake State Park was completed in 1983.<br />
Since then, however, a number of resource, interpretation and recreation concerns and interests have changed. The plan will set the direction for the park for the next 20 years and will provide park-specific goals, objectives and recommended actions for natural and cultural resource management, interpretive services and recreation opportunities.
"Sakatah Lake State Park serves the people of Minnesota and surrounding states by protecting the natural and cultural resources within the park and providing appropriate recreational opportunities," Backlund said. "This planning process will help clarify our priorities and guide our efforts as we move ahead to meet future needs of park users. Many area residents use and enjoy this park, and we hope citizens will actively participate in this planning process."
Sakatah Lake State Park is located off State Highway 60, one mile east of the intersection of State Highway 13 and 60 at Waterville, or 14 miles west of Faribault. Situated in the middle of the 39-mile Sakatah Singing Hills State Trail, Sakatah Lake provides a base camp for bicycling and inline skating enthusiasts. The Bicycle Touring Camp, two group camps, a camper cabin and 62 shady, semi-modern campsites - all less than one-fourth mile from Sakatah Lake - provide locations where visitors can access trails and relax among the red oaks and sugar maples.
Sakatah Lake also is known for its birding opportunities. More than 200 species of birds have been recorded at the park due to Sakatah's diverse natural communities including bur oak woodland, southern terrace forest, bulrush-spikerush marsh and dry hill prairie. These habitats attract numerous woodpeckers, warblers, hawks and waterfowl.
In addition to providing access to the Sakatah Singing Hills State Trail, the park offers five miles of hiking and cross-country ski trails, canoe rentals, a lakeside picnic area complete with tables, grills and fire rings.<br />
Anglers can try their luck from the fishing pier near the picnic area or put their boat in at a nearby access. Although the boat ramp in the park currently is closed for renovation it should reopen by late summer or early fall.
The park is also popular with canoe and kayak enthusiasts who explore Sakatah Lake and surrounding waterways including a 77-mile ride down the Cannon River from Sakatah Lake to the Mississippi River. Beautiful scenery that includes a landscape of rolling hillsides, scientific and natural areas, wildlife management areas and county parks line the route.
Those who are unable to attend the public open forum but would like to sign up for the mailing list or be on the Citizens Advisory Committee should contact Colin Kelly, at (651) 259-5606, or by e-mail colin.kelly@dnr.state.mn.us.
The public forum will be Tuesday, July 24, from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the park's former Interpretive Center. An overview of the planning process, maps illustrating the park's natural resources and recreation opportunities and issues will be addressed during the meeting.
Attendees also can offer input on the future role of the park. People may stop by anytime during the forum. There will be no formal presentation.
People who cannot attend the event but would like more information can contact Colin Kelly, senior planner with Minnesota State Parks.
"Anyone interested in the future of Sakatah Lake State Park is encouraged to come to this open forum, share their views and find out how they can participate in the planning process," said Kris Backlund, park manager. "The planning process will include two public open forum events and a series of meetings with a Citizens Advisory Committee that will discuss future issues and make recommendations to the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources on resource management and recreation development."
"The Citizen Advisory Committee will be made up of representatives from various interest groups and the general public," said Backlund. "People attending the July forum can sign up to become members of the committee. The group will meet approximately four times between September and December."
The last management plan for Sakatah Lake State Park was completed in 1983.<br />
Since then, however, a number of resource, interpretation and recreation concerns and interests have changed. The plan will set the direction for the park for the next 20 years and will provide park-specific goals, objectives and recommended actions for natural and cultural resource management, interpretive services and recreation opportunities.
"Sakatah Lake State Park serves the people of Minnesota and surrounding states by protecting the natural and cultural resources within the park and providing appropriate recreational opportunities," Backlund said. "This planning process will help clarify our priorities and guide our efforts as we move ahead to meet future needs of park users. Many area residents use and enjoy this park, and we hope citizens will actively participate in this planning process."
Sakatah Lake State Park is located off State Highway 60, one mile east of the intersection of State Highway 13 and 60 at Waterville, or 14 miles west of Faribault. Situated in the middle of the 39-mile Sakatah Singing Hills State Trail, Sakatah Lake provides a base camp for bicycling and inline skating enthusiasts. The Bicycle Touring Camp, two group camps, a camper cabin and 62 shady, semi-modern campsites - all less than one-fourth mile from Sakatah Lake - provide locations where visitors can access trails and relax among the red oaks and sugar maples.
Sakatah Lake also is known for its birding opportunities. More than 200 species of birds have been recorded at the park due to Sakatah's diverse natural communities including bur oak woodland, southern terrace forest, bulrush-spikerush marsh and dry hill prairie. These habitats attract numerous woodpeckers, warblers, hawks and waterfowl.
In addition to providing access to the Sakatah Singing Hills State Trail, the park offers five miles of hiking and cross-country ski trails, canoe rentals, a lakeside picnic area complete with tables, grills and fire rings.<br />
Anglers can try their luck from the fishing pier near the picnic area or put their boat in at a nearby access. Although the boat ramp in the park currently is closed for renovation it should reopen by late summer or early fall.
The park is also popular with canoe and kayak enthusiasts who explore Sakatah Lake and surrounding waterways including a 77-mile ride down the Cannon River from Sakatah Lake to the Mississippi River. Beautiful scenery that includes a landscape of rolling hillsides, scientific and natural areas, wildlife management areas and county parks line the route.
Those who are unable to attend the public open forum but would like to sign up for the mailing list or be on the Citizens Advisory Committee should contact Colin Kelly, at (651) 259-5606, or by e-mail colin.kelly@dnr.state.mn.us.