Key areas for revision for rules governing use of State Parks, State Recreation Areas, Waysides, State Trails, and Forest Lands
In addition to integrating rules for state trails into the rules for state parks and other recreation areas, the DNR believes the regulations for state recreation areas should be different than those for state parks, consistent with the purposes of the units as described in the Outdoor Recreation Act (Chapter 86A).
In particular, the DNR plans less stringent regulation in state recreation areas when compared to state parks. Currently the rules do not differentiate between these areas.
The DNR also expects the rule amendments to reflect new statutes, address emerging recreational activities, and expand opportunities for users.
The DNR anticipates amendments to the following rule areas:
- New definitions and common definitions for all units.
- Updates for consistency with state law.
- Corrections and updates to penalty provisions.
- Common language regarding storage and abandonment of personal property.
- Revised language regarding special events and organized public activities.
- Filming and photography, particularly commercial photography.
- Expanded hours of operation.
- Establishment of quiet hours.
- Alcoholic beverages.
- New provisions regarding elevated stands and scaffolds.
- Prohibitions against feeding wildlife.
- Recreational shooting provisions.
- Firewood restrictions.
- Pets and domestic animals.
- Environmental protection.
- Day use areas.
- Camping, camper cabins, and rental facilities.
- Motorized and non-motorized uses, including new uses such as dog training and trialing, skijoring, and geocaching.
- Addressing the use of power-driven mobility devices.
- Check-in/check-out times.
The DNR expects to address the following specific topics during the rulemaking. The table describes the current rule language and provides links to the existing rule.
|
Rule Topic |
Part(s) of Existing Minnesota Rule |
|
Hours of Operation |
Current state park/recreation area hours are 8 AM to 10 PM. Current rules do not address hours for state trails. |
|
Noise and Quiet Hours |
Current rules prohibit noise that would "reasonably tend to arouse alarm or resentment of others" in state parks/recreation areas and state forests. Current rules prohibit the use of power generators and any noise above "quiet conversation" from 10 PM to 8 AM in state parks/recreation areas. Current rules do not address generator operation in forests or state trails. |
|
Intoxicating liquor (excludes 3.2% beer) |
Intoxicating liquor may not be consumed or displayed in state parks/recreation areas, forest campgrounds, or forest day use areas |
|
3.2% beer |
3.2 beer in kegs is prohibited in state parks/recreation areas, forest campgrounds, and forest day use areas unless written permission is obtained. The current rules do not address 3.2 beer in state trails. |
|
Hunting |
Hunting is prohibited in state parks/recreation areas, forest campgrounds and forest day use areas except when allowed by law, rule, or special permit. Hunting is allowed in state trails September 15 to March 30. |
|
Recreational shooting |
Recreational shooting is prohibited in state parks/recreation areas, within 200 feet of a forest campground or day use area, and in state trails. Recreational shooting is allowed on forest lands outside of forest campgrounds and day use areas, unless there are signs prohibiting shooting. |
|
Elevated stands (deer stands) |
Only portable stands are allowed in state parks/recreation areas. The stands must be removed daily and must not damage the tree. In forests, stands may be constructed but live merchantable trees may not be cut to for the stand. Shrubs, lateral tree branches, and saplings smaller than 4 inches in diameter at 4.5 off the ground may be removed and used in stand construction. The current rules do not address stands in state trails. |
|
Collecting/harvesting |
In state parks/recreation areas, and forest campgrounds and day use areas, it is illegal to collect or disturb plants, animals, geological formations, and historical or archaeological artifacts. It is also illegal to harvest wild rice in these areas. Edible fruits and mushrooms may be picked. |
|
Firewood and fires |
Firewood collecting is not allowed in state parks/recreation areas. Firewood may be collected on forest lands outside of campgrounds and day use areas, if it is dead and lying on the ground and is used within the forest. |
|
Pets |
In state parks/recreation areas and forest campgrounds and day use areas, pets must be restrained in a portable kennel, or by a leash no longer than 6 feet. Pets are not permitted in buildings. |
|
Camping reservations and occupancy |
In state parks/recreation areas and forest campgrounds and day use areas, a member of the camping party must occupy the campsite on the first night of the rental period. Dispersed camping is not allowed in state parks/recreation areas. |
|
Fishing |
Fishing is allowed in state parks/recreation areas and forest lands, but other aquatic life such as minnows, turtles, and frogs, may not be taken in state parks/recreation areas. |
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Swimming areas |
Swimming is allowed in state parks/recreation areas and forest campgrounds and day use areas. The current rules prohibit flotation devices like air mattresses and inner tubes in state parks/recreation areas. |
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Motor vehicle permits |
A vehicle permit is required for all motor vehicles entering state parks/recreation areas, including motorized bicycles. |
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Motor vehicles in state parks, forest campgrounds and day use areas |
Only vehicles licensed for highway use are allowed in state parks/recreation areas. Only vehicles licensed for highway use are allowed in forest campgrounds and day use areas unless the area is designated for other vehicles. |
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Wheelchairs, mobility devices, and service animals |
Not addressed in current rule. |
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Geocaching, skijoring, dog training |
Not addressed in current rule. |
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Commercial photography |
Not addressed in current rule. |
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Wildlife feeding |
Not addressed in current rule. |
|
Camper cabins and lodging facilities |
Not addressed in current rule. |