DNR Invites Public Input On Fort Ridgely State Park Draft Plan Amendment

According to a press release from the DNR the Department of Natural Resources invites the public to review a draft management plan amendment for Fort Ridgely State Park, located near Fairfax in southern Minnesota.

The amendment will guide future development, natural and cultural resource management, and interpretation at the park. The DNR is creating the amendment to prioritize new investments in the park after the golf course closed Sept. 6. The amendment includes recommendations such as:

• Restoring the original plant communities on the golf course while exploring other recreational opportunities.
• Nominating Fort Ridgely as a National Civil War Battlefield.
• Upgrading shower and restroom facilities.
• Accommodating additional winter recreational uses.
• Improving trail conditions, connections, and accessibility.

To answer questions, the DNR is hosting an open house Thursday, Dec. 15, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., at the New Ulm Community Center, 600 N. German St., New Ulm. The open house will be a come and go format without a formal presentation. DNR staff will be available to answer questions about the plan amendment planning process and receive comments on the draft amendment.

The DNR worked with citizens, stakeholders, tribal communities, and government representatives throughout the planning process. The process included public input from a citizen advisory committee, stakeholder meetings, and an online public input questionnaire.