■ Meeting set on Miller
Black Bear Trail proposal
A proposal on the Miller Black Bear Trail will be presented Jan. 23 to the Crow Wing County Parks and Trails Advisory Committee.
The public comment period for the Miller Blackbear trail proposal has closed. The county will have 30 days to respond to comments and modify the project proposal.
Feedback from the advisory committee will be implemented into the proposal and then the plan is presented to the County Board for approval.
The response to comments will be posted on the county website at www.co.crow-wing.mn.us/index.aspx?nid=291 after the advisory committee meeting.
If the project is approved by the county board, an application will be made to the DNR for grant in aid status. The project will have to go through the DNR 7 step process.
■ Upcoming programs and activities at Mille Lacs Kathio State Park
• Saturday January 12 1 p.m. to 2:15 p.m. Snowshoeing for Beginners: This activity is designed for families and individuals who are new to snowshoeing. Following an indoor look at different types of snowshoes, we will go outside for an introductory snowshoeing lesson and a snowshoe hike. Snowshoes are provided. Registration is required and is limited to the first 25 people. To register, call the Kathio Interpretive Center at 320-532-3269 and leave your name, phone number and number of people attending. Meet at the park’s interpretive center.
• Saturday January 19 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Beginners Cross-country Ski Lesson and Trail Tour: Learn how to glide, pole, turn and handle hills; all the basic skills you will need to enjoy traditional cross-country skiing. Bring your own skis or rent the entire ski package ($10) at the Mille Lacs Kathio State Park office, before meeting at the park’s interpretive center. After the lessons, join the ski instructors and the park naturalist for a ski tour on the park’s woodland trails. We will make brief stops to discuss the natural splendor of the winter woods, and our ski instructors will offer skiing tips along the way. Registration is required and is limited to the first 25 people.
To register, call the Kathio Interpretive Center at 320-532-3269 and leave your name, phone number and number of people attending. A Minnesota Ski Pass is required to ski on Minnesota State Park Trails.
The Snowshoeing for Beginners program and the Ski Lessons /Trail Tour are free of charge. A vehicle permit is required to enter Minnesota State Parks. Vehicle permits may be purchased at the park office. Cost is $5 for a daily permit, or $25 for an annual permit, which allows access to all Minnesota State Parks for one year from the date of purchase.
Mille Lacs Kathio State Park is located 8 miles north of Onamia, 14 miles south of Garrison, on U.S. Highway 169.
