Governor issues proclamation of Public Lands Day

In recognition of public lands as a resource belonging to all Minnesotans, Gov. Mark Dayton has proclaimed today, Friday, Aug. 31, Public Lands Day.

In his announcement, the governor notes that Minnesota’s 5.6 million acres of state lands provide space and access to a wide variety of outdoor experiences.  This network includes trails for snowmobiling, hiking, biking, skiing and off-road motorized use. Hunters and anglers have access to millions of acres of state hunting lands and waters. And the governor notes, for others, state lands offer solitude and beautiful spaces for camping, wildlife watching and photography.

The governor and DNR Commissioner Tom Landwehr were at the Minnesota State Fair at the Department of Natural Resources building, to talk about the benefits of public lands and the Labor Day weekend opportunity to get out and enjoy them.

The winners of the DNR’s social media public lands photo contest were announced. 

In addition to the governor and the DNR commissioner, representatives of a number of organizations were also on hand: Anthony Hauk of Pheasants Forever; Susan Schmidt with the Trust for Public Lands; and Matt Lee, social media director for Backcountry Hunters and Anglers.

WTIP reached out to another State Fair attendee, Lukas Leaf of the Sportsmen for the Boundary Waters, who was there for the governor's proclamation.