Below is a contribution from GMPT Business Member Nienow Cultural Consultants, now Braun Intertec Corporation. Nienow Cultural Consultants LLC was acquired by Braun Intertec Corporation. For more information, please visit braunintertec.com.
Planning a new trail, campground, or boat launch? Knowing your archaeological requirements early can protect your timeline and budget, and it starts with one conversation.
To increase Cultural Resources capacity in the Upper Midwest and expand the quality services already available to a diverse client base, Braun Intertec Corporation (Braun Intertec) acquired Nienow Cultural Consultants LLC (NCC) in June of 2026. NCC has been a business member of GMPT for several years and has provided archaeological services for multiple county and regional parks, including Bend in the River Regional Park, Belle Prairie County Park, and Oxbow Park and Zollman Zoo. NCC, and now Braun Intertec’s Upper Midwest Archaeology team, is led by Jeremy L. Nienow, Ph.D., RPA. Jeremy has over 30 years of archaeological experience in precontact, contact, and historic properties and has overseen excavations at some of Minnesota’s most iconic locations including Lower and Upper Posts of Fort Snelling, the Minneapolis waterfront, and the Minnesota State Capitol.
Adding expanded Cultural Resource Management (CRM) to Braun Intertec means they can now provide multidisciplinary project planning deliverables including environmental assessment, permitting and compliance, wetlands and species identification, geologic, geotechnical, and hydrologic conditions, and of course architectural and archaeological efforts.
“What's the first step we should take when thinking about archaeology?”
This is one of the most common questions clients ask during the initial meeting. Archaeology is not typically front of mind when members are planning new boat launches, trails, bathrooms, pavilions, campgrounds, disc golf courses, etc. Finding a design team, managing the logistics of existing services, and determining how to fund the project are usually top priorities. However, archaeology should be considered early in the planning process, especially if you are using state or federal funds, working on public lands, might need an Army Corps permit, or if you are working around properties which are eligible or on the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP).
The first step in determining your archaeological needs is to simply consult with an archaeologist. The Minnesota Historical Society (MNHS) maintains a list of qualified archaeologists; however, most project owners start by talking to their peers to see if they have worked with an archaeologist in the past. Reputation and word of mouth are valuable commodities in the archaeological community. The next step is completing a Literature Review and Archaeological Assessment, often called a Phase IA. This document will tell you if you have any known archaeological sites within your project area, if any previous archaeological investigations have been done, and a wellspring of background information on area soils, historic environment, archaeological regions, cultural histories, etc. At the conclusion of this report, there is typically a section of recommended next steps which may include consultation with Tribes, completion of an archaeological survey, reaching out to the Office of the State Archaeologist (OSA) or State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO).
While archaeological requirements vary from project to project, the first step is often the simplest: consulting with an archaeologist to understand what may be needed and how those requirements could affect your timeline, budget, and project goals.
Have questions about the archaeological needs of your project? Braun Intertec's cultural resources professionals can help you understand potential requirements and determine next steps. Contact our team at 651-295-3744, JNienow@Braunintertec.com, or visit braunintertec.com to learn more about all our services, including cultural resources.
Below is a contribution from GMPT Member Northland Arboretum. For more information, please visit northlandarb.org.
The Northland Arboretum is proud to announce that it has been awarded a Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation Quality of Life Grant to purchase an Axis 40 all-terrain track chair, expanding outdoor access for individuals living with paralysis and mobility disabilities.
Accessibility has become a guiding principle of the Arboretum's long-term master plan. As one of Greater Minnesota's regional parks, we believe the outdoors should be a place where everyone has the opportunity to explore, learn, and connect with nature. This investment helps turn that vision into reality.
The track chair will allow visitors to independently experience the Arboretum's 13 miles of trails, six botanical gardens, and other nature-based amenities that were previously difficult or impossible to access using a traditional wheelchair. The chair will be available through a reservation system, allowing individuals and families to enjoy meaningful outdoor experiences together.
For regional parks and trails across Minnesota, accessibility extends beyond paved trails and ADA parking spaces. It also means creating opportunities for people of all abilities to experience forests, prairies, wetlands, and other natural landscapes that define our park system. Adaptive mobility equipment is one way parks can remove barriers while expanding participation and fostering a stronger connection to the outdoors.
We are grateful to the Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation for recognizing the importance of inclusive outdoor recreation and helping make this opportunity possible. We hope this project encourages continued conversations about accessibility throughout Greater Minnesota's parks and trails system.
Because everyone deserves the opportunity to experience the healing power of nature.
Below is a message from GMRPTC Executive Director Renee Mattson. You can reach her at renee.mattson@gmrptcommission.org.
(Above) Welcome sign at the Big Falls Campground and Horse Camp.
August means the Minnesota State Fair, school shopping, last weekends with family before school is back in session, and funding tours!
The annual GMRPTC grants cycle opens April 1 and closes on July 31. In August, Joe and I had the pleasure of visiting the grant applicants and reviewing their proposed projects. This is certainly a lot of driving, and also a distinct highlight as we are able to review projects and really understand through an in-person visit what this project will mean to the community and visitors who use the park or trail.
It’s always energizing to see how thoughtful master planning—shaped through community engagement and dialogue—guides the long-term vision for a park or trail. Reviewing a facility’s very first project as it seeks grant funding is especially rewarding, and watching a park or trail evolve over time, sometimes from nothing more than an early idea, is one of the most enjoyable parts of this work.
I’d encourage everyone to take advantage of our beautiful Minnesota fall and explore a park or trail you’ve not previously been to before. The wealth of opportunity we have in Minnesota is simply amazing, and much of that is possible because of our Clean Water, Land and Legacy Amendment funding!
Though the last legislative session feels as though it only just ended, it’s never too early to start thinking ahead to next session. Of course, there’s an election between now and then, but we can still start working on our fundamentals to build on our successes in 2026.
At our annual meeting in October, we will adopt our Legislative Policies and Agenda, so as we begin drafting our agenda for the 2027 legislative session, we need your input! We created the survey below to make it easy for you to share your thoughts, and we will use your feedback to create our initial draft.
Your voice is critical in guiding our legislative agenda and overall work, so please fill out the survey today!
Click here to fill out the survey!
For question's on our legislative work, please reach out to GMPT Lobbyist Elizabeth Wefel at eawefel@flaherty-hood.com.
Below is a message from GMPT Chair Joe Tart. You can reach him at joseph.tart@chisagocounty.us.
Hello, GMPT members!
Get excited, because registration for GMPT’s Annual Fall Meeting is now open! Our 2026 Fall Meeting on Wednesday, October 21, as part of the Minnesota Recreation and Park Association (MRPA) Annual Conference in Duluth! Join us and check out the best of what GMPT and MRPA have to offer.
We'll kick things off at 10:45am on October 21 with our annual business meeting, where we'll recap this year's successes, elect officers, and adopt GMPT's 2027 legislative priorities. Then, join us for a brown bag lunch and networking session, where you'll connect with Greater Minnesota colleagues and highlight the accomplishments of our members. After lunch, GMPT lobbyist Elizabeth Wefel will discuss grant funding and other issues that local and regional parks and trails will face at the legislature in 2027. Learn what you can do to prepare and advocate for Greater Minnesota priorities. Plus, there may be a few surprise visits from legislators!
As a bonus, MRPA has generously invited members who register and attend the Fall Meeting to attend any of the MRPA Annual Conference afternoon breakout sessions at no additional cost if they choose to stay for the remainder of the day. Registration and attendance at the GMPT Fall Meeting is required to take advantage of this opportunity. If you are planning to attend the MRPA Annual Conference on Thursday and Friday, please register for the conference separately through MRPA.
If you are already registered for the MRPA Annual Conference, you do not need to pay an additional registration fee to attend the GMPT Fall Meeting. However, please register using the free option to let us know you'll be there.
Click here to register!
The $38 fee to register includes lunch and materials, as well as access to the afternoon sessions at the MRPA Annual Conference.
If you have any questions about this year's Fall Meeting or future GMPT events, please email us at contact@greatermnparksandtrails.org. Hope to see you there!
Mark your calendars! The Minnesota Recreation and Park Association (MARP) will be hosting its annual conference on October 20-23, 2026, in Duluth, MN. Each year, MRPA’s Annual Conference provides diverse educational opportunities that will engage professionals from all backgrounds and offers meaningful experiences that truly “Lifts” attendees’ education, expand their knowledge, and strengthen engagement within their own communities.
The Mesabi Trail will be celebrating it's 30th anniversary and grand opening in September with special events you won't want to miss! The celebration will begin on Sept. 12 with a 30-mile bike ride from Biwabik to Tower, ending in a party at the Tower Depot Park. Then, a formal ribbon cutting ceremony will be held in the same park on Sept. 15, followed by an open house at the Mesabi Station trailhead in Eveleth on Sept. 16. More events and details to come, so make sure you check their Facebook page and website for updates!
Below is a contribution from GMPT Member Lyon County. For more information, please visit lyoncountymn.gov.
Garvin Park has long been one of Lyon County’s premier outdoor recreation destinations, offering beautiful oak woodlands, the Cottonwood River, trails, camping, and year-round opportunities to enjoy the outdoors. While Garvin Park has always been a cherished community asset, County leaders recognized the need to modernize its facilities to better serve today’s visitors while preserving the natural beauty of Garvin Park for future generations.
Our vision was simple: create a park that is welcoming, accessible, and equipped to meet the growing needs of campers, families, equestrians, and community groups. Through thoughtful planning and strategic investment, we focused on projects that would have the greatest long-term impact on both visitor experience and park sustainability.
With support from the Greater Minnesota Regional Parks and Trails Commission and local funding partners, Garvin Park has undergone a remarkable transformation. Improvements have included the construction of a new main pavilion that has quickly become the centerpiece of the park. Since its completion, the pavilion has been rented nearly every weekend, serving as a popular venue for family reunions, graduation parties, weddings, community gatherings, and other special events.
Additional projects have included the construction of modern restroom facilities, upgraded electrical hookups throughout the campground to better accommodate today’s campers, the addition of a much-needed shower facility in the horse campground, and new concrete walkways and accessible routes that make the park easier for visitors of all abilities to enjoy.
The response from the community has exceeded our expectations. The excitement surrounding these improvements was evident when more than 300 people attended our park open house to celebrate the completed projects. Our annual Halloween event, centered around the new pavilion, welcomed more than 3,000 visitors, demonstrating how these improvements have expanded opportunities for community programming and family-friendly events.
The investment has also had a measurable impact on park use. Camping reservations have increased significantly, daily attendance continues to grow, and visitors consistently share positive feedback about the upgraded amenities. The improvements have enhanced the overall park experience while encouraging both first-time and returning guests to spend more time exploring everything Garvin Park has to offer.
These projects represent much more than new buildings and infrastructure. They reflect a commitment to providing high-quality outdoor recreation opportunities that strengthen our communities, support local tourism, and improve the quality of life for residents throughout the region. By investing today, we are ensuring that Garvin Park will continue serving families and outdoor enthusiasts for generations to come.
Lyon County extends its sincere gratitude to the Greater Minnesota Regional Parks and Trails Commission for its investment, partnership, and unwavering commitment to strengthening regional parks across Minnesota. Your support has allowed us to complete projects that have transformed Garvin Park into an even more vibrant destination for recreation, community events, and tourism. The benefits of these investments are evident every day through increased visitation, growing campground use, and the countless memories being made by visitors of all ages. Thank you for helping us preserve and enhance this special place for generations to come.
In 2008, Minnesota voters made a bold choice to increase the sales and use tax by three-eighths of one percent. The Clean Water, Land and Legacy Amendment to the state constitution passed with 56% of the vote, at a time when the economy was struggling and adding another tax seemed an impossible goal. However, Minnesotans have a proud history of doing what is good for nature, for water, for arts and culture, and for outdoor recreation.
Greater Minnesota parks and trails have benefited from Legacy funding in ways big and small, in cities and counties where significant investments have been made that otherwise might not have happened but for the grant dollars available through Legacy.
The GMRPTC has a new interactive mapping tool that lets you explore the impact of Legacy in Greater Minnesota. This dynamic mapping system, which we call our Impact Map, geographically lays out all of the projects that have been funded by Legacy since the Commission started directing the funds in 2015. One map, one website. Over 154 projects and $110,000,000 in projects that have been completed or are underway and will soon be making their impact.
There is a tutorial on the IMPACT MAP home page that will show you just how deeply you can explore the system with this new tool.
Here are some ways you can make use of the Impact Map:
It’s safe to say that there is no other interactive tool like the Impact Map, not a one. The GMRPTC is always seeking new and innovative ways to share the full story of how public dollars are changing lives—the Impact Map does that.
It’s only August and the last legislative session is barely over, but it’s never too early to start thinking ahead to next session. Of course, there’s an election between now and then, but we can still start working on our fundamentals to build on our successes in 2026.
At our annual meeting in October, we will adopt our Legislative Policies and Agenda, but we will do most of the work in advance. In mid-August, you will receive an electronic survey soliciting your thoughts and ideas that will help us prioritize. We will use your feedback from the survey to create our initial draft. In early September, we will host a virtual legislative policy discussion that will be open to all members to discuss our proposal and solicit additional feedback. The GMPT Board will vet the proposal, and we will bring it to a vote at our Fall Meeting.
Please watch for the survey later this month, but if you have thoughts or suggestions before then, please forward them to our lobbyist, Elizabeth Wefel, at eawefel@flaherty-hood.com. If you would like to review our 2026 Policies and Agenda, click the link below.
2026 Legislative Policies & Agenda
2025 News Archives
Greater Minnesota Parks and Trails
525 Park Street, Suite 470
St. Paul, MN 55103
contact@greatermnparksandtrails.org
