Minnesota Department of Natural Resources

Guidelines for Managing and Restoring Natural Plant Communities along Trails and Waterways

Summary

These guidelines are designed to assist resource managers in conducting management activities that enhance the quality of natural plant communities, wildlife habitat, regional landscape integrity and visual quality, particularly as related to planning, development, and maintenance of trails, water trails, and water access sites.

Overview

Minnesota’s state trails, canoeing and boating routes, and water access sites provide recreational opportunities for Minnesota residents and visitors throughout the seasons:

• State trails link urban places to country spaces and other recreation facilities, such as state parks and state forests.
• Designated canoeing and boating routes provide many miles of river recreation.
• Public water access sites provide boating and fishing opportunities on numerous Minnesota lakes and rivers.

These recreation facilities enable users to experience Minnesota’s natural and cultural landscapes, as exemplified by the state’s divers geologic features and rich vegetation patterns. Unlike many other states, Minnesota is blessed with three major ecological regions, or biomes, which provide a high diversity of experiences for recreational users.

Trail Types Covered

General. All trail types are relevant.