OutdoorMN News - DNR seeks input on Kilen Woods State Park

[Rick]

Open house scheduled for Nov. 17

The Department of Natural Resources invites the public to share their thoughts—either in person or online—on how to best manage Kilen Woods State Park in the future. While there are no immediate plans to change how the park is managed, the DNR would like to explore possible management alternatives as part of implementing the State Parks and Trails System Plan.

The DNR is hosting an open house on Nov. 17, from 6:30 to 8 p.m., in the Jackson County Library Community Room, 311 Third St., Jackson. Public input can also be submitted online until Friday, Dec. 16 at www.mndnr.gov/input/mgmtplans/parks/kilen_woods.html.

The DNR would like to hear public input on how the park is currently used; what amenities and values are most important to citizens and park users; and how different future management options might better serve the recreating public.

“Kilen Woods is an important resource for people in Jackson County and across the state,” said Kathy Dummer, parks and trails southern region manager. “Public input is an important consideration when evaluating future directions for managing the park.”

Kilen Woods State Park, authorized in 1945, occupies 202 acres along the West Fork of the Des Moines River in southwestern Minnesota. Visitors can stay overnight at one of four walk-in campsites or 32 semi-modern campsites, 11 of which have electricity.

The park also offers 5 miles of hiking trails, public fishing and canoe access to the Des Moines River, a shower building, and a reservable picnic shelter. Prairie Bush Clover Scientific and Natural Area, located within the state park boundary, protects a large population of the federally threatened prairie bush clover.

Discuss below - to view set the hook here.