P&TC makes its first land purchase: the only section of undeveloped, sandy beach

along the St. Croix River, which leads to the establishment of

Afton State Park.

1968

M innesota is renowned for the amazing natural resources that

have been preserved throughout the state for everyone to enjoy. While mother nature played the extraordinary role of creating these features, it has been the efforts of dedicated citizens that ensured they were protected as parks and trails.

This year Parks & Trails Council celebrates 60 years of preserving land for parks and trails and providing an independent, forthright voice to express the needs of our state’s system. Over the years, these efforts have resulted

in the establishment of numerous new parks and trails, the acquisition of criti-cal parcels within parks and trails, and the necessary appropriations from the state legislature to care for our parks and trails.

While originally limited in member-ship to 16 people, today P&TC has over 3,000 members. These members provide the most significant source of revenue for the organization, and ensure that these places are protected for future generations.

parks & trails council of mn w w w. p a r k s a n d t r a i l s . o r g parks & trails council of mn w w w. p a r k s a n d t r a i l s . o r g

Afton State Park (established through efforts spearheaded by P&TC in 1968)

Itasca established as the first State Park in Minnesota.

1935State Parks begin to be managed as a division.

Prior to this they were under the forestry division and largely man-

aged by local advisory committees.

9 new state parks created with one omnibus bill drafted by

P&TC:

Banning, Glacial Lakes, Lake Louise, Maplewood, Great River Bluffs, Rice Lake, Sakatah Lake, Soudan

Underground Mine, Upper Sioux Agency.________

Now let’s build trails!

P&TC and spearheads efforts to create foot, horse, cycle and canoe trails.

1963

Six decades of P& TC Judge C. R. MagneyFounder of P&TC (1883-1962)

If there is one person who could be credited with paving the way for citizens’ voices in parks and trails, it is Judge Magney.

The man people called “Mr. North Shore” had a profound appreciation for the natural beauty of Minnesota’s natural areas.

As Mayor of Duluth (1917-1920) he immersed himself in the city’s parks planning. Later, he

became a Justice of the Minnesota Supreme Court.

Upon retiring he dedicated himself to sharing the knowledge and skills he gained to preserve natural areas as parks for future generations. As he put it, “Our state parks are every man’s country estate.” Having earned the respect of legislators and government leaders, his insights were heeded and numerous parks owe their establishment to the founder of P&TC, Judge Magney. His philosophy of preservation became the driving force of P&TC, which continues today.

New “innovation” of nature trails and naturalist-led hikes become part of the

state park experience.

Late 1940s

1954P&TC established as a statewide

citizen’s advisory committee.

This occurs at the urging of state park director U.W. Hella during a meeting of Itasca State Park As-

sociation. At this time P&TC is called the Minnesota Council of State Parks. Key decision made for P&TC

to be an independent, non-government entity.

1967

First state trail established: Casey Jones State Trail.________

P&TC forms a first-of-its-kind foundation to acquire land for parks.

1983Landmark case for rails-to-trails

won by P&TC and DNR.

This case involved 10 miles of abandoned railroad that abutting land owners argued should revert to their

ownership, but the Supreme Court ruled may be used for the Gateway State Trail.

The unique Banning State Park boulders are saved.

In partnership with the Minnesota Climbers Association, P&TC acquires 108 acres along the

Kettle River in Banning State Park, and helps make Banning the fifth state park to allow climbing.

60th Anniversary of P&TC.

To date, P&TC has over 3,000 members and has helped acquire nearly 11,000 acres and helped ensure all parks and trails are cared for.

“The leaders of Parks & Trails Council of Minnesota have always been—and now, especially, are—relied upon by policy makers as the lead voice for parks and trails.”

~Former Senator Dave Durenberger (from P&TC’s 2014 Annual Dinner)

1891

Minnesota’s tallest waterfall saved to become the heart of Grand

Portage State Park.

This effort began a year earlier when P&TC success-fully launched a campaign to acquire the initial 260

acres and then advocated for the park’s establishment.

1988

1996P&TC has 1,000

members.

Gold Rock Point is acquired, saving the iconic view from Split Rock Lighthouse State

Park.

This effort began when P&TC successfully launched a campaign to raise $1 million and

mobilized necessary public support to approve this addition to the state park.

1997

2008

Minnesotans approve the Legacy Amendment.

2013

2014

Judge Magney’s philosophy continues to drive P&TC’s work today. The Magney Circle is comprised of individuals who are inspired and committed enough in this grand pursuit of preserving land for future generations to contribute $500 or more annually to P&TC. This support continues the legacy established 60 years ago by this “Giant of the North.”

To become a Magney Circle member, please visit ParksAndTrails.org