As I write this in early May, there are still a few remnant snow piles out the window. We had our ski trails groomed by Thanksgiving last fall and kept getting snow, so it was a great winter for skiing. Snowmobile trail conditions were also excellent for much of January and February. Winter got a little long by April, so hopefully by the time this is published summer will have arrived.

We will be hosting a special musical program at 7 p.m. on Saturday, June 25^th. The acoustical duo “Dancing Light” will give a folk music concert at the picnic pavilion.   More information on the performers can be found on their website at www.dancinglight.us. The program is made possible through funding from the Legacy amendment. The concert is free and open to everyone. Vehicle permits are needed for those driving into the park.

The traditional state park open house day has been moved to the second Saturday in June to correspond with “National Get Outdoors Day”. If you haven’t been to the park in awhile, this is a good opportunity to check it out without needing a vehicle permit. Stop in on June 11^th to picnic, go walking, or to try out Geocaching.

A separate news release has information on a resource management project that will be occurring in the park this spring or summer. Non-native Norway spruce will be removed from an old plantation along the Ski Trail Road. For those of us used to the dark, closed-in feel of this stand of trees, I’m sure the site will appear shockingly open when the logger is done The goal is to leave as many native trees as possible, however, and seedlings will be planted in where natural regeneration doesn’t occur. In the long run, this project will result in a more natural ecosystem.

Camping reservations may be made by phone (866-857-2757) or on-line at www.stayatmnparks.com up to one year in advance. Reservations for this summer are already filling up quickly.  DNR and park information can be found on line at www.mndnr.gov .

Office hours will be limited in early June. Normal summer hours of 9 am to 9 pm will start on June 10^th. For assistance or more information, call the park office at 254-7979.