EDITORIAL: Greenleaf State Recreation Area draft plan: a good start

An editorial from today’s Litchfield Independent Review

Greenleaf State Recreation Area is officially more than just a dream.
The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources released a draft of a management plan for Greenleaf State Recreation Area last week. Compiled by DNR staff, with input from several open houses and a volunteer committee led by Regional Planner Cathy Fouchi, the management plan is the official document that gives life to what the state recreation area could become. It is not the final word. Area residents still have time to make their feelings known. The public review period runs through Nov. 1.

“We have collected a great deal of public input and expert technical advice during the process of shaping this management plan,” Fouchi said. “Now that we have a draft of the plan, we want to make sure everyone has a final opportunity to review and comment on it before it receives final approval.”
The plan may leave some disappointed because of what it leaves out — it will not be equipped like state parks, nor will it offer the kinds of programming state park goers are used to. However, the plan takes a prudent approach to development of the recreation area, relying on cooperation with local volunteers for programming support. It would be more disappointing if the plan over-reached and promised programs or amenities that simply could not be delivered. There’s not likely to be a lot of money for recreation area development in the state budget in the near future.

The draft management plan focuses on the importance of natural resource preservation and recreational opportunities within the recreation area’s boundaries. Among the plan’s highlights:

• Management and outreach efforts should be on youth and family outdoor recreation and handicapped hunting opportunities.

• Outdoor recreation should focus initially on high-participation activities, such as fishing, camping, hiking, picnicking, nature observation and education, boating, bicycling, cross-country skiing and snowshoeing.

• Activities that require the least amount of management — such as shore fishing and hiking — should be the first implemented. As DNR-owned land increases and budgets allow, additional activities will be considered.

• Sticking with the low-cost theme, the plan recommends an information kiosk be built that could direct visitors to hiking and nature observation trails, explain the area’s natural and cultural resources and direct people to places of historical interest. These offerings could be expanded to include an office with meeting room and development of family and youth recreation programs that emphasize instruction in activities like cross-country skiing, bicycling, canoeing, hunting and snowshoeing.

• A picnic area with covered shelter and overnight camping areas also are recommended. Camping could start with a walk-in primitive group camping area. The plan also suggests an extended camping season, beyond the traditional Memorial Day to Labor Day weekend time frame, which would accommodate spring and fall hunters, as well as those who enjoy a longer camping season.

These are just some of the recommendations in the management plan. Again, the plan doesn’t offer everything to everyone. But it is a plan that will get Greenleaf State Recreation Area off the ground.

Take a look at the plan and offer your comments and/or suggestions to the DNR. It’s the only way this plan can become a living blueprint of success for Greenleaf State Recreation Area.