DNR Urges Caution At Minnesota State Parks, Trails

MN DNR News Release - published September 3, 2009
Minnesota state parks and trails are expected to be particularly busy over the Labor Day weekend. Recent accidents in state parks and along state trails prompt a reminder about the importance of safety from the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR).
The DNR urges park and trail users to be particularly careful around water, on rocks and along trails.
“We hope to see lots of families out there enjoying themselves on bikes and inline skates, but at the same time, we want to emphasize the need to be careful while on state trails and to always follow trail rules,” said DNR Conservation Officer Jim Guida of Nisswa. “Trail users need to pay attention to their surroundings.”
Guida said DNR conservation officers patrol intersections where Minnesota state trail users must stop or yield to oncoming traffic. Officers can issue citations and warnings for failing to stop or yield at a road crossing while using the trail.
“Stop signs along any trail should be considered equally important as signs encountered when traveling down a public roadway in an automobile,” Guida noted.
The DNR urges etiquette and these safety precautions:
- Stay on designated trails.
- Keep right so others can pass.
- Obey traffic signs and rules.
- Warn other trail users when passing by giving an audible signal.
- Be careful around horses that may be spooked by quiet bikers or inline skaters; let them know you are passing.
- Turn down music devices to hear oncoming traffic.
- Wear a helmet.
- Rock climbing in state parks is allowed only in designated areas and only by permit. The DNR advises anyone hiking on or near rocky surfaces to:
- Watch your step - don’t get distracted by the scenery or attempt to walk while looking through a camera.
- Wear hiking boots or other sturdy shoes with good tread.
- Take it slow.
- Watch out for sand, gravel, and loose or wet rocks that might cause a slip.
- Keep young children in sight and hold their hands in hazardous areas.
- Swimming is allowed anywhere in state parks except where an area is posted “closed to swimming.” The DNR cautions swimmers to be especially careful around rivers and streams where it is not always possible to read the current.