Management

The 54,000-acre Mississippi National River and Recreation Area was established by Congress in 1988. A true partnership park, the National Park Service owns very little land and works with 25 local governments, several state agencies and numerous organizations to protect the globally significant resources along the 72-mile stretch of river running through the Minneapolis/Saint Paul metro area.

 

Featured Pages

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Fort Snelling Upper Post Program Change
The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has requested the National Park Service (NPS) transfer a 141-acre parcel of Fort Snelling's Upper Post from the Federal Lands to Parks program to the Historic Surplus Property Program. As part of the program change, the DNR and NPS have prepared a Draft Program of Preservation and Utilization (PPU). The Final PPU will accompany the deed and is a binding element of the deed that the NPS must approve. The NPS recognizes that the program change is an undertaking per Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, as amended, and is seeking public input.

Coldwater Spring Unit (Formerly the Bureau of Mines)
The National Park Service has demolished the former Bureau of Mines site and begun restoring it to an oak savannah prairie and other native plant communities. Watch this page for current updates.
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Comprehensive Management Plan
The Comprehensive Management Plan was established and issued in 1995. It serves as the general management plan for the Mississippi National River and Recreation Area. The plan provides guidance for managing this area for 10-15 years.

Alternative Transportation Plan
The Mississippi National River and Recreation Area's Alternative Transportation Plan (ATP) will identify how to connect non-motorized transit opportunities along the Park's 72-mile long corridor. For more information and updates on ATP's progress, watch their page.

Superintendent's Compendium
The National Park Service has revised rules affecting the use of nine Mississippi River islands it owns within the 72-mile corridor and Coldwater Spring. These federal rules do not affect activity on private property, on city, county or state park land, or on federal land managed by other agencies. The revised regulations, dated March 25, 2013 are known as the Superintendent's Compendium and supersedes previous versions.

Strategic Plan
Mississippi National River and Recreation Area staff worked with the Mississippi River Fund and Cinncinnatus, Inc, a consulting firm, to develop a strategic plan that clarifies the goals, visions, and values of the park.

National Park Service Centennial Celebration, 2016
Plans are already underway for the celebration of 100 years of preserving and protecting America's important places by the National Park Service. Each park has started to identify how to highlight the importance of these nationally significant places. Read our initial thoughts on the subject in the Mississippi National River and Recreation Area Centennial Strategy.