Voyageurs National Park to Continue Discussions of Reservations and Fees in the Twin Cities

Date: November 21, 2012
Contact: Tawnya Schoewe, 218-283-6670

Voyageurs National Park to Continue Discussions of Reservations and Fees in the Twin Cities

On December 15, 2012 park officials will return to visiting with and discussing a proposed campsite reservation and amenity fee program with the public.

This is the final year of a three-year civic engagement discussion to determine if Voyageurs National Park should move to a reservation system. Discussions will include charging for campsite use by night to ensure future maintenance and upkeep of the sites. Interior campsites and boats on the Kabetogama Peninsula will also be finalized based on comments received over the last few years. Day-Use sites will not be included in these discussions. "We believe we have come up with the best formula to maintain the sites while passing on a low cost to the user. Now it is time to discuss it with park neighbors and users and get their opinion of whether we should implement it or not," stated Mike Ward. "We realize that when we engage our users in important decisions such as this we make better decisions," Ward stated.

In discussions with communities alongside the park, there have been many who feel the park should charge for sites and offer reservations in order to bring new users to the area. Many new users will not consider camping in Voyageurs without a reservation system, especially since it is a 100% boat-in park. All sites are currently first-come, first-served and will remain so if not reserved by midnight the night before for that individual day.

Park officials will be coming to the Twin Cities to discuss the proposed actions. Park officials also plan to reach the public in Duluth over the next month - a date and time for visiting Duluth is yet to be determined.

Date and Time:

Saturday, December 15, 2012: 6:30-7:30 p.m.

Location:

Maple Grove Parks and Recreation Community Center

12951 Weaver Lake Road

Maple Grove, MN 55369

The public is invited to come to the meeting. Park officials have created a phone number (218-283-6708) for the public to call and be able to express their concerns or support for the reservations and costs for campsites.