The DNR is considering a number of measures to improve trail sustainability and enhance user experiences for both motorized and non-motorized uses including:
Close unsustainable trails where impacts cannot be avoided or mitigated.
Connect trails to other destinations, local communities, and existing trails.
Provide a variety of experience levels.
Avoid ecologically sensitive areas.
Address major safety concerns and user conflicts.
Identify and evaluate potential new trail opportunities.
The trail system changes will not include changing forest-wide motor vehicle use classifications.
State forest trail designations (e.g., allowing motorized use, creating hunter walking trails, etc.), whether new designations or revisions, must be made by a Commissioner's Order published in the State Register.
Current state forest motor vehicle use classifications
Common terms in forest trail planning
Events calendar
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- Richard J. Dorer Memorial Hardwood State Forest
- Richard J. Dorer Memorial Hardwood State Forest
Current Zumbro Bottoms Management Unit map
Counties: Goodhue, Wabasha
Forest classification: LimitedContact: [email protected]
Parks and Trails Division
500 Lafayette Rd. St. Paul, MN 55155
Minnesota DNR seeks public input on proposed designated trail revisions in the Zumbro Bottoms Management Unit
The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is seeking public input on proposed designated trail revisions within the Zumbro Bottoms Management Unit of the Richard J. Dorer Memorial Hardwood State Forest in Wabasha County.
Draft recommendations aim to improve long-term trail sustainability and overall management of the 45.1-mile designated trail system. Proposed changes include designation of approximately 1.7 miles of equestrian trail and undesignation of approximately 5.7 miles of unused or unsustainable existing trail segments. The draft proposals reflect prior public engagement and technical review.
The Richard J. Dorer Memorial Hardwood State Forest is classified as “limited” with respect to motor vehicle use, meaning motor vehicles may only operate on forest roads and trails designated open to their use. The DNR does not propose to change the limited forest classification, and the Zumbro Bottoms Management Unit does not include any designated off-highway vehicle trails.
The forest has unique trail designation requirements under Minnesota Statute and Rule found at:
A public meeting to provide information regarding the proposed changes and accept public comments will be held from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. on June 25, 2026 at the Wabasha-Kellogg Public School, 2113 Hiawatha Drive NE, Wabasha, MN.
The DNR will also accept written comments through 4:30 p.m. on June 29, 2026. Comments may be submitted by email to [email protected] or by mail to:
Molly Lou Pintok
Parks and Trails Division
Minnesota DNR
500 Lafayette Road
St. Paul, MN 55155Comments received during the public comment period will be reviewed and considered prior to a final decision. Changes to state forest trail designations must be made by Commissioner’s Order and published in the State Register.
View the Richard J. Dorer Memorial Hardwood Forest Zumbro Bottoms Unit Trail Proposal .
- Solana State Forest
Open house
Wednesday, October 16 from 6 - 8 p.m.
Aitkin High School
306 Second Street NW, Aitkin, MNSolana State Forest
Solana State Forest map
County: Aitkin
Forest classification: LimitedContact: [email protected]
Parks and Trails Division
500 Lafayette Rd. St. Paul, MN 55155- Cloquet Valley and Riverlands State Forests
Open house
Tuesday, September 24 from 6 - 8 p.m.
Pike Lake Elementary School
5682 Martin Road, Duluth, MNCloquet Valley State Forest
Cloquet Valley State Forest map
Riverlands State Forest (Map not available yet)
Counties: St. Louis, Carlton
Forest classification: MixedContact: [email protected]
Parks and Trails Division
500 Lafayette Rd. St. Paul, MN 55155
- Beltrami Island State Forest
- Beltrami Island State Forest
Counties: Beltrami, Lake of the Woods, Roseau
Classification: ManagedMaps
- Chengwatana State Forest
- Chengwatana State Forest
County: Pine
Classification: Limited - General C.C. Andrews State Forest
- General C.C. Andrews State Forest
County: Pine
Classification: Limited - Huntersville and Lyons state forests
- Huntersville State Forest
Lyons State Forest
County: Wadena
Classification: LimitedComment period ended Mar. 13, 2019.
- Kabetogama State Forest
- Kabetogama State Forest
Counties: Koochiching and St. Louis
Classification: ManagedComment period ended Oct. 11, 2018.
- Nemadji State Forest
- Nemadji State Forest
County: Pine
Classification: Limited - North St. Louis and Lake counties
- State forests:
Scattered state forest lands in northern St. Louis County
Counties: St. Louis and Lake
Classifications: Closed/limited/managedProject documents:
Comment period ended Oct. 11, 2018.
- Rum River State Forest
- Rum River State Forest
County: Mille Lacs
Classification: Limited - St. Croix State Forest
- St. Croix State Forest
County: Pine
Classification: Limited
More information
For more information about trail designation in state forests, contact:
Molly Lou Pintok
Parks and Trails Division
651-259-5095
[email protected]