SRF partnered with Stearns County Parks to develop a master plan for Kraemer Lake-Wildwood County Park in Stearns County, MN, a unique regional destination offering diverse outdoor recreation and environmental education opportunities. Unlike other parks in the county system, Kraemer Lake-Wildwood provides seasonal programming, including a maple syrup operation run by Stearns County each spring through a special arrangement with the previous landowner.
The park also features cross-country skiing, hiking, picnicking, swimming, and other recreational activities set within a high-quality forest landscape. To ensure the long-term sustainability of these resources, SRF prepared a master plan that included:
- A natural resource inventory and management plan to protect the park’s extensive maple-basswood forest, which remains largely untouched and free of invasive species.
- A public engagement process that gathered input from the community through open house meetings, an online questionnaire, and discussions with stakeholder groups.
The final master plan outlined key park improvements, including:
- A public swim beach to expand recreational opportunities.
- Cross-country ski trails to enhance winter activities.
- A non-motorized boat launch and fishing pier for improved water access.
- New park buildings to support visitor amenities and programming.
- A new access road and parking facilities to accommodate growing public use.
By combining conservation strategies with enhanced public access, SRF’s master plan ensures that Kraemer Lake-Wildwood County Park will continue to provide exceptional outdoor experiences while preserving its natural character for future generations.
Resource links:
Stearns County Parks
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Minneapolis, MN
