DNR Lists New Guidelines for Getting Outdoors This Summer in MN

Minnesota's Department of Natural Resources has updated its list of guidelines for getting outside this summer during the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.

The gang over at the DNR was busy earlier this year right after Minnesota's Stay-At-Home order was first issued, explaining that, with a few exceptions, most all of the incredible parks and recreation areas here in the Land of 10,000 Lakes WOULD still be open. (You can check that full list out HERE.)

Then, the DNR was also quick to respond to that wild rumor making the rounds that, along with just about everything else, the 2020 fishing season was canceled here in Minnesota. (It wasn't-- again, you can read their full response HERE.)

And now, with Gov. Walz's executive order last week that opened more outdoor businesses here in Minnesota, as well as the weather finally warming up, the DNR has collaborated with the Minnesota Department of Health to publish a new list of guidelines for both state recreational areas, and just being outdoors at all.

It includes several items that should sound familiar, including: practicing social distancing, but also include some clarification about other activities. For instance, while just about all of Minnesota's state parks and recreation areas are still open, traveling great distances (say, up north) isn't recommended. The guidelines say we should stay as close to home as possible.

And, don't host or attend gatherings with people who aren’t members of your immediate household, the guidelines say. "This includes gatherings like outdoor cookouts or barbeques because those types of gatherings could spread COVID-19," it noted. Finally, it says, even though it might be considered more 'green,' don't all ride in the same car. "Do not carpool to outdoor recreational activities with people other than those in your immediate household. Similarly, do not share equipment," the guidelines say.

You can read all of the DNR's updated outdoor recommendations HERE.

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