By Robert Williams

Editor

The Becker County Board of Commissioners unanimously approved a resolution to continue support for a cooperative agreement with the City of Detroit Lakes to implement recreational improvements at the Detroit Mountain Recreational Area (DMRA) and the Mountain View Recreation Area (MVRA).

“This is part of their plan to expand the facility, basically, it is just reaffirming that we continue to work with them and support them,” said Environmental Services Administrator Steve Skoog.

According to the agreement, DMRA has updated their Master Plan and is planning to apply for grants from the Greater Minnesota Regional Parks and Trails Commission (GMRPTC) to help fund land purchase and site improvements at the DMRA and the MVRA.

The GMRPTC was integral in the purchase of the land that is now Wannigan Regional Park in Frazee. 

The improvements in the DMRA master plan include: additional land acquisition; a campground and overnight accommodations; parking lot improvements; a Nordic ski center; trail enhancements and expansion; main lodge improvements and expansion; ski lift and rope tow improvements, along with connecting the Heartland State Trail to the DMRA Spur Trail and a Mountain View Regional Trail connection.

Master Plan MVRA improvements include: parking lot paving and striping; additional trailhead kiosks;  improved site furnishings; parking lot lighting and monument signage.

DMRA was last approved for grant funding in early 2024, a $1.3 million Legacy grant from the state of Minnesota.