1: Mission: Interpretation

The Division will continue to be innovative in providing interpretive programming to state park visitors through proven and non-traditional methods, broaden its reach of visitors that benefit from interpretive services, strengthen the role of interpretive services in visitor education and management, attract new visitors to state parks and expand the cooperative education efforts within the Department.

Other Information:

Background: The Division’s interpretive services mission as set out in the Minnesota State Park System Interpretive Services Plan is: “To provide accessible interpretive services which create a sense of stewardship for Minnesota’s natural and cultural heritage by illuminating the changing relationships between people and landscapes over time.” The Division has clear responsibilities in this area as spelled out in MS86A.05 subd.c “…preserve, perpetuate, and interpret natural features that existed in the area of the park prior to settlement and other significant natural, scenic, scientific, or historic features that are present . . . Programs to interpret the natural features of the park shall be provided.” Interpretation is one of the core missions as established in statute. However, this mission area has changed significantly during recent budget appropriations. Naturalist-led interpretive service levels have changed in over 30 state parks. Overall program participation by visitors has remained fairly stable, with the loss in naturalist program attendance being replaced by visitor center attendance. It is estimated that about one in six visitors to state parks has an interpretive experience.

Stakeholder(s):

• State Park Visitors

Objective(s):

1.1: Interpretive Program

1.1.1: Priority Setting

1.1.2: Staffing Priorities

1.1.3: Self-Guided Interpretation

1.1.4: Project Designs and Work Teams

1.1.5: Volunteer Presenters, Guest Speakers and Special Programs

1.1.6: Broad-Based Interpretive Projects

1.1.7: Web-Based Services

1.1.8: High School and University Relationships

1.1.9: Low-Cost Methods

1.1.10: New Visitor Center Designs

1.1.11: Alternative Funding

1.1.12: Fees

1.2: Content

1.2.1: Method Assessment

1.2.2: New Visitors

1.2.3: Effectiveness Evaluation

1.3: Recreation and Resource Management

1.3.1: Visitor Management Information

1.3.2: Interpretive Activities

1.4: Marketing and Merchandising

1.4.1: Annual Themes

1.4.2: Thematic Programming

1.4.3: Merchandise Program

1.4.4: Marketing Program

1.5: Conservation Agenda

1.5.1: Guided and Selfguided Services

1.5.2: Interpretive Service Promotion

1.5.3: Guest Speakers and Expertise Sharing

1.5.4: Exhibits, Displays, Signs and Audio/Visual Productions

Content