|  | | Vermillion Highlands FAQ |
What is Vermillion Highlands?
Vermillion Highlands is a research, recreation and modified wildlife management area located in Dakota County. The 2,822-acre property, currently owned by the University of Minnesota and jointly managed with the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) in conjunction with Dakota County, will remain a research, recreation and wildlife management area to be enjoyed by the residents of the region in perpetuity. Vermillion Highlands is a commitment to serving Minnesotan’s through a collaborative effort, recognizing that more public benefit will be achieved through this cooperation than would otherwise be possible.
What is the history of the property?
In 1947 and 1948 the property that is now Vermillion Highlands was part of the 12,000 acres deeded to the University of Minnesota by the United States federal government. The property was, in part, the site of the Gopher Ordnance Works which supported the war effort. Over the years, the University has conducted various forms of research on the property. In May 2006, the Governor of Minnesota signed into law legislation that set aside the 2,822 acres to be a natural space in perpetuity. As part of the legislation, the property will be deeded by the University to the State Department of Natural Resources (DNR) in 2032, in conjunction with the State’s support for the University’s new Gopher football stadium on the Minneapolis campus.
How is Vermillion Highlands managed?
Vermillion Highlands is managed jointly by the University and the DNR, in conjunction with Dakota County. A Steering Committee provides broad direction for the property while an Operations Group is responsible for day-to-day management. Both teams are comprised of members from the three partner organizations.
What’s the future of Vermillion Highlands? Will it be developed?
In keeping with the legislation that created Vermillion Highlands, the property will remain a research, recreation and wildlife management area in perpetuity. Future land uses for research and education, recreation and wildlife management will be guided by principles established through the joint management Steering Committee.
Who is developing the concept master plan for Vermillion Highlands and when will the plan be complete?
The Vermillion Highlands Steering Committee, in fall 2007, contracted with the Center for Rural Design to prepare a concept master plan for Vermillion Highlands. The concept master plan, which will identify potential land-use and management scenarios related to research and education, recreation and wildlife management, is scheduled to be completed in late 2009.
What kinds of activities take place at Vermillion Highlands?
The combined strengths of the University, DNR and Dakota County result in a number of activities on the property. Some examples include University research, horseback riding, hiking, bird watching, cross-country skiing and hunting and trapping.
What kind of research will be conducted at Vermillion Highlands?
One thousand acres at Vermillion Highlands has been designated for University field research in perpetuity. Possible research focuses could include the environment, ecology, energy, agriculture and recreation. Additional research can be pursued across the full extent of the property at the determination of the Vermillion Highlands Steering Committee. University research, education and public engagement at Vermillion Highlands will be coordinated through the Rosemount Research and Outreach Center.
Is the Lone Rock Trail open year round?
The Lone Rock Trail is open to hikers, horseback riders, cross-country skiers and hunting activities at various times of the year. During pre-determined hunting seasons, the trail will be closed to recreation activities to ensure quality hunting and the safety of all property users. The existing trail system will most likely become a hiking/cross-country ski trail. It is anticipated that a separate horseback riding trail will be developed in time on the northern portion of Vermillion Highlands. This will allow horseback riding to occur throughout the year except when temporarily closed for trail maintenance issues.
Are recreational motorized vehicles allowed on Vermillion Highlands property?
Vermillion Highlands is open to hiking, cross-country skiing and horseback riding. Recreational motorized vehicles (i.e. all-terrain vehicles, off-highway vehicles, snowmobiles, dirt bikes) are not permitted on the property. Bike trails will become available at a later date through the Dakota County Park trail system. The existing Grant-in-Aid (a cost-sharing program for the development and maintenance of snowmobile trails administered by the DNR) snowmobile trail will likely be re-routed to the south of the property.
How does Vermillion Highlands, a modified wildlife management area (WMA), differ from a traditional WMA?
Wildlife Management Areas are part of Minnesota's outdoor recreation system and are established to protect those lands and waters that have a high potential for wildlife production, public hunting, trapping, fishing, and other compatible recreational uses. They are the backbone to DNR's wildlife management efforts in Minnesota and are key to protecting wildlife habitat for future generations, providing citizens with opportunities for hunting, fishing and wildlife watching, and promoting important wildlife-based tourism in the state.
Vermillion Highlands has been designated as a modified WMA. As such, it is managed by a unique joint effort, including representation from the University, DNR and Dakota County, so that research, recreation and wildlife management activities can take place simultaneously on the property. Vermillion Highlands is the state’s first and only modified WMA.
What kinds of hunting activities take place at Vermillion Highlands?
Many scheduled hunting activities including spring turkey hunting, archery deer hunting, firearms deer hunting and late season pheasant and goose hunting take place throughout the year. It is anticipated that more hunting opportunities, such as general small game and predator hunting will be allowed in the future.
Is trapping permitted at Vermillion Highlands?
Trapping will take place during scheduled times of the year. Additional trapping information is available at www.umorepark.umn.edu/vermillion_highlands. Because Vermillion Highlands is a modified WMA, the trapping schedule, number of trappers, trap types used and species taken will be closely regulated through special-use permits. Generally, most furbearers (raccoon, muskrat, mink, beaver, weasel, opossum, fox, coyote and skunk) could be trapped, though trappers are likely to target coyote and raccoon.
Are there plans to restore any of the property to its natural state?
The managing partners of the property agree that high quality wood, prairie and wetlands should be restored and established. Thoughtful planning for such restoration is likely to take several years and will carefully take into consideration the current uses of the property. A long-term restoration and management plan will be developed jointly by the University, DNR and Dakota County.
What is Vermillion Highlands’ relationship to UMore Park, the 5,000 acres to the north?
Vermillion Highlands is adjacent and directly south of UMore Park, a University-owned property that, over the next 25-30 years, will become a unique, vibrant, intellectually and culturally rich, sustainable community where people can live, work and play. Although the planning processes for the two properties are separate initiatives, they have been and will continue to be closely connected to ensure synergies between UMore Park and Vermillion Highlands that benefit citizens and the region.
Are there plans to mine gravel in Vermillion Highlands?
The legislation that created Vermillion Highlands ensures that the property will be used for education and research, recreation activities and wildlife management purposes in perpetuity, and protects it from residential, commercial or industrial uses.
What kind of impact will Vermillion Highlands have on the region?
Vermillion Highlands is uniquely located in close proximity to additional natural spaces, and is being planned to achieve the best environmental character and ecological fit within the greater context of its region. The property is being planned to integrate with other natural and recreational resources like proposed and existing regional parks, wildlife and aquatic management areas and regional bike trails. This property, in conjunction with Dakota County’s plans for a regional park, will potentially offer a total of nearly 4,000 acres of open space for public use.
How are the multiple activities at Vermillion Highlands being coordinated?
The University, DNR and Dakota County are committed to providing opportunity for a variety of activities in a safe environment at Vermillion Highlands. Research, recreation and wildlife management activities are being managed cooperatively and strategically, to provide maximum and quality outdoor opportunities throughout the year. Because of the unique combination of land-uses at Vermillion Highlands, communication of use schedules by management and awareness by individuals using the property will be important.
Is there a fee to visit Vermillion Highlands?
A permit is required for all vehicles parking at the Lone Rock trail head and for use of the trail. The fees are $5 for a day permit or $25 for an annual permit. Fees collected are used to help maintain the trail system.
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