To the editor:

The sudden news of the possible transfer of the Upper Sioux Agency State Park to the Upper Sioux Indian Community was shocking. However, it is not the first time that a Minnesota State Property (State Park, Memorial, Scenic Reserve, or Wayside) has been transferred. There have been 16 state properties transferred.

Birch Coulee Battle Field State Memorial Park was transferred to the Minnesota Historical Society in 1975. Part of the park is managed by Renville County. In 1963, part of Kaplan Woods State Park was demolished to expand Highway 14 and the remaining part transferred to the City of Owatonna as a city park. Little Elbow Lake State Park was transferred to the White Earth Reservation in 1989. Sleepy Eye State Park was transferred in 1965 to Sleepy Eye and is now known as “Sportsman’s Park.” Traverse des Sioux was transferred in 1981 to the Minnesota Historical Society and the City of St. Peter.

Except for Little Elbow, I have visited all of these “former state parks. They are great parks — the pride of their communities! The transfer of these served the best interest of Minnesota. The communities got a park to love and nurture. The DNR got a savings reduction in properties requiring services. I believe this transfer will be tough on the supporters/users of Upper Sioux Agency State Park, but I think it is the right thing to do.

Joe Gartner

New Ulm