Goose Lake Association

06/17/2026

🎉 Join the Stark Summer Stroll Parade – Registration is Open! 🎉

Be part of one of our community’s favorite traditions! Whether you're representing a business, organization, sports team, neighborhood group, or just gathering friends and family, we’d love to see you in this year’s parade.

Best of all, participation is completely FREE! This is a wonderful opportunity to showcase your group, connect with neighbors, and help make this community celebration even more memorable.

Don’t miss your chance to be part of the fun—register your parade entry today and help us create a fantastic event for everyone!

Questions? Contact us for more information. We can’t wait to celebrate with you! 🎈🎶🚗

Float Check-In/Line-Up: 1-1:45pmParade Start: 2pm Route will start at Fish Lake Lutheran Church and end at Fish Lake Township Hall Parade participation is at…

06/16/2026

Minnesota state parks and trails’ Junior Ranger program expands with new activity book for kids 9 and up

A new Junior Ranger activity book aimed at ages 9 and up is now available at Minnesota state parks and recreation areas.

With activities designed by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources’ state park naturalists, the new “Junior Ranger: Get curious!” book offers a range of educational activities for kids to engage with the natural world in Minnesota. The book focuses on investigating Minnesota’s misunderstood wildlife, like bats, snakes and turkey vultures.

“Our first Junior Ranger booklet, for ages 6 and up, has been very popular since it launched in 2023,” said Jenni Webster, naturalist at Interstate State Park. “We’re excited to add a second booklet, so kids can continue to learn about nature as they get out and enjoy Minnesota state parks.”

The Junior Ranger program offers a kid-focused way to engage with the state park system, learn about the natural world, and discover the benefits of time spent in nature, including creativity and relaxation.

Once kids complete their booklet, they can take it to a state park ranger station or visitor center to collect a special Junior Ranger patch. A brand-new bat patch is available for those who complete the “Junior Ranger: Get curious!” activity book.

Visitors can pick up Junior Ranger activity books at most state parks and recreation areas. A map of pickup locations and printable versions of the booklets are available at mndnr.gov/junior-ranger.

The Junior Ranger program is funded through the Clean Water, Land and Legacy Amendment. Legacy funds support Minnesota Department of Natural Resources programs and projects that go beyond the results achieved by other state funds, to build a long-term conservation legacy for Minnesota.

https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/state_parks/kids/index.html

06/15/2026

Calling all local businesses! 🌟

We're putting together goodie bags for the kids attending the Stark Summer Stroll and would love to showcase some of the amazing businesses in our community.

If you'd like to contribute coupons, stickers, small giveaways, promotional items, samples, or other kid-friendly goodies, we'd be happy to include them in the bags!

This is a great opportunity to get your business in front of local families while helping make the event even more fun for the kids.

If you're interested in participating, please comment below or send us a message for details. Thank you for helping make the Stark Summer Stroll a memorable event for our community! ☀️🎒🍭

06/14/2026

Minnesota DNR launches new, transformative electronic licensing system

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources today launched the first phase of its modernized electronic licensing system for anglers, hunters and trappers, replacing a system that has served the state for more than 25 years.

“The Minnesota DNR is thrilled to bring this modern licensing system to Minnesotans today,” said DNR Commissioner Sarah Strommen. “This new system is a major step forward in how Minnesotans and visitors alike access hunting and fishing opportunities through flexible and convenient license purchase and storage options.”

The new ELS offers more flexibility than ever — three ways to buy a license (mobile app, online, or in-person from a license agent) and three ways to carry it (paper, PDF, or stored in the app). Customers can purchase and store licenses, and even register harvests from anywhere, including areas without cell service. Customers can access the new system on the DNR website (mndnr.gov/buyalicense) or by searching “Minnesota DNR Licensing” in the Apple or Google app stores.

As before, every license sold helps support conservation and management efforts, ensuring Minnesota’s fish and wildlife resources are sustained for future generations to enjoy.

“In addition to improving customer service, this new system enhances our ability to manage and conserve natural resources by providing data and insights that support wildlife and fisheries management,” Strommen said. "License sales in Minnesota fund efforts, from habitat restoration and protection, fish and wildlife management, innovative lake management planning, stream restoration, invasive species prevention, and more.”

While the new system is intuitive and user-friendly, the DNR and its vendor partner PayIt have plenty of how-to resources available to assist people in making the transition. Users can find those documents and videos in the online system or in the digital app. There are also staff available to answer questions and help users at 888-646-6367 (MINNDNR) or 651-296-6157.

"The new system brings a modern user experience to hunters and anglers in Minnesota, making it easy for everyone from newcomers to lifelong enthusiasts to enjoy the state's natural resources," said PayIt President and Chief Operating Officer Tom Nieto. "We're incredibly proud of our partnership with the Minnesota DNR and look forward to supporting their conservation mission for years to come."

Today’s launch is a major milestone, but not the finish line. The DNR will take feedback and make refinements as people adopt the system. Phase two of the launch will happen at a later date and will involve the addition of a recreational vehicle and watercraft titling and registration module to the new system. For now, the titling and registration process will remain the same, and the legacy system for those transactions will remain operational.

Once all phases have launched, the new ELS will support more than 3 million transactions across a catalog of more than 400 license and permit products each year, as well as watercraft and vehicle registrations.

Updates from the Minnesota DNR about the new electronic licensing system are available online (mndnr.gov/elsupdates).

https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/licenses/online-sales.html

06/13/2026

Only 2 weeks until Stark Summer Stroll and we're basically bouncing off the walls over here!! 🤩
Make sure to hit up the event page, mark yourself as 'heck yeah I'm going' and spam your friends and family with the deets! 😉. Don't forget to share the fun and tag those who need to be there! The more, the merrier! 🎉
We can't wait to see you all there! ☀️

06/12/2026

ATV riders can explore Minnesota riding opportunities on No Registration Weekend, June 13-14

Minnesotans with an all-terrain vehicle registered for private or agricultural use won’t need to pay the additional registration fee ($60 for three years) to ride the state’s public ATV trails June 13-14. Out-of-state riders can explore Minnesota’s ATV trails this weekend as well without the need for a nonresident ATV trail pass ($31 for one year).

This annual No Registration Weekend gives riders access to more than 3,000 miles of state forest and grant-in-aid trails. The event falls on the second weekend of June each year and occurs during Great Outdoors Month.

“We see this weekend as a great opportunity to showcase the wide variety of state and grant-in-aid trails across Minnesota,” said Joe Unger, Minnesota Department of Natural Resources OHV program consultant. “There are a large number of ATV riders across the state who, during this weekend, can try the public trails without paying the additional registration fee.”

Some great places to start, according to Unger, include:

Iron Range Off-Highway Vehicle State Recreation Area, a 1,200-acre OHV park in Gilbert, with over 45 miles of scenic trails for riders of all abilities.
The 100-mile trail system in Nemadji State Forest, which connects to the Matthew Lourey State Trail and the Gandy Dancer Trail for more riding opportunities.
The 167-mile Prospector’s Loop near Ely, which follows forest roads and trails connecting the North Shore of Lake Superior to the Voyageur Country ATV Trail System for more riding opportunities. This trail is now connected to Lake Vermilion-Soudan Underground State Park’s new Pyrite Campground, which is designed for campers with OHVs.
The 200-mile Northwoods Regional Trail System in Aitkin and Itasca counties, where riders can use the Soo Line Trail to connect to great communities and trail loops.
All other ATV laws and regulations remain in place during the weekend. The DNR reminds riders to be safety-minded when on the trails. Safety training is recommended for everyone who operates an ATV and required for ATV riders born after July 1, 1987. Youth under age 18 must wear a DOT-certified helmet. Riders age 16 and under must fit the ATV they are operating and be able to properly reach and control the handlebars and reach the foot pegs while sitting upright on the ATV.

Maps, updates on trail conditions, ATV safety training resources and other OHV information can be found on the DNR’s OHV riding webpage (mndnr.gov/ohv).

Information on off-highway vehicle (OHV) riding in Minnesota, including all-terrain vehicles (ATVs), off-highway motorcycles (OHMs) and off-road vehicles (ORVs).

06/11/2026

Celebrate Great Outdoors Month, National Get Outdoors Day, and Free Park Day in Minnesota state parks and recreation areas on June 13

June is Great Outdoors Month, making it an ideal time to get outside and explore Minnesota’s outstanding outdoor recreation opportunities. A perfect day to do so is Free Park Day on Saturday, June 13, which also coincides with National Get Outdoors Day. On this date, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources will waive vehicle permit fees at all 73 state parks and recreation areas.

“Great Outdoors Month is the perfect time to get outside and experience everything Minnesota’s state parks and recreation areas have to offer,” said Ann Pierce, DNR Parks and Trails Division director. “Free Park Day gives everyone an even better opportunity to discover a new favorite place, spend time with family and friends, and enjoy the physical and mental health benefits of being outdoors. We encourage everyone to get outside and explore Minnesota’s incredible natural resources.”

In addition to offering popular activities such as hiking, biking, picnicking, swimming, paddling and birding, a variety of state park programs are open to all visitors. There are 23 programs scheduled for June 13. These programs are free, but some require pre-registration. These naturalist-led events include:

Games
Information on plants, animals, and geologic features
Exploration of state parks and recreation areas
Instruction on outdoor recreation activities
Find state park programs online at the state parks and trails events calendar (mndnr.gov/ptcalendar).

To help plan a Free Park Day outing, the DNR offers these tips:

Find a state park or recreation area by using the ParkFinder tool on the DNR website (mndnr.gov/parkfinder).
Always check visitor alerts before leaving home. These notifications about things that might impact visits can be found at the top of each state park website. Start at the DNR’s A to Z park list (mndnr.gov/park-list).
Check the weather forecast before leaving home and bring clothing and footwear appropriate for the forecasted conditions.
Pack enough water and snacks for everyone in the group, a first aid kit, insect repellant and sunscreen.
For those bringing pets, don’t forget a leash, water, snacks, and bags to clean up after them.
June 13 is one of four free days during the year. The vehicle permit waiver for Free Park Day does not cover amenity or user fees for activities like camping or watercraft rentals. Details are on the Free Park Day web page (mndnr.gov/freeparkday).

If people can’t make it on Free Park Day, seven-day vehicle permits are also available for check out at participating libraries through the DNR’s State Parks Library Program (mndnr.gov/library-pass).

For more information on recreational opportunities in Minnesota state parks and recreation areas, visit mndnr.gov.

06/10/2026

🚨 HELP! 🚨

You know those magical people who make the Stark Summer Stroll run smoothly?

Yeah... we're still a little short on them. 😅

If you've ever thought, "I wish I could be part of an amazing community event" THIS IS YOUR MOMENT. 🌟

Volunteer spots are still available, and we'd love to have you join the fun. You'll earn good karma, community bragging rights, and our eternal gratitude (which is worth at least three gold stars and a high-five).

Please sign up today and help make the Stark Summer Stroll a success!

👉 Register to volunteer here:

Stark Summer Stroll is coming up and we're going to need your help to make this day a success! To register as a volunteer : Choose the available task you'd like to help withChoose your ideal time slot Feel free to register more than one person at a time! We're looking forward to seeing you there!

06/09/2026

Twins offer special edition hats with DNR ticket package

The DNR and the Minnesota Twins are once again partnering on DNR Days at select games. Anyone with a 2026 Minnesota fishing or hunting license can access a ticket package that includes a special edition Twins fishing cap with a ticket purchase.

The 2026 Minnesota DNR Days partnership includes these upcoming games:

Friday, June 26 vs. Colorado Rockies, 7:10 p.m.
Saturday, July 11 vs. Los Angeles Angels, 1:10 p.m.
Tuesday, July 28 vs. Kansas City Royals, 6:40 p.m.
Sunday, Aug. 16 vs. Philadelphia Phillies, 1:10 p.m.
Saturday, Sept. 12 vs. Cleveland Guardians, 3:10 p.m.
Monday, Sept. 14 vs. New York Yankees, 6:40 p.m.
Find instructions for buying tickets on the Minnesota DNR Days webpage.

https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/twins/index.html

06/08/2026

📣 We Want Your Feedback! 📣

We're looking for input on event scheduling and would appreciate hearing from you. Your feedback will help us plan future events that better meet the needs and preferences of our community.

Please take a few minutes to complete our survey:

https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/TQC5FW3

Thank you for sharing your thoughts and helping us improve our event planning!

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