GRANITE FALLS — The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources is holding a second public work session to talk about recreation opportunities in the upper Minnesota River Valley. Members of the public are invited to attend the session on Wednesday, from 4-6 p.m. at the Kilowatt Community Center in Granite Falls.

DNR spokespeople said the work session will include activities and discussion to help figure out what kinds of recreation investment in the area are feasible, and which opportunities could have the biggest impact for the region.

On Aug. 30, the DNR had held an initial work session in Granite Falls. At the event, members of the public took part in table discussions to help refine ideas for new or expanded outdoor recreation in the Minnesota Valley region. A summary of public feedback from the session is available online at https://engage.dnr.state.mn.us/upper-sioux-agency-state-park-recreation-alternatives.

Finding new opportunities for recreation in the region is one of the steps that needs to be addressed in the process of transferring the current Upper Sioux Agency State Park to the Upper Sioux Community.

This spring, state lawmakers passed legislation directing the DNR to start the transfer process for the state park lands. The transfer legislation has several provisions, including that the DNR submit a report to the Legislature identifying possible barriers to the transfer; and an appropriation of $5 million to facilitate the land transfer.

In June, the DNR held public engagement sessions where area residents were asked to share ideas to enhance or create new outdoor recreation opportunities along the Minnesota River.