Saint Paul – Governor Tim Pawlenty and officials from United States Steel Corporation today signed documents formally transferring property on the shores of Lake Vermilion to the State of Minnesota, the first step in creating Minnesota’s first new major state park in more than 30 years.

The agreement includes approximately 3,000 acres of land. The new park will provide greater public access to Lake Vermilion, which includes 40,000 acres of water, 368 islands and 341 miles of shoreline. Lake Vermilion is Minnesota’s fifth largest lake and is adjacent to a portion of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area and the Superior National Forest.

“Minnesota’s natural beauty is one of our state’s greatest gifts,” Governor Pawlenty said. “This unique opportunity to create a state park on Lake Vermilion will give generations of Minnesotans the opportunity to enjoy the ‘up north’ experience.”

The Governor was joined at the signing ceremony today by U. S. Steel Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer John Goodish and U. S. Steel Real Estate President George Manos, Minnesota Department of Natural Resources Commissioner Mark Holsten, legislators, and community representatives.

“We are pleased we could reach an equitable agreement that allows the Lake Vermilion property to become a state park for Minnesotans – including our employees and retirees,” said Goodish.

The new Lake Vermilion State Park will be adjacent to Soudan Underground Mine State Park. The two state parks together will provide more than 10 miles of shoreline (with the new park adding more than 5 miles), and 3,700 acres of recreational opportunities.

Plans were underway to build a housing development on the property until U. S. Steel and the State of Minnesota negotiated the land purchase.

“We had a rare chance to purchase land for an iconic state park. First-time visitors will be awed by this landscape, from the rocky outcrops to the islands that dot this beautiful lake – which is also a prime walleye fishery,” DNR Commissioner Mark Holsten said. “While some states are scaling back or closing parks, Minnesotans are reconnecting with their outdoor heritage by increasing their use of state parks and trails.”

Governor Pawlenty approved $20 million in bonding money in 2008 for the land purchase, and for initial planning and development. Following the purchase, approximately $2 million remains for initial development of the state park. Once fully developed, the park could generate more than $9 million in annual visitor spending to the area.

The DNR is committed to providing some primitive day-use opportunities at the park as soon as possible, with tentative plans to open areas as early as late July or early August 2010.

The property will showcase Minnesota’s classic lake country and provide affordable access to Lake Vermilion. When fully developed, it will feature modern facilities and amenities to attract new users and meet the growing demand for overnight use. It will also complement outdoor recreational opportunities already offered at Soudan Underground Mine State Park.

A DNR advisory task force helped identify activities and services that might eventually be provided at the park. Those recommendations, as well as information, photos and videos, are available online at www.mndnr.gov/vermilion.

Minnesota’s state park system currently consists of 73 state park and recreation areas, eight waysides, and 54 state forest campgrounds and day use areas that total approximately 269,000 acres or about one half of 1 percent of Minnesota’s land base. About 9 million people visit Minnesota’s state parks each year with about 16 percent of those visitors coming from other states and countries. About one in every three Minnesotans visits a state park each year.