The past few months have seen promising signs of progress on the proposed Greenleaf Lake State Recreation Area.

A 386-acre tract, containing nearly all of the shoreline along Greenleaf and Sioux lakes, was purchased in December. A state bonding bill signed into law last week sets aside $2.4 million to help purchase more land within the 1,200-acre proposed area’s boundaries.

And, on April 7, state Department of Natural Resources representatives met with about a dozen area residents to begin planning how the recreation area can serve the public.

The citizens advisory committee, according to DNR regional planner Cathi Fouchi, identified priorities such as camping, hunting, fishing, bird watching, hiking and outdoor education opportunities.

A technical advisory committee and financial advisory committee have also been established. The technical group will consist of DNR field managers. The financial advisory committee is charged with finding more funding opportunities and helping the citizens committee.

To find out more or share your ideas for Greenleaf, call Fouchi at (507) 359-6034, or e-mail her at cathi.fouchi@dnr.state.mn.us [2].

(Jorge Sosa is a staff writer for the Hutchinson Leader. He can be reached at sosa@hutchinsonleader.com [3])