'Save the Manfred House' says DNR is neglecting historic Manfred House

Members of the non-profit Save the Manfred House Inc. issued a position paper last week accusing the Minnesota DNR of neglecting the historic Manfred House and demanding public engagement before the structure is torn down.
The group was founded in September 2019 out of concern that the historically significant Manfred House, built by noted Minnesota author Frederick Manfred, was being neglected by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR).
It is located atop the Blue Mounds within the state park north of Luverne and most recently served as the park interpretive center until 2016 when it was closed to the public.
“We call on the DNR to reexamine its intent to tear down the Manfred House, to engage experts and the public more fully, and to conduct a more objective review of the situation than has occurred to date,” the group asserts in the position paper released May 11.
“Only after that is done should the possibility of the demolition of the Manfred House be considered.”
This position paper asserts that the DNR:
•has not lived up to its obligations to steward the Manfred House on behalf of the people of Minnesota.
•has not properly considered public opinion in formulating its plans to tear down the Manfred House and has consistently misrepresented the extent of its public outreach.
•issued a Request for Proposal that was designed to result in the DNR’s desired outcome of the demolition of the Manfred House, rather than considering all reasonable options.
•has not engaged with the proper experts to consider the range of possible options for the Manfred House.
•did not support the listing of the Manfred House on the National Register of Historic Places, a designation the house received for its cultural significance and unique design.
•has not been responsive to requests from SMH for information that is in the public interest.
Each of these assertions is expanded upon in the full text of the 1,700-word document which can be found at savethemanfredhouse.org.
The DNR responded on Tuesday to the position paper saying:
“The DNR just received a copy of the position paper from the Save the Manfred House group.  We are in the process of reviewing the document. 
“The DNR hopes to continue to work with the community to develop an approach that honors the historic contributions of Mr. Manfred.”