Hauschild Highlights Effort to Protect Minnesota’s Maple Syrup Heritage
[Cook County, MN] – Senator Grant Hauschild (DFL-Hermantown) visited Maple Hill Sugarbush & Farm last week to meet with Mark and Melinda Spinler, owners and operators of the family-run maple syrup operation that has become a cornerstone of Cook County’s cultural and outdoor heritage.
During the visit, Senator Hauschild learned more about the Spinlers’ tapping and syrup production process, and discussed the importance of preserving opportunities for local family businesses to continue their operations amid growing regulatory challenges.
“Visiting Mark and Melinda Spinler at their Maple Hill Sugarbush & Farm was a reminder of what makes northern Minnesota so special,” said Senator Hauschild. “Tapping maple syrup isn’t just about making a product — it’s about honoring the land, passing down traditions, and sharing a piece of our outdoor heritage with future generations. I’m committed to making sure family operations like the Spinlers’ can continue to thrive, so that decades from now, Minnesotans young and old can still experience the magic of maple syrup season.”
Senator Hauschild has been working closely with local producers and the Department of Natural Resources to ensure that regulations allow maple syrup tapping to continue sustainably on public lands, while protecting Minnesota’s forests for future generations. He is authoring legislation this session that will safeguard access for traditional syrup tapping operations and provide clarity for small family-run businesses operating in the region.
“Whether it’s maple syrup tapping, forestry, or fishing, our connection to the outdoors is what defines life in northern Minnesota,” said Senator Hauschild. “We need to make sure these traditions aren’t just part of our past — they must be part of our future too.”
The visit to Maple Hill Sugarbush & Farm is part of Senator Hauschild’s broader effort to support rural economic development and preserve the traditions that make greater Minnesota unique.
