By Judy Erickson, government relations director
A significant amount of effort and thought was put into the Legacy Amendment legislation (HF1231) requiring the creation of a parks and trails inventory, framework and plan. The University of Minnesota Center for Changing Landscapes will create a long-range framework for an integrated statewide parks and trails system. This will include an inventory of existing regional and state parks and trails and review a host of issues in order to identify future park and trail opportunities.
Meanwhile, the Commissioner of Natural Resources will lead a collaborative process to develop a 25-year long range plan for Minnesota’s parks and trails. This effort will include representatives from the Metropolitan Council, its implementing agencies, the Central Minnesota Parks and Trails Coordinating Board and regional parks and trails organizations outside the metro area.
The collaborative plan will provide for input from stakeholders, user groups and the public. The plan will utilize the work developed by the University of Minnesota.
The Legislature is also required to develop a 25-year strategic plan for the expenditures of the funds, including the Parks and Trails Fund.
So this summer, while we wait for the funding to become available, we will be busy planning for the future. We will keep you posted as these planning activities move forward and let you know how you can participate.
