2010 Parks & Trails Day on the Hill | Parks & Trails Council of Minnesota

February 23, 2010 9:00am

Kelly Inn
161 St. Anthony Ave., St. Paul, MN

There is much at stake during the 2010 Legislative Session. The opportunity to advocate for investments in our state’s parks and trails system will be more important than ever before in the face of a serious and ongoing state budget deficits. Participation in the 2010 Day on the Hill is your chance to have your voice heard on issues that are important to you.

The timing of this year’s Day on the Hill will likely coincide with a House-Senate Conference Committee on the bonding bill. We will know where we stand on priority projects and that may be the perfect time to help shape the final outcome.

In addition, the governor will have presented his supplemental budget proposal to the Legislature and we will see what the impacts may be on state parks and trails. Parks & Trails is very concerned that additional general fund budget cuts will produce a extremely sticky situation where Parks and Trails Legacy Funds could supplant existing general funds.

If you care about your parks and trails, please take this day to show your support. The sessions are designed to give you “insider” information that will help you be an effective advocate in St. Paul and at home.

Day on the Hill Schedule

9:00 a.m. – Registration Opens (Coffee and cookies)

9:30 a.m. – Welcome and Session Overview
Judy Erickson, Government Relations Director, Parks & Trails Council of Minnesota

10 a.m. – State Park and Trail Budget Analysis
Forrest Boe, Deputy Director, DNR Parks and Trails Division

11 a.m. – Park and Trail Fund/Legacy Framework Vision Update
Courtland Nelson, Director, DNR Parks and Trails Division

11:30 a.m. – Lunch and Legislative Guests

Afternoon – Meetings with Legislators.
Please call to set up meetings with legislators in advance to ensure they will be available to meet with you.

Registration: For more information about the Parks & Trails Day on the Hill or for legislator contact information, call Brett at 651-726-2457 or visit. A nominal registration fee of $15 covers the cost of a morning snack, lunch and materials. Meetings with legislators should be scheduled in advance of the event to ensure legislators are available to meet with you.