News Release

Bill Morrissey, 67, died December 1, leaving a legacy of more than 30 years of dedication and love for Minnesota’s state parks and trails.  Morrissey helped create several state parks and served on the Parks & Trails Council of Minnesota board from 2007 to 2010. He was diagnosed with a brain tumor last year.

By Hlee Lee, External Relations Director

The legislative requirement to use funds provided through the Legacy Amendment to “supplement, not substitute for traditional sources of funding” is confusing to everyone from legislators to those charged with distributing the funds to the recipients, according to a report by the Office of the Legislative Auditor (OLA).

The 7^th annual Bike Minnesota with Parks & Trails event started off without a hitch: a beautiful evening with new friends enjoying a great talk from Carleton Professor Martha Pass and Dr. Dave Melton about the nearby Veblen Farmstead and how it’s owners played a role in the local community.

When Gov. Mark Dayton signed 12 bills into law yesterday, it marked the end of a divisive partisan budget showdown and the conclusion to a 20-day state government shutdown. More importantly, the budget compromise between Gov. Dayton and the Republican-controlled Legislature means that Minnesota state parks will begin reopening Friday, July 22 and that Minnesotans will once again have full access to our state's 75 outdoor treasures.