Closing state parks has legislators worried

Cuts to parks and trails budgets appear to have grabbed the attention of key legislators in recent days. Apparently, the possibility of 26 parks being closed this summer because of the budget cuts has them concerned.

Unfortunately, the way some legislators are trying to deal with the situation has Parks & Trails Council concerned, too.

One of those proposed budget fixes, passed by the Senate Environment and Natural Resources Committee, is to take $3 million that the Legislative-Citizens Commission on Minnesota Resources had recommended for planning and construction of the new Lake Vermilion State Park and using it for operating the other parks.

No one can doubt the difficult job that legislators have before them as they face down a $5 billion budget deficit. But redirecting one-time funds like LCCMR to fill budget gaps is not sustainable. After this biennium is over, those funds will be gone but the needs will remain. It also may not be permissible.

Article 11, Sec. 14 of the Minnesota Constitution defines how the Environment and Natural Resource Trust Funds appropriated by LCCMR can be used. It reads: "The assets of the fund shall be appropriated by law for the public purpose of protection, conservation, preservation, and enhancement of the state's air, water, land, fish, wildlife, and other natural resources.”

Something elected officials from both sides of the aisle seem to be grasping is that constructing trails is good for businesses and for the communities of Greater Minnesota. Parks & Trails Council still is waiting for movement on a trails bonding bill, HF 919, which would provide money for about 15 trails including the Camp Ripley/Veteran’s State Trail.