DNR submits bonding requests for parks and trails

By Judy Erickson, government relations director

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has submitted a number of bonding requests to the Minnesota Management and Budget (MMB) for their consideration as a part of the 2010 capital budget, or bonding bill. The DNR's request for state parks and trails is $70 million. MMB and the office of Governor Tim Pawlenty are now reviewing this request. Gov. Tim Pawlnty will make his recommendations to the Legislature in mid-January. The governor's bonding proposal is always the starting point for the bonding bill.

The $70 million is for the following areas:

State Park, State Recreation Area and State Trail
Acquisition – $10 million

To acquire land from willing sellers for state park inholdings and trail connections. Projects will protect diverse, locally significant natural plant communities and wildlife corridors between diverse habitats, provide trail connections between communities and other recreational facilities, provide riparian buffers along wetlands, creeks and lakes as well as to provide public access to priority sites on large lakes.

Gateway to the Outdoors – $17 million

To develop new natural resource based outdoor recreation facilities that provide access to the outdoors and can facilitate introductory outdoor recreation experiences. Projects funded include camper cabins; trail development, group camp improvements, water access sites and fishing piers. Up to 10 percent of the appropriation will be used for preliminary design for 2012 projects.

Natural Resource Restoration – $3 million

To restore 2,300 acres of prairie, forest and wetlands in state parks and along state trails.

Outdoor Recreation Facilities Rehabilitation and Renewal – $40 million

For the rehabilitation and renewal of recreational facilities in state parks, state recreation areas, state trails, state forests and public water access sites throughout Minnesota. Projects include bridge replacement; trail resurfacing, water and sewer upgrades, campground improvements, building rehabilitation, renewal and energy conservation.

Local Recreation Grants – $5 million

Grants to regional and local park and trail authorities to support high-quality, diverse outdoor recreation system throughout the state. Grant programs include regional park grants, natural and scenic area grants, local trail connection
grants and regional trail grants.

To review details of the DNR's request, go to: http://www.mmb.state.mn.us/doc/budget/narratives/prelim-cap/dnr.pdf