Gov. Pawlenty's proposed Lake Vermilion State Park the backdrop for hearing on state park funding

ST. PAUL – In what can only be described as an important day for the future of Minnesota's state parks, a joint House and Senate Environment Finance Committee will meet tomorrow to get a big picture look at a state park system that has been hit hard by cuts in recent years.

"It has been a long time since legislators have held a hearing outside the regular budgeting process specifically to examine the issues and needs of our state park system," said Judy Erickson, Parks & Trails Council of Minnesota Government Relations Director.

The House Environment and Natural Resources Finance Division and the Senate Environment, Energy and Natural Resources Budget Division will hold the joint session on state parks from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 11, 2008 in room 123 of the State Capitol.

The joint session represents the first time that legislators will have an opportunity to learn how Gov. Tim Pawlenty's proposed new Lake Vermilion State Park would fit into a state park system that has lacked the operations and maintenance funding necessary to keep up with a rapidly growing population and aging park system infrastructure.

"For the first time in several years the DNR Commissioner's office is making a strong request for necessary state park bonding investments," said Erickson, who is scheduled to testify before the joint committee. "Historically, when the DNR Commissioner makes a significant request like this and the governor follows suit the Legislature approves the funding."

Erickson will provide important historical context to the state park discussion. She will ask legislators to combine their creative energies to develop a plan for addressing past funding issues while embracing future opportunities.