Legislature appropriates nearly $4 million for state park acquisition

By Judy Erickson, Government Relations Director

The anti-land acquisition forces tried, but could not succeed in pushing back on acquisition for state park lands. Between the LCCMR bill, HF2624, and the bonding bill, HF2700, the Legislature provided a total of $3.9 million to acquire park land within legislatively authorized state park boundaries. The two appropriations combined ($1.75 in LCCMR and $2.15 in bonding) make this the the largest park acquisition appropriation in a single year. Added to the 2009 LCCMR appropriation of $590,000 this is one of the largest park acquisition appropriations in a biennium on record (excluding the $18 million for Lake Vermilion State Park in 2008).

Parks & Trails worked with the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) in developing priorities for LCCMR and bonding. The acquisitions were strategic and of high resource, recreation or park management value. The Legislature made it clear in a number of ways that what they want to see are acquisitions that are strategic in nature, are a priority and fit into a management plan. Through our combined efforts, we were able to meet that standard.

The two packages complement each other and the following acquisitions will now be able to move forward:

Crow Wing State Park – 9 acres
This acquisition is along the Crow Wing River and will provide shoreline protection and added recreational opportunities including access to the river. Prior to these two parcels being acquired by the Parks & Trails Council in 2008 this area was being subdivided for housing. These parcels will be acquired using LCCMR funds.

Scenic State Park – 160 acres
This acquisition has very high quality natural and cultural resource values and is adjacent to the park on two sides.  A Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) cabin is located on the lakeshore and is in good condition. This parcel, which was saved by the Parks & Trails Council in April 2009, will be acquired using LCCMR funds.

Tettegouche State Park – 55 acres
This acquisition will preserve over 700 feet of the Baptism River gorge and views from Illgen Falls.  The state park surrounds this parcel on three sides and may offer additional hiking opportunities.  This parcel, saved by the Parks & Trails Council in 2008, will be acquired using LCCMR funds.

Split Rock Lighthouse State Park – 19 acres
This acquisition overlooks Lake Superior with direct views of Split Rock Lighthouse. Any development would be visible from the scenic drive, historic wayside and lighthouse grounds. It is surrounded by state park land, with the Gitchi Gami Trail running through it.  It is currently on the market. This parcel may be acquired using a combination of LCCMR and bonding dollars.

In addition to the LCCMR park acquisition funding listed above,a $2.15 million bonding bill appropriation will also help support the acquisition of parkland in Spit Rock Lighthouse State Park, William O'Brien State Park and Cuyuna Country State Recreation Area.

There are 256,000 acres within the state authorized boundaries. 42,000 acres remain in private ownership.  The DNR and Parks & Trails pursue those of high resource, recreation or park management value.