Minnesotans converge on Capitol to encourage investment in state's trails

(February 2, 2006) - Trail advocates from Bemidji to Rochester converged on the State Capitol today to encourage their legislators to invest in the state's prized system of interconnected recreational trails. Trail supporters appeared at a hearing in advance of the Capital Budget session to testify in support of a $32.11 million Trails Initiative developed by the Parks & Trails Council of Minnesota in partnership with grass roots citizen groups from around the state.

"All of the trail projects included in the Trails Initiative are critical to the legacy of Minnesota's park and trail system," said Grant Merritt, president of the Parks & Trails Council. "If we intend to leave something for future generations, we must make necessary and smart investments in a system that is essential to our health, our economy and our way of life."

Trail supporters made their pilgrimage to the Capitol in an effort to convince legislators to do more for trails than Gov. Tim Pawlenty proposed when he asked legislators for only $2 million in state trail investments last month.

The Parks & Trails Council protects land that is critical to Minnesota's park and recreational trail system for the public's enjoyment now and in the future. For more than 50 years, the grass roots organization has raised private funds to purchase land for the public while simultaneously building a vast network of community partners to advocate for parks and trails in their communities and at the Capitol.

Minnesota's state parks and trails are the cornerstone of the state's $10.2 billion tourism economy. Explore Minnesota's tourism figures show that scenic touring and visiting state parks and trails are two of the top five reasons for travel in Minnesota.

Minnesotans clearly value their parks and trails. They are special places that give them access to the state's most outstanding natural, cultural and scenic resources as well as places to recreate and enjoy solitude. At a time of increased emphasis on physical fitness, recreational trails provide immense opportunities for active and healthy living.