Legislators say now is the time to invest in parks and trails

One week after park and trail supporters from around the state descended upon the Capitol to encourage legislators to invest in our state's prized systems of parks and trails, appropriations bills were introduced in the House and Senate calling for operation and maintenance investments of $5 million for state park and recreation areas and $4 million for state trails.

"Minnesotans treasure our parks and trails because they are essential to our tourism economy and our outdoor way of life," said Rep. Frank Moe, one of the bill's authors. "My colleagues understand that it is a shared Minnesota value to be responsible stewards of our Great Outdoors and that now is the time to make necessary and smart investments in our parks and trails."

State conservation spending that has made Minnesota's parks and trails the envy of the nation has dropped to its lowest level in 30 years resulting in the loss of all seasonal state park naturalist programming, delaying routine maintenance on our trails and in our parks and dramatically reducing visitor center hours and camping opportunities - even during peak seasons.

With 1.2 million more people expected to make Minnesota home in the next 25 years, even greater pressure will be placed on our parks, trails, waterways, wildlife habitat and natural areas.

"Minnesota's parks and trails provide access to our state's most outstanding natural, cultural and scenic resources," said Sen. Gary Kubly, chief author of the Senate bill. "At a time when health experts are placing increased emphasis on physical fitness, parks and trails provide ideal opportunities for active and healthy living."

The Parks & Trails Council of Minnesota, a 53-year-old grassroots membership organization, has been leading the charge for park and trail investments at all levels of government.

"We have heard the message loud and clear from residents throughout the state that we need to increase visitor services like naturalist programming, extend visitor center hours and camping opportunities and deepen our commitment to operating and protecting a rapidly growing trail system that has become a national model," said Parks & Trails Council of Minnesota Executive Director Dorian Grilley.

SF141 bill authors: Sens. Gary Kubly, Jim Vickerman, Ellen Anderson, Dennis Frederickson and Thomas Bakk.

HF544 bill authors: Reps. Frank Moe, Dennis Ozment, David Dill, Aaron Peterson, Kathy Tingelstad, Paul Gardner, Bud Heidgerken, Dean Urdahl, Larry Howes, Andy Welti, Al Juhnke, Patti Fritz, Brita Sailer, Bev Scalze, Tom Anzelc, Lyle Koenen, Al Doty, Kate Knuth, Jeremy Kalin, John Ward, Jeanne Poppe, Sandy Wollschlager, Rick Hansen, David Bly and Sandra Peterson.

About the Parks & Trails Council of Minnesota
The Parks & Trails Council is a grassroots membership organization that for more than 50 years has protected and expanded Minnesota's parks and trails for the public's enjoyment now and in the future. From acquiring land and building community partnerships to energizing people and raising private funds, the Parks & Trails Council moves swiftly, creatively and decisively to protect Minnesota's most special places. Fueled by charitable contributions from individuals, foundations and corporations, the Parks & Trails Council has been instrumental in adding more than 8,700 acres of land valued at $11.75 million to key areas within the state's vast network of parks and trails.