Supporters turn up in force at the Capitol to make the case for Minnesota's parks and trails

Park and Trail supporters from throughout the state converged on the Capitol yesterday to encourage legislators to invest in our state's prized systems of interconnected parks and trails. State lawmakers are just beginning the process of making critical budget decisions and parks and trails supporters showed up in force to make the case for their beloved parks and trails.

"Minnesotans value our parks and trails because they are essential to our health, our economy and our outdoor way of life," said Cuyuna Lakes Trail Association member John Schaubach, who made the three-hour trip to the Capitol. "We appreciate that legislators are responsible outdoors stewards and are making necessary and smart investments in our parks and trails because we know how much it means for our communities today and tomorrow."

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 season.
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.

Parks and trail supporters urged legislators to support a bill that was recently introduced in the senate that would restore parks and trails operating budgets to previous levels by appropriating $5 million for state park and recreation area operations and $4 million for state trail operations and maintenance.