News Release

(SAINT PAUL, MN) - On the surface the $897 million bonding bill announced today by Gov. Tim Pawlenty seems like it addresses many of the state's priorities. But before Minnesotans congratulate the governor on the many projects for which he did seek funding, they may want to consider what is missing - adequate funding for parks and trails around the state.  

(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.

(January 30, 2006) - Don't miss the Parks & Trails Council of Minnesota's Parks and Trails for Future Generations conference to be held March 3-4, 2006, at Cragun's Resort and Hotel on Gull Lake in Brainerd, Minnesota. In addition to several interactive workshops, the conference will feature nationally renowned speakers David Stillman and Dr.

(May 22, 2006) - State lawmakers showed they understand that Minnesotans value our interconnected system of parks and trails by appropriating nearly $25 million over the next two years for state park and trail acquisition, development and rehabilitation. The funding was included in the nearly $1 billion bonding bill passed by the Legislature early Sunday morning.

(July 31, 2006) - Join former Congressman and current Minnesota Court of Appeals Judge David Minge as he leads his second Bike Minnesota with Parks & Trails Labor Day weekend expedition, Sept. 1 to 4. Immerse yourself in picturesque landscapes while exploring significant natural, historic and cultural sites in the Minnesota River Valley.

(MANKATO, MN) - The forecast calls for rain, but that won't stop Minnesota Court of Appeals Judge David Minge and his band of 65 adventure-seeking cyclists from exploring some of the Minnesota River Valley's greatest natural and cultural treasures over the Labor Day weekend.

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.

(BRAINERD, MN) - Parks and trails supporters from throughout the state will descend upon Cragun's Resort and Hotel on Gull Lake near Brainerd on March 3-4 to attend the Parks & Trails Council of Minnesota's Parks and Trails for Future Generations conference.

LUTSEN, MN - The North Shore of Lake Superior is home to glorious adventure, breathtaking natural scenery, assorted wildlife, robust forests and an abundance of park and recreational opportunities. The North Shore is also home to growing development and population pressures, declining state natural resources funding and an ever-increasing diversification of community stakeholders.

As Minnesota legislators adjust to the dramatic turnover in their ranks -including new leadership at all levels - parks and trails advocates need to be ready to hit the ground running in 2007 if we want to make environment and natural resource funding a top priority.