During the last two legislative sessions (2018 and 2019) unsuccessful attempts were made to pass bills allowing for off-highway vehicles (OHVs) use within state parks.
We oppose all efforts to introduce or expand the use of OHVs in state parks.
2020 Legislative Priorities
The following volunteer-based friends groups have signed on to a 2020 resolution stating they OPPOSE any change that would introduce the use of OHVs in Minnesota State Parks:
- Friends of Anderson Park
- Back Country Horsemen of Minnesota
- Friends of Blue Mounds State Park
- Friends of Camden State Park
- Friends of Chester Woods
- Freeborn County Trail Association
- Frontenac State Park Association
- Gateway Browns Creek Trail Association
- Friends of Glacial Lakes State Park
- Glendalough Park Partners
- Goodhue-Pioneer Trail Association
- Friends of Itasca State Park
- Friends of the Jackson County Trails
- Friends of Lake Maria State Park
- Friends of the Lake Vermilion Trail
- Friends of Maplewood State Park
- Friends of the Mill Towns State Trail
- Minnesota Trail Riders Association
- Friends of the Mississippi Blufflands Trail
- Friends of Nerstrand Big Woods State Park
- Friends of Scandia Parks and Trails
- Friends of the Shooting Star Trail/Prairie Visions
- Sibley State Park Improvement Association
- Friends of Tettegouche State Park
- Friends of Whitewater State Park
Funding
Accelerate the pace of state trail rehabilitation
Extensive research indicates that Minnesota’s state trails require between $4-6 million to remain the vital assets upon which Minnesotans have come to rely.
We urge the legislature to fund state trail rehabilitation at $4.8 million annually.
The following volunteer-based friends groups have signed on to a 2020 resolution stating they SUPPORT an appropriation of $4.8 million annually for trail maintenance:
- Friends of Anderson Park
- Friends of Blue Mounds State Park
- Friends of Camden State Park
- Friends of Chester Woods
- Freeborn County Trail Association
- Frontenac State Park Association
- Gateway Browns Creek Trail Association
- Friends of Glacial Lakes State Park
- Glendalough Park Partners
- Goodhue-Pioneer Trail Association
- Friends of Itasca State Park
- Friends of the Jackson County Trails
- Friends of Lake Maria State Park
- Friends of the Lake Vermilion Trail
- Friends of Maplewood State Park
- Friends of the Mill Towns State Trail
- Minnesota Trail Riders Association
- Friends of the Mississippi Blufflands Trail
- Friends of Scandia Parks and Trails
- Friends of the Shooting Star Trail/Prairie Visions
- Sibley State Park Improvement Association
- Friends of Tettegouche State Park
- Friends of Whitewater State Park
Funding
Fix critical infrastructure in state parks and trails
The MnDNR’s assets, such as shower buildings, trail bridges, water systems, etc., have been neglected because of insufficient funding. The agency’s assessment shows that more than a quarter of their roughly 2,852 buildings are in poor to crisis-level condition.
We support the agency’s request for bonding funds to address this backlog and restore these important assets.
MnDNR Report
See legislative status
The following volunteer-based friends groups have signed on to a 2020 resolution stating they SUPPORT the Minnesota Department of Natural Resource’s bonding request for asset preservation:
- Friends of Anderson Park
- Back Country Horsemen of Minnesota
- Friends of Blue Mounds State Park
- Friends of Camden State Park
- Friends of Chester Woods
- Freeborn County Trail Association
- Frontenac State Park Association
- Gateway Browns Creek Trail Association
- Friends of Glacial Lakes State Park
- Glendalough Park Partners
- Goodhue-Pioneer Trail Association
- Friends of Itasca State Park
- Friends of the Jackson County Trails
- Friends of Lake Maria State Park
- Friends of the Lake Vermilion Trail
- Friends of Maplewood State Park
- Friends of the Mill Towns State Trail
- Minnesota Trail Riders Association
- Friends of the Mississippi Blufflands Trail
- Friends of Nerstrand Big Woods State Park
- Friends of Scandia Parks and Trails
- Friends of the Shooting Star Trail/Prairie Visions
- Sibley State Park Improvement Association
- Friends of Tettegouche State Park
- Friends of Whitewater State Park
Funding
Continue to invest in local and regional parks and trails
The grant programs established under Minnesota Stat. 85.019 have provided critical funds for acquiring, developing, and enhancing parks and trails within city or regional systems.
View details about the grant programs:
We support an appropriation of $4 million in bonding funds to continue these vital grant programs.
See legislative status
The following volunteer-based friends groups have signed on to a 2020 resolution stating they SUPPORT an appropriation of $4 million in bonding funds in 2020 to continue these vital grant programs:
- Friends of Anderson Park
- Back Country Horsemen of Minnesota
- Friends of Blue Mounds State Park
- Friends of Camden State Park
- Friends of Chester Woods
- Freeborn County Trail Association
- Frontenac State Park Association
- Gateway Browns Creek Trail Association
- Friends of Glacial Lakes State Park
- Glendalough Park Partners
- Goodhue-Pioneer Trail Association
- Friends of Itasca State Park
- Friends of the Jackson County Trails
- Friends of Lake Maria State Park
- Friends of the Lake Vermilion Trail
- Friends of Maplewood State Park
- Friends of the Mill Towns State Trail
- Friends of the Mississippi Blufflands Trail
- Friends of Scandia Parks and Trails
- Friends of the Shooting Star Trail/Prairie Visions
- Sibley State Park Improvement Association
- Friends of Tettegouche State Park
- Friends of Whitewater State Park
Funding
Investing in metropolitan regional parks and trails
Parks & Trails Council supports the Metropolitan Council’s request for state bonding funds, which are partially matched by the Metropolitan Council, to improve and expand the Metropolitan Regional Parks System.
Funding
Supporting community-driven trail projects
Trails are vital assets that communities need to increase access to the outdoors, promote healthy living, drive tourism and provide climate-friendly transportation options. Parks & Trails Council is working with volunteer groups as they advocate for building the following trails in their communities:
- Blazing Star State Trail
- Gateway State Trail
- Goodhue Pioneer State Trail
- Itasca Heartland Connection Trail
- Lake Snoopy Trail
- Mill Towns State Trail
Previous Years' Agendas
2019 Legislative Agenda
A budget that works for parks and trails
There is a $3 million gap in Minnesota State Parks and Trails’ budget. The Legislature could fix this by restoring the General Fund appropriation to $27 million.
Equitable use of Legacy Funds
We support the concept of equity, coordination and balance between the needs and priorities of Minnesota’s three major park and trail systems. We believe future fund allocations should be a compromise agreed to by the Minnesota DNR, Metropolitan Regional Parks and Greater Minnesota Regional Parks and Trails.
Support LCCMR recommendations
We support the full recommendation of the Legislative-Citizen Commission of Minnesota Resources, which includes $16 million to fund twelve park and trail projects.
Keep State Parks natural and quiet
We oppose any change that would introduce the use of recreational off-highway vehicles in Minnesota State Parks.
2018 Legislative Agenda
Grassroots Initiatives
We work with local volunteers around the state to identify and complete park and trail projects from the ground up. In 2018 we’re helping 14 communities advocate at the capitol to get their project funded.
Management Needs
We work with park and trail managers to secure the resources they need. In 2018 we’re advocating for rehabilitation and development dollars, plus critical funding for important grant programs.
Smart Policy
We work with policy experts to advocate for smart park and trail policies. In 2018 we’re fighting to keep state parks quiet and natural by opposing the potential introduction of off-highway vehicles.
2017 Legislative Agenda
Budget & Policy Priorities
- Fully fund Minnesota State Parks and Trails
- No new taxes for State Trail users
- Keep Minnesota State Parks free from the noise and undue artificiality of off-highway vehicles, including ATVs
Capital Investment Priorities
Minnesota’s parks and trails have substantial unmet capital investment needs. Working with park agencies and local friends groups, Parks & Trails Council has identified over $100 million worth of park and trail projects ready for funding. All of these projects have been in the works for years, and were put on hold following the failure to pass a bonding bill in 2016. Projects include
- $57.5 million for State Parks and Trails Rehabilitation and Renewal
- $31.2 million for State Parks and Trails Acquisition and Development
- $11 million for Metropolitan Regional Parks and Trails
- $6.6 million for Greater Minnesota Parks and Trails
2016 Legislative Agenda
- Bonding bill to revitalize, update and expand parks and trails across Minnesota
- $57.5 million for State Park and Trail rehabilitation
- $27.7 million for State Park and Trail Acquisition and Development
- $13 million for Metropolitan Regional Parks and Trails
- $6.6 million for Greater Minnesota Parks and Trails
2015 Legislative Agenda
- Restore and expand General Funds for Minnesota’s state parks and trails
- Create a stunning park and trail legacy for future generations
- Reinvest in Minnesota’s state park and trail’s aging infrastructure
- Continue building Minnesota’s parks and trails through the Environment & Natural Resource Trust Fund
- Strengthen policies that protect and enhance Minnesota’s parks and trails
2014 Legislative Agenda
- We support the DNR’s $77.1 million bonding request, plus an additional $10.95 million for the state trails initiative.
- We support the Metropolitan Council’s full bonding request to support metro regional parks and trails
- We urge the legislature to fund all, or part, of the LCCMR’s recommended parks and trails projects
- We support the full DNR request for the state to purchase certain School Trust Fund land with an added provision to also purchase trail easements/leases
2013 Legislative Agenda
- Restore base funding to operate State Parks and Trails
- Make Legacy Funds truly transformative for our parks and trails
- 13 trail projects still backlogged from 2010 vetoes; It is time to build
2019 Legislative Agenda
A budget that works for parks and trails
There is a $3 million gap in Minnesota State Parks and Trails’ budget. The Legislature could fix this by restoring the General Fund appropriation to $27 million.
Equitable use of Legacy Funds
We support the concept of equity, coordination and balance between the needs and priorities of Minnesota’s three major park and trail systems. We believe future fund allocations should be a compromise agreed to by the Minnesota DNR, Metropolitan Regional Parks and Greater Minnesota Regional Parks and Trails.
Support LCCMR recommendations
We support the full recommendation of the Legislative-Citizen Commission of Minnesota Resources, which includes $16 million to fund twelve park and trail projects.
Keep State Parks natural and quiet
We oppose any change that would introduce the use of recreational off-highway vehicles in Minnesota State Parks.
2018 Legislative Agenda
Grassroots Initiatives
We work with local volunteers around the state to identify and complete park and trail projects from the ground up. In 2018 we’re helping 14 communities advocate at the capitol to get their project funded.
Management Needs
We work with park and trail managers to secure the resources they need. In 2018 we’re advocating for rehabilitation and development dollars, plus critical funding for important grant programs.
Smart Policy
We work with policy experts to advocate for smart park and trail policies. In 2018 we’re fighting to keep state parks quiet and natural by opposing the potential introduction of off-highway vehicles.
2017 Legislative Agenda
Budget & Policy Priorities
- Fully fund Minnesota State Parks and Trails
- No new taxes for State Trail users
- Keep Minnesota State Parks free from the noise and undue artificiality of off-highway vehicles, including ATVs
Capital Investment Priorities
Minnesota’s parks and trails have substantial unmet capital investment needs. Working with park agencies and local friends groups, Parks & Trails Council has identified over $100 million worth of park and trail projects ready for funding. All of these projects have been in the works for years, and were put on hold following the failure to pass a bonding bill in 2016. Projects include
- $57.5 million for State Parks and Trails Rehabilitation and Renewal
- $31.2 million for State Parks and Trails Acquisition and Development
- $11 million for Metropolitan Regional Parks and Trails
- $6.6 million for Greater Minnesota Parks and Trails
2016 Legislative Agenda
- Bonding bill to revitalize, update and expand parks and trails across Minnesota
- $57.5 million for State Park and Trail rehabilitation
- $27.7 million for State Park and Trail Acquisition and Development
- $13 million for Metropolitan Regional Parks and Trails
- $6.6 million for Greater Minnesota Parks and Trails
2015 Legislative Agenda
- Restore and expand General Funds for Minnesota’s state parks and trails
- Create a stunning park and trail legacy for future generations
- Reinvest in Minnesota’s state park and trail’s aging infrastructure
- Continue building Minnesota’s parks and trails through the Environment & Natural Resource Trust Fund
- Strengthen policies that protect and enhance Minnesota’s parks and trails
2014 Legislative Agenda
- We support the DNR’s $77.1 million bonding request, plus an additional $10.95 million for the state trails initiative.
- We support the Metropolitan Council’s full bonding request to support metro regional parks and trails
- We urge the legislature to fund all, or part, of the LCCMR’s recommended parks and trails projects
- We support the full DNR request for the state to purchase certain School Trust Fund land with an added provision to also purchase trail easements/leases
2013 Legislative Agenda
- Restore base funding to operate State Parks and Trails
- Make Legacy Funds truly transformative for our parks and trails
- 13 trail projects still backlogged from 2010 vetoes; It is time to build
2019 Legislative Agenda
A budget that works for parks and trails
There is a $3 million gap in Minnesota State Parks and Trails’ budget. The Legislature could fix this by restoring the General Fund appropriation to $27 million.
Equitable use of Legacy Funds
We support the concept of equity, coordination and balance between the needs and priorities of Minnesota’s three major park and trail systems. We believe future fund allocations should be a compromise agreed to by the Minnesota DNR, Metropolitan Regional Parks and Greater Minnesota Regional Parks and Trails.
Support LCCMR recommendations
We support the full recommendation of the Legislative-Citizen Commission of Minnesota Resources, which includes $16 million to fund twelve park and trail projects.
Keep State Parks natural and quiet
We oppose any change that would introduce the use of recreational off-highway vehicles in Minnesota State Parks.
2018 Legislative Agenda
Grassroots Initiatives
We work with local volunteers around the state to identify and complete park and trail projects from the ground up. In 2018 we’re helping 14 communities advocate at the capitol to get their project funded.
Management Needs
We work with park and trail managers to secure the resources they need. In 2018 we’re advocating for rehabilitation and development dollars, plus critical funding for important grant programs.
Smart Policy
We work with policy experts to advocate for smart park and trail policies. In 2018 we’re fighting to keep state parks quiet and natural by opposing the potential introduction of off-highway vehicles.
2017 Legislative Agenda
Budget & Policy Priorities
- Fully fund Minnesota State Parks and Trails
- No new taxes for State Trail users
- Keep Minnesota State Parks free from the noise and undue artificiality of off-highway vehicles, including ATVs
Capital Investment Priorities
Minnesota’s parks and trails have substantial unmet capital investment needs. Working with park agencies and local friends groups, Parks & Trails Council has identified over $100 million worth of park and trail projects ready for funding. All of these projects have been in the works for years, and were put on hold following the failure to pass a bonding bill in 2016. Projects include
- $57.5 million for State Parks and Trails Rehabilitation and Renewal
- $31.2 million for State Parks and Trails Acquisition and Development
- $11 million for Metropolitan Regional Parks and Trails
- $6.6 million for Greater Minnesota Parks and Trails
2016 Legislative Agenda
- Bonding bill to revitalize, update and expand parks and trails across Minnesota
- $57.5 million for State Park and Trail rehabilitation
- $27.7 million for State Park and Trail Acquisition and Development
- $13 million for Metropolitan Regional Parks and Trails
- $6.6 million for Greater Minnesota Parks and Trails
2015 Legislative Agenda
- Restore and expand General Funds for Minnesota’s state parks and trails
- Create a stunning park and trail legacy for future generations
- Reinvest in Minnesota’s state park and trail’s aging infrastructure
- Continue building Minnesota’s parks and trails through the Environment & Natural Resource Trust Fund
- Strengthen policies that protect and enhance Minnesota’s parks and trails
2014 Legislative Agenda
- We support the DNR’s $77.1 million bonding request, plus an additional $10.95 million for the state trails initiative.
- We support the Metropolitan Council’s full bonding request to support metro regional parks and trails
- We urge the legislature to fund all, or part, of the LCCMR’s recommended parks and trails projects
- We support the full DNR request for the state to purchase certain School Trust Fund land with an added provision to also purchase trail easements/leases
2013 Legislative Agenda
- Restore base funding to operate State Parks and Trails
- Make Legacy Funds truly transformative for our parks and trails
- 13 trail projects still backlogged from 2010 vetoes; It is time to build
Parks & Trails Council of Minnesota
275 4th St E, Suite 250
St. Paul MN 55101-1626
Phone: 651-726-2457 or 800-944-0707
