The Minnesota Legislature wrapped up its 2025 work in the early hours of June 10, following a long-anticipated, one-day special session. The culmination came after weeks of behind-the-scenes negotiations between party leaders and (mostly) closed-door meetings of informal “working groups.” The 2025 legislative session proved to be exceptionally unusual, marked by a near-tie in the legislature, a 23-day boycott, a contested House election, the resignations of a representative-elect and a senator, a delayed criminal trial, the death of the former Senate Majority leader, multiple supreme court rulings, and three special elections. The session was capped by a whirlwind, 16-hour special session, operating under special rules to pass 14 bills and finalize a $66 billion, two-year state budget. Amidst this flurry of activity, the session was eventful for parks and trails.
The legislature’s primary task this year was to pass a two-year state budget. This task was complicated by a dwindling state surplus and a projected $6 billion deficit by 2027. The looming deficit forced difficult choices, leading legislators to curb spending across state programs. Fortunately, state parks and trails were spared from these cuts and instead received a modest 4% increase in their general fund appropriation — a $3 million boost over two years. This funding will help DNR maintain current service levels at our state parks and includes $1 million for local park and trail grants. We commend our state leaders for their commitment to our parks and trails, especially in this challenging fiscal climate.
Beyond the general fund, parks and trails also benefited from several other critical funding sources this session. The Environment and Natural Resources omnibus bill (HF 8 / SF 3) allocated $103 million from the Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund for environmental projects. This funding will support local park and trail grant programs, the Superior Hiking Trail, the Mill Towns State Trail, the Gateway State Trail, the Mesabi Trail, and numerous other local parks and trails.
Additionally, the Legacy Amendment bill, passed during the regular session, provided $130 million from the Parks and Trails Fund. These significant funds support park and trail maintenance, development, land acquisition, and educational programs. This fund is strategically split, with 40% going to state parks and trails, 40% to Twin Cities regional parks and trails, and 20% to Greater Minnesota regional parks and trails.
The legislature also passed a $700 bonding bill (HF 18 / SF 21) during the special session, which included $33 million for natural resources asset preservation and $1 million for accessibility projects in state parks, recreation areas, and wildlife management areas.
We’re disappointed the bonding bill didn’t include our proposals for state trails rehabilitation (HF 1964 / SF 373) or the state park land acquisition bill we urged be passed. The legislature will likely debate another large bonding bill next year, offering another opportunity for these important initiatives.
Proposals to increase park permit fees by 30-40% were rejected by the legislature, demonstrating a commitment to prioritizing affordability and public access during uncertain economic times. We agreed that the proposed fee increases were out of line, especially considering that park fees have been rising faster than inflation over the past decade and are already at historic, inflation-adjusted averages.
While state park entrance fees will remain unchanged for now, the system may be remodeled next year. A last-minute provision added to the Environment and Natural Resources omnibus bill requires the DNR and Department of Public Safety to develop recommendations on creating a lower-cost state park pass offered during the vehicle registration process. On the surface, this is a great idea, one that’s worked in other states and one we’ve suggested repeatedly to DNR leadership and lawmakers in the past. However, we’re concerned that the bill’s language could potentially allow state park entrance fees to be used to fund non-park lands where activities like logging and hunting are permitted. Such a diversion of funds would critically impact the core mission of state parks — preservation and public enjoyment — and will require close monitoring to ensure park fees remain dedicated to their intended purpose.
Thanks to voters reauthorizing the Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund last November, a new community grant program received $28.2 million this session. This grant program will be managed by the DNR, is designed to diversify recipients of trust fund dollars, and will help communities respond to environmental degradation, support environmental preservation and educational programs, fund trail maintenance, and aid in aquatic invasive species management. Additionally, the legislature appropriated $1.2 million over the next two years, funded by the State Lottery, to support projects that connect diverse and underserved Minnesotans to the outdoors, fostering greater access and engagement for all.
A new task force has been established to make recommendations on foraging on state lands. Currently, collecting small amounts of edible fruits and mushrooms is allowed in state parks, but collecting rocks, wildflowers, and artifacts is not. The legislature created a Sustainable Foraging Task Force, comprising members from the legislature, conservation and outdoor recreation organizations, scientists, Ojibwe and Dakota tribes, and DNR staff. This diverse group will work to develop responsible foraging guidelines that balance public access and conservation needs across the state’s outdoor recreation system. The task force is directed to complete its work by February 28, 2026.
All the bills passed by the legislature during the special session are expected to be signed into law by Gov. Tim Walz this week as part of the terms of an agreement he signed with legislative leaders.