We support funding capital improvement projects for parks and trails by using bonding, and the Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund.
Historically, Minnesota has not invested sufficient resources to keep capital assets within parks and trails in acceptable condition. As a result, the deferred maintenance backlog continues to grow. We urge the legislature to pass a bonding bill and a Legislative-Citizen Commission on Minnesota Resources bill that addresses the urgent needs identified by the agency staff.
These needs are detailed below according to the different systems.
The MnDNR manages over 5,300 campsites at state parks, state rec areas and forest rec areas, as well as 107 group camps and 64 day-use areas. Many of these facilities are more than 50 years old and in need of major renovations to address deferred maintenance, conform to current standards and meet changing recreational needs.
This funding will address extensive deferred maintenance and meet the changing needs of the public by refurbishing campgrounds and group camps, providing amenities such as accessible vault toilets, modern shower buildings, electric hookups, water lines and drinking fountains, picnic tables, fire rings, and broadband/wi-fi. It would also fund improvements to campgrounds to provide more separation between user groups.
Many DNR buildings and facilities were built before the advent of state and federal accessibility standards. The DNR has been partnering with the Minnesota Council of Disability to identify opportunities to enhance accessibility.
This funding will enable the DNR to complete accessibility improvements to high-use facilities such as bathrooms, parking areas, showers campsites, trails, and a variety of day-use and interpretive facilities, as well as provide new amenities to meet the needs of an increasingly diverse user base with a variety of physical abilities and skills.
The MnDNR owns and maintains 128 pedestrian and vehicle bridges within state parks, rec areas and scientific and natural areas (SNAs). DNR’s bridge engineers provide asset management services for DNR-owned bridges. These services include periodic inspections, data management, recommendations on routine maintenance, etc. In the past few years, DNR has experienced significant issues with several aging bridges.
In particular, the High Falls Bridge at Tettegouche State Park must be replaced as it was permanently closed in 2023 due to age and flood damage.
Trails need regular maintenance to remain as vital assets that Minnesotans can rely on for our well-being and transportation. Parks & Trails Council’s extensive research has validated this recommendation for a sustainable maintenance plan for state trails.
> View our State of the Trails page for more details about the current conditions and models for how often trails need maintenance and rehab.
Priorities identified by the MnDNR in the funding request are
This request would be allocated to maintain, expand, and improve the Metropolitan Regional Parks System, which consists of 54,000 acres of parks and over 400 miles of interconnected trails. The program funds regional parks and trails that provide recreational services similar to those provided in state parks that are located largely outside of the 7-county region.
The Metropolitan Council will match $15 million of state bonds with $10 million in regional funds for a total Regional Parks System capital investment of $25 million. All these funds would be allocated to implementing agencies (e.g., Three Rivers Parks, Dakota County Parks, etc.).