You are here:
July 7, 2016

2016 Summer Newsletter

Inside this issue: Legislative recap Itasca turns 125 years old St. Croix State Park Planning Underway Meet a Friend: Prairie Visions
Read More
June 22, 2016

DNR Release: DNR decides not to rebuild Blue Mounds State Park dam

The Department of Natural Resources has decided against rebuilding the dam and lake reservoir at Blue Mounds State Park near Luverne in southwestern Minnesota, citing concerns about water quality, endangered species and other factors.
Read More
Dam washout
June 17, 2016

DNR Release: DNR extends Fort Ridgely State Park golf season to Sept. 5

Rivers also announced the DNR is forming a citizen advisory committee that will be consulted on future development of the park. “While the DNR will no longer provide golfing at Fort Ridgely State Park, we are committed to managing and investing in this historically significant site at one of Minnesota’s oldest state parks,” Rivers said. “Fort Ridgely is among our core state parks because of its natural landscape and historic significance, and we want to engage the public in re-imagining how we can re-invigorate this special place for all Minnesotans.”
Read More
June 1, 2016

Building a trail to connect pastoral towns

In 1990, community leaders in southern Minnesota wanted to preserve the area’s natural and historic resources while creating a sustainable economy. They soon formed a group to focus on this goal. Since then, the group has been diligently working, along with Parks & Trails Council …

Read More
Purple wildflowers on trail with sunset
June 1, 2016

Bonding Bill

No bonding bill was passed during the 2016 session.
Read More
June 1, 2016

Supplemental Budget Bill

This bill increases state park and trail funding in FY 2017 by $5.1 million. It includes $2.8 million general funds and $2.3 million from the State Parks Account. Reserves $1.2 million for state park acquisition.
Read More
May 30, 2016

Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund (LCCMR)

Appropriated funds from the Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund for projects that benefit Minnesota’s air, water, land, fish, wildlife, and other natural resources. The following portion of the appropriated funds benefitted parks and trails:
Read More
May 23, 2016

Legislative Session Closes with Mixed Results for Parks & Trails

The 2016 Legislative Session came to a close late Sunday with a flurry of activity as legislators worked to pass bills before the mandatory midnight deadline. While legislators were able to strike deals on a supplemental budget and a tax bill, the two sides couldn’t …

Read More
Minnesota State Capitol Dome
May 18, 2016

Legislative Update: House Releases Bonding Bill

With only five days until the close of the 2016 legislative session, the House released its bonding proposal today (HF 622). In comparison to the Senate bonding proposal that was released two weeks ago, we’re disappointed that the House proposal shortchanges Minnesota’s parks and trails. …

Read More
May 16, 2016

2015 Annual Report Released

Join us for a brief stroll down memory lane, with our 2015 Annual Report. It was a great year when members helped us add 108 acres to Banning State Park that will protect unique boulders along the scenic Kettle River and much more.
Read More
May 2, 2016

Legislative Update: Senate releases bonding proposal

The Senate released their bonding bill this morning with a proposal to spend $1.8 billion on public infrastructure projects across the state. The Senate plan includes significantly more park and trail projects than did the governor’s $1.4 billion proposal. Specifically, the Senate proposal includes: $33 …

Read More
April 25, 2016

Legislative Alert: Urge your legislators to include parks and trails in bonding bills

Legislators are starting to assemble bonding bills, and your voice is critical to ensure they remember to include Minnesota's parks and trails. If legislators don't hear parks and trails are important to people, much needed funding may not get passed. Email or call legislative leadership today! ...
Read More
April 13, 2016

Legislative Update: Mid-point of the 2016 legislative session

We’ve reached the mid-point of the 2016 legislative session. Now that the second committee deadline has past, the bulk of legislator’s time going forward will be spent focusing on the major pieces of finance legislation. The major tasks still on the table include the supplemental budget, …

Read More
April 1, 2016

Legislative Update: House committee hears trail bills

The last week at the Capitol was a busy one for parks and trails. A number of bills were heard and continue to move through the legislative process: On Tuesday, March 29, the House Mining & Outdoor Recreation committee heard 20 different park and trail …

Read More
March 30, 2016

Dave Lais

Lifelong park manager to the core

Read More
Sign Up for E-News

News Categories

Recent News

Archives