State Park and State Forest Trail Renewal
Provide trail rehabilitation and renewal on state park and forest trails, these are primarily non-motorized trails which due to funding priorities, have not had any significant maintenance for many years. This effort has provided a means to start addressing these trail needs and in doing so working on the most critical first. This has resulted in trail renewal work in 19 state forests and 15 state parks providing for more sustainable trails and better public safety and enjoyment.
The Department of Natural Resources, Parks and Trails Division efforts to provide quality recreational trail opportunities close to all of the citizens of Minnesota means an expand trail renewal effort at all of the state parks, recreation areas and state forests. Recreational demands have changed in recent years and the trail systems in the parks and forests have not kept up with these change in demands. Demands have increased for quality equestrian and mountain bike trails. Quality trail for these enthusiasts is not a forest road but rather a technical, narrow trail that uses the natural contour of the land and is sustainable. As these types of facilities are provided, recreational use increases and often within the target market of younger users and a variety of ethnic backgrounds. This also creates a positive trail experience which will encourage repeat use, added outdoor recreation, an increased appreciation for these natural setting trails and a healthier population resulting from more exercise. These efforts will also provide these opportunities close to home which tends to mean they will be used more often.
Sec. 3. Department of Natural Resources
(a)$14262000 the first year and $14603000 the second year are for state parks recreation areas and trails to:
(1)Connect people to the outdoors;
(2)Acquire land and create opportunities;
(3)Maintain existing holdings; and
(4)Improve cooperation by coordinating with partners to implement the 25-year long-range parks and trails legacy plan
Sec. 3. Department of Natural Resources
(a)$14262000 the first year and $14603000 the second year are for state parks recreation areas and trails to:
(1)Connect people to the outdoors;
(2)Acquire land and create opportunities;
(3)Maintain existing holdings; and
(4)Improve cooperation by coordinating with partners to implement the 25-year long-range parks and trails legacy plan
This program funding will provide sustainable trails that are safe and meet trail enthusiast expectations in all 72 state parks and recreational areas.
Renewed existing trails in most state parks and recreation areas dealing with the most critical first. This provided a very important start to ensuring that all trails within state parks and recreation areas are safe sustainable and enjoyable for the trail users.