Leaving A Legacy
Cannon Valley Trail (D6)
Minnesota voters passed the Clean Water, Land and Legacy Amendment (often referred to as the Legacy Amendment) in 2008, taking historic action to impose a three-eights of one percent state sales tax to protect and enhance Minnesota’s parks and trails, water quality, natural resources and arts and cultural heritage. This revenue has funded a myriad of projects across all corners of the state, this park/trail being but one example. Voters will have an opportunity to support the sales tax renewal prior to its sunset in 2034.
Graph showing the percentages of Legacy funding distribution
The Legacy Amendment increased Minnesota sales tax by three-eighths of one percent beginning on July 1, 2009 through Jun 30, 2034. The amendment can be renewed for a period of time or made permanent by another legislative act before the expiration date.
The tax revenue is directed into four funds: 33% to the Clean Water Fund, 33% to the Outdoor Heritage Fund, 19.75% to the Arts and Culture Fund, and 14.25% to the Parks and Trails Fund. Legacy funding for Regional Parks and Trails is distributed by formula between the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, the Metropolitan Council's Regional Parks Department, and the Greater Minnesota Regional Parks and Trails Commission.
The tax revenue is directed into four funds: 33% to the Clean Water Fund, 33% to the Outdoor Heritage Fund, 19.75% to the Arts and Culture Fund, and 14.25% to the Parks and Trails Fund. Legacy funding for Regional Parks and Trails is distributed by formula between the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, the Metropolitan Council's Regional Parks Department, and the Greater Minnesota Regional Parks and Trails Commission.
Training on the mobile mountain bike fleet (D1)
Making a Difference
Minnesotans have always had an appreciation for quality parks and trails which serve as both a resource for, and an escape from, their daily lives. The good citizens of this State saw fit to tax themselves, through the Clean Water, Land, and Legacy Amendment, for something more than basic road and water infrastructure. We steward those funds to provide them with a quality system of regional parks and trails unparalleled in the United States. That was their aspiration; that is our mission.
-Tom Ryan, past GMRPTC Chair
Minnesotans have always had an appreciation for quality parks and trails which serve as both a resource for, and an escape from, their daily lives. The good citizens of this State saw fit to tax themselves, through the Clean Water, Land, and Legacy Amendment, for something more than basic road and water infrastructure. We steward those funds to provide them with a quality system of regional parks and trails unparalleled in the United States. That was their aspiration; that is our mission.
-Tom Ryan, past GMRPTC Chair
Clean Water Fund
The Clean Water Fund receives 33% of the Legacy Amendment funds. These funds may only be spent of specific projects to enhance the waters of Minnesota. At least 5% of the fund must be spent to protect the sources of drinking water. The rest of the funds may be spent in a variety of ways to protect, enhance, and restore water quality in lakes, rivers, and streams as well as in the protection of groundwater degradation. Visit the Clean Water page for additional information.
Outdoor Heritage Fund
The Outdoor Heritage Fund receives 33% of the Legacy Amendment funds. These funds are for the purpose of protecting, enhancing, and restoring habitat for fish, game, and wildlife. Habitat includes wetlands, prairies, and forests.
Arts and Culture Fund
From the Legacy Amendment, the Arts and Culture Fund receives 19.75% of the funds. The purpose of this fund is to support arts, arts education, and arts access. The goal of the fund is to help preserve Minnesota's historical and cultural heritage.
Parks and Trails Fund
The Parks and Trails Fund makes up the final portion of the Legacy Amendment, receiving 14.25% of the funds. The funds are to be used for parks and trails of regional or statewide significance to create, improve, and upgrade these facilities.
Track Chair being used on a trail
Greater Minnesota Regional Parks and Trails Commission
Prior to 2013 there was no formal structure for a regional parks and trail system throughout Greater Minnesota. The dedication of a coalition of individuals who saw the need to establish a consistent funding source worked tirelessly to ensure the needs of Greater Minnesota would be recognized. Their passion and perseverance resulted in the formation of the Greater Minnesota Regional Parks and Trails Commission and with that, a place within the Parks and Trails Legacy Fund.
The Commission created and adopted its original Strategic Plan in 2014. It was updated in 2015 and again in 2021. The plan will continue to be updated as a flexible foundation for work which creates the regional system.
Since its establishment, the Commission has provided Legacy grants to assist with the development of 117 projects totaling $99,977,476 to date. Research has been done to survey mountain bike trails and campgrounds in districts to determine user numbers and demographic information, as well the Commission has worked with partners to develop a comprehensive Mountain Bike Trail Development Guidelines manual, available at no charge to agencies wanting to build a sustainable trail system.
The Commission is leading the way to improve accessibility and inclusivity in parks and trails. An expert in accessibility has recently been retained to provide plan review, consultation and educational forums to ensure the highest level of accessibility is achieved. The Commission has also created an inclusivity grant to make updates and facility upgrades affordable for facilities that want to do more, but are constrained by budgets.
Prior to 2013 there was no formal structure for a regional parks and trail system throughout Greater Minnesota. The dedication of a coalition of individuals who saw the need to establish a consistent funding source worked tirelessly to ensure the needs of Greater Minnesota would be recognized. Their passion and perseverance resulted in the formation of the Greater Minnesota Regional Parks and Trails Commission and with that, a place within the Parks and Trails Legacy Fund.
The Commission created and adopted its original Strategic Plan in 2014. It was updated in 2015 and again in 2021. The plan will continue to be updated as a flexible foundation for work which creates the regional system.
Since its establishment, the Commission has provided Legacy grants to assist with the development of 117 projects totaling $99,977,476 to date. Research has been done to survey mountain bike trails and campgrounds in districts to determine user numbers and demographic information, as well the Commission has worked with partners to develop a comprehensive Mountain Bike Trail Development Guidelines manual, available at no charge to agencies wanting to build a sustainable trail system.
The Commission is leading the way to improve accessibility and inclusivity in parks and trails. An expert in accessibility has recently been retained to provide plan review, consultation and educational forums to ensure the highest level of accessibility is achieved. The Commission has also created an inclusivity grant to make updates and facility upgrades affordable for facilities that want to do more, but are constrained by budgets.
Motocross Practice Track, Appleton Off-Highway Vehicle Park (D3)
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Questions? Contact [email protected]
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