December 20, 2016
 
The Greater Minnesota Regional Parks and Trails Commission announced the list of Legacy Parks and Trails grant recommendations for the FY18 funding cycle.
 
The Commission was formed in 2013 by the Minnesota Legislature to develop a statewide system of regionally significant parks and trails outside the seven county metropolitan area.
 
Of the 46 regionally designated parks and trails in Greater Minnesota, 25 applied for project funding.  The Commission was pleased to recommend awards for 12 grants totaling $8,298,810, the entire amount available in FY18.
 
The Commission carefully considered all 25 funding applications submitted, which totaled $23,582,369.  The FY18 grants represent 35% of the total amount requested.
 
Successful applicants submitted projects that met the 25-Year Legacy Plan Strategic Directions of:

• Connect People to the Outdoors
• Acquire Land, Create Opportunities
• Take Care of What We Have
• Coordinate Among Partners

 
“These grants will truly shape communities and provide greatly enhanced opportunities for outdoor recreation in Greater Minnesota for residents and visitors” said Mike Hulett, Commission Chair.
 
The Minnesota legislature must now approve the Commission’s recommendations during the upcoming legislative session.
 
In addition to helping create and maintain recreation resources, these grants will contribute to the state’s economy and its vital $13 billion travel and tourism industry with 250,000 full and part-time workers.

Greater Minnesota Regional Parks and Trails Commission
Legacy Funding Recommendations for FY2018:
 
Lake Wobegon Trail Extension                             $980,000
Moorhead River Corridor                                      $660,600
Detroit Mountain Recreation Area                        $1,246,000      
Cascade Lake Park                                              $1,550,000
Mesabi Trail                                                          $750,000
Tioga Recreation Area                                          $50,000
Milford Mine Memorial Park                                  $60,000
Memorial Park                                                      $595,613
Dakota Rail Trail                                                   $647,000
Lake Brophy Park                                                 $875,000
Cook County Mountain Bike Trails                       $278,250
Robbins Island Regional Park                              $606,347
 
TOTAL                                                                  $8,298,180

Contact:  Renee Mattson – Executive Director (218) 310-2627  [email protected]

​This report summarizes the results of a study conducted by MN DNR - Division of Parks & Trails in 2011 to assess defined impacts on natural resources caused by geocaching in MN state parks.