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CHAPTER 85. DIVISION OF PARKS AND RECREATION

Table of Sections
Section Headnote
85.01 [Repealed, 1943 c 60 s 12]
STATE PARKS, RECREATION AREAS, AND WAYSIDES
85.011 CONFIRMATION OF CREATION AND ESTABLISHMENT OF STATE PARKS, STATE RECREATION AREAS, AND WAYSIDES.
85.0115 NOTICE OF ADDITIONS AND DELETIONS.
85.012 STATE PARKS.
85.013 STATE RECREATION AREAS AND WAYSIDES.
85.014 PRIOR LAWS NOT ALTERED; REVISOR'S DUTIES.
85.0145 ACQUIRING LAND FOR FACILITIES.
85.0146 CUYUNA COUNTRY STATE RECREATION AREA; CITIZENS ADVISORY COUNCIL.
STATE TRAILS
85.015 STATE TRAILS.
85.0155 LAKE SUPERIOR WATER TRAIL.
85.0156 MISSISSIPPI WHITEWATER TRAIL.
85.016 BICYCLE TRAIL PROGRAM.
85.017 TRAIL REGISTRY.
85.018 TRAIL USE; VEHICLES REGULATED, RESTRICTED.
ADMINISTRATION
85.019 LOCAL RECREATION GRANTS.
85.02 [Repealed, 1943 c 60 s 12]
85.021 ACQUIRING LAND; MINNESOTA VALLEY TRAIL.
85.03 [Repealed, 1969 c 524 s 5]
85.04 ENFORCEMENT DIVISION EMPLOYEES.
85.041 [Repealed, 1980 c 384 s 3]
85.045 ADOPT-A-PARK PROGRAM.
85.05 [Repealed, 1987 c 253 s 5]
85.0505 FOOD AND BEVERAGE SERVICE IN STATE PARKS.
85.0506 LAKE VERMILION-SOUDAN UNDERGROUND MINE STATE PARK; HOISTS.
85.0507 MS 2020 [Repealed, 1Sp2021 c 6 art 2 s 134]
85.051 [Repealed, 1989 c 335 art 4 s 109]
85.052 USES OF STATE PARKS; FEES.
85.053 STATE PARK PERMITS.
85.054 STATE PARK PERMIT EXEMPTIONS.
85.055 STATE PARK PERMIT FEES.
85.056 STATE PARKS AND TRAILS DONATION ACCOUNT.
85.06 SCHOOLHOUSES IN CERTAIN STATE PARKS.
85.07 [Renumbered 85.012, subd 29]
85.071 [Renumbered 85.012, subd 21]
85.08 [Renumbered 85.012, subd 28]
85.081 [Renumbered 85.012, subd 31]
85.082 [Renumbered 85.013, subd 9]
85.083 [Renumbered 85.012, subd 22]
85.085 [Renumbered 85.012, subd 49]
85.09 [Renumbered 85.012, subd 43]
85.10 [Alexander Ramsey State Park transferred to Redwood Falls, 1957 c 230]
85.101 [Renumbered 85.012, subd 40]
85.102 Subdivisions renumbered, repealed, or no longer in effect
85.103 [Renumbered 85.10, subd 4]
85.11 [Renumbered 85.012, subd 17]
85.111 [Renumbered 85.012, subd 14]
85.12 [Horace Austin State Park transferred to city of Austin, 1949 c 425 s 1; 1959 c 4 s 1,2]
85.122 [Renumbered 85.012, subd 42]
85.13 [Renumbered 85.012, subd 7]
85.14 [Renumbered 85.013, subd 23]
85.15 [Renumbered 85.012, subd 13]
85.16 [Oronoco Park conveyed to Olmsted County, 1965 c 810 s 9]
85.161 [Renumbered 85.012, subd 33]
85.162 [Renumbered 85.012, subd 45]
85.163 [Renumbered 85.012, subd 32]
85.164 [Renumbered 85.012, subd 11]
85.165 [Renumbered 85.012, subd 47]
85.17 [Renumbered 85.013, subd 14]
85.171 [Renumbered 85.012, subd 15]
85.172 [Renumbered 85.013, subd 7]
85.173 [Renumbered 85.013, subd 20]
85.174 [Renumbered 85.013, subd 5]
85.175 [Renumbered 85.013, subd 15]
85.176 [Renumbered 85.012, subd 60]
85.177 [Renumbered 85.012, subd 27]
85.178 [Renumbered 85.012, subd 12]
85.179 [Renumbered 85.012, subd 55]
85.18 Subdivisions renumbered, repealed, or no longer in effect
85.181 [Renumbered 85.012, subd 51]
85.182 [Renumbered 85.012, subd 4]
85.183 [Renumbered 85.012, subd 6]
85.184 [Renumbered 85.012, subd 18]
85.185 Subdivisions renumbered, repealed, or no longer in effect
85.186 [Renumbered 85.012, subd 57]
85.1865 [Obsolete, 1969 c 524 s 4]
85.187 [Obsolete, 1969 c 524 s 4]
85.1871 Subdivisions renumbered, repealed, or no longer in effect
85.188 [Obsolete, 1969 c 524 s 4]
85.189 [Obsolete, 1969 c 524 s 4]
85.19 [Obsolete, 1969 c 524 s 4]
85.191 [Renumbered 85.013, subd 28]
85.192 [Renumbered 85.013, subd 24]
85.193 [Renumbered 85.013, subd 16]
85.194 [Renumbered 85.013, subd 8]
85.195 [Renumbered 85.013, subd 10]
85.196 [Renumbered 85.012, subd 20]
85.197 [Renumbered 85.013, subd 21]
85.198 [Repealed, 1971 c 859 s 14]
85.20 VIOLATIONS OF RULES; LITTERING; PENALTIES.
85.205 RECEPTACLES FOR RECYCLING.
85.21 STATE OPERATION OF PARK, MONUMENT, RECREATION AREA AND WAYSIDE FACILITIES; LICENSE NOT REQUIRED.
85.22 STATE PARKS WORKING CAPITAL ACCOUNT.
85.23 COOPERATIVE LEASES OF AGRICULTURAL LANDS.
85.26 [Expired]
85.27 [Expired]
85.28 [Expired]
85.29 [Expired]
85.30 [Repealed, 1990 c 594 art 3 s 15]
85.31 [Expired]
85.32 STATE WATER TRAILS.
85.33 ST. CROIX WILD RIVER AREA; LIMITATIONS ON POWER BOATING.
85.34 FORT SNELLING LEASE.
TRAIL PASSES
85.40 DEFINITIONS.
85.41 CROSS-COUNTRY-SKI PASSES.
85.42 USER FEE; VALIDITY.
85.43 DISPOSITION OF RECEIPTS; PURPOSE.
85.44 CROSS-COUNTRY-SKI TRAIL GRANT-IN-AID PROGRAM.
85.45 PENALTIES.
85.46 HORSE PASS.
85.47 SPECIAL-USE PERMITS; FEES.
CENTRAL MINNESOTA REGIONAL PARKS AND TRAILS PLAN
85.50 DEFINITION.
85.51 PLANNING; COORDINATION.
85.52 GRANTS; PRIORITIES.
PARKS AND TRAILS FUND
85.53 PARKS AND TRAILS FUND.
85.535 PARKS AND TRAILS GRANT PROGRAM.
85.536 GREATER MINNESOTA REGIONAL PARKS AND TRAILS COMMISSION.
85.01 [Repealed, 1943 c 60 s 12]

STATE PARKS, RECREATION AREAS, AND WAYSIDES

85.011 CONFIRMATION OF CREATION AND ESTABLISHMENT OF STATE PARKS, STATE RECREATION AREAS, AND WAYSIDES.

(a) The legislature of this state has provided for the creation and establishment of state parks, designated state recreation areas, and waysides for the purpose of conserving the scenery, natural and historic objects and wildlife and to provide for the enjoyment of the same in a manner that will leave them unimpaired for the enjoyment of future generations.

(b) The establishment of the state parks, designated state recreation areas, and waysides is hereby confirmed as provided in this section and sections 85.012 and 85.013 and they shall remain perpetually dedicated for the use of the people of the state for park purposes.

(c) The enumerated state parks, state recreation areas, and state waysides shall consist of the lands and other property authorized therefor before January 1, 1969, together with such other lands and properties as may be authorized therefor on or after January 1, 1969.

85.0115 NOTICE OF ADDITIONS AND DELETIONS.

(a) The commissioner of natural resources shall publish a notice and description of proposed additions to and deletions from legislatively designated boundaries of state parks in a legal newspaper of general circulation in each county that is affected, and shall mail a copy of such notice and description to the chair of the affected county board or boards and to each affected landowner.

(b) When an addition to a legislatively designated boundary of a state park is proposed, the affected county board or boards or an affected city or township board may petition the commissioner of natural resources to attend a public hearing to discuss the proposed addition. The petition must be signed by the majority of the board members and include the time, date, and reason for the hearing, and be submitted to the commissioner of natural resources 30 days prior to the public hearing. The commissioner of natural resources or the commissioner's designee shall attend the public hearing when petitioned under this section.

85.012 STATE PARKS.

Subdivision 1.State parks generally.

(a) State parks established and confirmed as state parks together with the counties in which they are situated are listed in this section and shall be named as indicated in this section.

(b) The lands described in the session laws establishing or changing the boundaries of each state park are included in the state parks so established or changed. The commissioner of natural resources is authorized to acquire by gift or purchase the lands as described. Any land which now is or hereafter becomes tax-forfeited land and is located within the described park boundaries is hereby withdrawn from sale and is transferred from the custody, control, and supervision of the county board of the county to the commissioner of natural resources, free from any trust in favor of the interested taxing districts. The commissioner shall execute a certificate of acceptance of the lands on behalf of the state for such purposes and transmit the same to the county auditor of the county for record as provided by law in the case of tax-forfeited land transferred to the commissioner by resolution of the county board for conservation purposes. Any lands within the described boundaries which may be owned by the United States and managed by any of its agents may be acquired by land exchange, direct transfer, or purchase as federal laws may prescribe. The lands acquired pursuant to any session laws establishing or changing the boundaries of a state park shall be administered in the manner provided for state parks and shall be perpetually dedicated for such use.

Subd. 1a.

Afton State Park, Washington County.

Subd. 2.

Banning State Park, Pine County.

Subd. 3.

[Repealed, 1979 c 301 s 10 subd 6]

Subd. 4.

Bear Head Lake State Park, St. Louis County.

Subd. 5.

Beaver Creek Valley State Park, Houston County.

Subd. 6.

Big Stone Lake State Park, Big Stone County.

Subd. 7.

[Repealed, 1976 c 106 s 6]

Subd. 8.

Blue Mounds State Park, Rock County.

Subd. 9.

Buffalo River State Park, Clay County.

Subd. 10.

Camden State Park, Lyon County.

Subd. 11.

Carley State Park, Wabasha County.

Subd. 12.

Cascade River State Park, Cook County.

Subd. 13.

Charles A. Lindbergh State Park, Morrison County.

Subd. 14.

Crow Wing State Park, Crow Wing, Cass, and Morrison Counties.

Subd. 15.

Father Hennepin State Park, Mille Lacs County, which is hereby renamed from Father Hennepin State Memorial Wayside Park.

Subd. 16.

Flandrau State Park, Brown County.

Subd. 17.

Fort Ridgely State Park, Nicollet and Renville Counties.

Subd. 18.

Fort Snelling State Park, Ramsey, Hennepin and Dakota Counties, which is hereby renamed from Fort Snelling State Historical Park.

Subd. 19.

Forestville Mystery Cave State Park, Fillmore County.

Subd. 20.

Franz Jevne State Park, Koochiching County, which is hereby renamed from Franz Jevne State Wayside Park.

Subd. 21.

Frontenac State Park, Goodhue County.

Subd. 22.

George H. Crosby Manitou State Park, Lake County.

Subd. 23.

Glacial Lakes State Park, Pope County.

Subd. 23a.

Glendalough State Park, Otter Tail County.

Subd. 24.

Grand Mound State Park, Koochiching County.

Subd. 24a.

Great River Bluffs State Park, Winona County, which is renamed from O.L. Kipp State Park.

Subd. 24b.

[Repealed, 2007 c 57 art 1 s 170]

Subd. 25.

Gooseberry Falls State Park, Lake County.

Subd. 26.

Hayes Lake State Park, Roseau County.

Subd. 27.

Myre-Big Island State Park, Freeborn County.

Subd. 27a.

Grand Portage State Park, Cook County.

Subd. 27b.

MS 2022 [Repealed, 2024 c 116 art 8 s 19]

Subd. 28.

Interstate State Park, Chisago County, which is hereby renamed from Dalles of Saint Croix State Park.

Subd. 29.

Itasca State Park, Hubbard, Clearwater, and Becker Counties.

Subd. 30.

Jay Cooke State Park, Carlton County.

Subd. 30a.

John A. Latsch State Park, Winona County.

History:

1995 c 215 s 1 subd 3; 1997 c 236 s 4 subd 3

Subd. 31.

Judge C. R. Magney State Park, Cook County.

Subd. 32.

Kilen Woods State Park, Jackson County.

Subd. 32a.

Lac qui Parle State Park, Lac qui Parle and Chippewa Counties, which is hereby renamed from Lac qui Parle State Recreation Area.

Subd. 33.

Lake Bemidji State Park, Beltrami County.

Subd. 34.

Lake Bronson State Park, Kittson County.

Subd. 35.

Lake Carlos State Park, Douglas County.

Subd. 36.

Lake Louise State Park, Mower County.

Subd. 37.

Lake Maria State Park, Wright County.

Subd. 38.

Lake Shetek State Park, Murray County.

Subd. 38a.

Lake Vermilion-Soudan Underground Mine State Park, St. Louis County.

Subd. 39.

[Repealed, 1989 c 259 s 10]

Subd. 40.

McCarthy Beach State Park, St. Louis and Itasca Counties, which is hereby renamed from McCarthy Beach Memorial State Park.

Subd. 41.

Maplewood State Park, Otter Tail County.

Subd. 42.

Mille Lacs Kathio State Park, Mille Lacs County.

Subd. 43.

Minneopa State Park, Blue Earth County.

Subd. 44.

Monson Lake State Park, Swift County, which is hereby renamed from Monson Lake Memorial State Park.

Subd. 44a.

Moose Lake State Park, Carlton County, which is hereby renamed from Moose Lake State Recreation Area.

Subd. 45.

Nerstrand Big Woods State Park, Rice County.

Subd. 46.

[Repealed, 1997 c 236 s 6]

Subd. 47.

Old Mill State Park, Marshall County.

Subd. 48.

Rice Lake State Park, Steele and Dodge Counties.

Subd. 49.

St. Croix State Park, Pine County.

Subd. 49a.

Wild River State Park, Chisago County.

Subd. 50.

Sakatah Lake State Park, Le Sueur and Rice Counties.

Subd. 51.

Savanna Portage State Park, Aitkin and St. Louis Counties.

Subd. 52.

Scenic State Park, Itasca County.

Subd. 52a.

Schoolcraft State Park, Cass and Itasca Counties, which is hereby renamed from Schoolcraft State Recreation Area.

Subd. 53.

Sibley State Park, Kandiyohi County.

Subd. 53a.

[Repealed, 2014 c 217 s 38]

Subd. 53b.

Split Rock Creek State Park, Pipestone County, which is hereby renamed from Split Rock Creek State Recreation Area.

Subd. 54.

Split Rock Lighthouse State Park, Lake County.

Subd. 55.

Temperance River State Park, Cook County.

History:

1957 c 421 s 1; 1969 c 524 s 2; 1984 c 599 s 1 subd 6; 1994 c 448 s 1; 1999 c 157 s 2 subd 11, s 4 subds 1,2

Subd. 55a.

Tettegouche State Park, Lake County.

Subd. 56.

[Repealed, 1980 c 489 s 7]

Subd. 57.

[Renumbered subd 53a]

Subd. 58.

MS 2022 [Repealed, 2024 c 116 art 8 s 19]

Subd. 59.

Whitewater State Park, Winona County.

Subd. 60.

William O'Brien State Park, Washington County.

Subd. 61.

Zippel Bay State Park, Lake of the Woods County, which is hereby renamed from Zippel Bay State Recreation Area.

85.013 STATE RECREATION AREAS AND WAYSIDES.

Subdivision 1.Names; acquisition; administration.

(a) Designated recreation reserves and waysides heretofore established and hereby confirmed as state recreation areas and state waysides together with the counties in which they are situated are listed in this section and shall hereafter be named as indicated in this section.

(b) Any land that now is or hereafter becomes tax-forfeited land and is located within the described boundaries of a state recreation area as defined by session laws is hereby withdrawn from sale and is transferred from the custody, control, and supervision of the county board of the county to the commissioner of natural resources, free from any trust in favor of the interested taxing districts. The commissioner shall execute a certificate of acceptance of the lands on behalf of the state for such purposes and transmit the same to the county auditor of the county for record as provided by law in the case of tax-forfeited land transferred to the commissioner by resolution of the county board for conservation purposes.

Subd. 2.

[Repealed, 1975 c 353 s 41]

Subd. 2a.

Belle Plaine State Wayside, Carver, Scott and Sibley Counties.

History:

1969 c 879 s 2 subd 2(d)

Subd. 2b.

[Repealed, 2011 c 107 s 108]

Subd. 2c.

Big Bog State Recreation Area, Beltrami County.

Subd. 3.

[Repealed, 1975 c 353 s 41]

Subd. 4.

[Repealed, 1975 c 353 s 41]

Subd. 5.

Caribou Falls State Wayside, Lake County, which is hereby renamed from Caribou Falls State Park.

Subd. 5a.

Carver Rapids State Wayside, Scott County.

History:

1969 c 879 s 2 subd 2(b)

Subd. 5b.

[Repealed, 1975 c 353 s 41]

Subd. 5c.

Cuyuna Country State Recreation Area, Crow Wing County.

Subd. 6.

[Repealed, 1975 c 353 s 41]

Subd. 7.

[Repealed, 1975 c 353 s 41]

Subd. 8.

[Repealed, 1999 c 157 s 7]

Subd. 9.

Devils Track Falls State Wayside, Cook County, which is hereby renamed from Devils Track Falls State Park.

Subd. 10.

Flood Bay State Wayside, Lake County, which is hereby renamed from Flood Bay Wayside Park.

Subd. 11.

[Repealed, 1975 c 353 s 41]

Subd. 11a.

Garden Island State Recreation Area; Lake of the Woods County.

Subd. 11b.

Greenleaf Lake State Recreation Area, Meeker County, which is hereby renamed from Greenleaf Lake State Park.

Subd. 12.

Inspiration Peak State Wayside, Otter Tail County, which is hereby renamed from Inspiration Peak Park.

Subd. 12a.

Iron Range Off-Highway Vehicle Recreation Area, St. Louis County.

History:

1996 c 407 s 32; 1997 c 192 s 2; 1999 c 231 s 99 subd 1; 2000 c 393 s 1; 1Sp2003 c 13 s 9 subd 2; 2006 c 236 art 1 s 8 subd 1; 2011 c 98 s 6 subd 2; 2012 c 236 s 7 subd 2, s 8; 1Sp2021 c 6 art 2 s 111

Subd. 13.

[Repealed, 1995 c 215 s 3]

Subd. 14.

Joseph R. Brown State Wayside, Renville County, which is hereby renamed from Joseph R. Brown Memorial Park.

Subd. 15.

Kodonce River State Wayside, Cook County, which is hereby renamed from Kodonce River State Park.

Subd. 15a.

La Salle Lake State Recreation Area, Hubbard County.

Subd. 16.

[Repealed, 1994 c 448 s 4]

Subd. 16a.

Lawrence State Wayside, Scott County.

History:

1969 c 879 s 2 subd 2(c)

Subd. 17.

[Repealed, 1975 c 353 s 41]

Subd. 17a.

Minnesota Valley State Recreation Area, Hennepin, Dakota, Scott, Carver, Sibley, and Le Sueur Counties.

Subd. 18.

[Repealed, 1975 c 353 s 41]

Subd. 18a.

[Repealed, 1994 c 448 s 4]

Subd. 19.

[Repealed, 1987 c 128 s 4]

Subd. 20.

[Repealed, 1995 c 215 s 3]

Subd. 20a.

Red River State Recreation Area, Polk County.

Subd. 21.

Ray Berglund State Wayside, Cook County, which is hereby renamed from Ray Berglund State Scenic Memorial Wayside.

Subd. 21a.

[Repealed, 1987 c 128 s 5]

Subd. 21b.

[Repealed, 2008 c 357 s 40]

Subd. 21c.

Saint Croix Boom Site Wayside, Washington County.

History:

2016 c 154 s 1,12

Subd. 22.

Saint Croix Islands Recreation Area, Washington County, which is hereby renamed from Saint Croix Islands Scenic Reserve.

Subd. 23.

Sam Brown Memorial State Wayside, Traverse County, which is hereby renamed from Sam Brown State Park.

Subd. 24.

[Repealed, 1994 c 448 s 1]

Subd. 25.

[Repealed, 1975 c 353 s 41]

Subd. 25a.

[Repealed, 1975 c 353 s 41]

Subd. 26.

[Repealed, 1994 c 448 s 1]

Subd. 27.

[Repealed, 1975 c 353 s 41]

Subd. 28.

[Repealed, 1994 c 448 s 1]

85.014 PRIOR LAWS NOT ALTERED; REVISOR'S DUTIES.

In compiling the next and subsequent editions of Minnesota Statutes the revisor of statutes shall substitute the provisions of sections 85.011 to 85.013, in accordance with the statutory numbering proposed therein, for sections 85.07 to 85.197. Such substitution shall in no way alter the effect of the laws from which said sections 85.07 to 85.197 are derived nor operate as a repeal of any of the provisions of said sections. The revisor may include as a note after each of the above named state parks, monuments, recreation areas and waysides a reference to the various laws establishing and relating to said park, monument, recreation area and wayside and shall make such rearrangement of the material in this chapter, as is necessary to carry out the provisions of this section. To the extent possible, the revisor shall include, in sections 85.012 and 85.013, new state parks, monuments, recreation areas, and waysides when established pursuant to law.

History:

1969 c 524 s 4

85.0145 ACQUIRING LAND FOR FACILITIES.

The commissioner of natural resources may acquire interests in land by gift, purchase, or lease for facilities outside the boundaries of state parks, state recreation areas, or state waysides that are needed for the management of state parks, state recreation areas, or state waysides established under sections 85.012 and 85.013.

85.0146 CUYUNA COUNTRY STATE RECREATION AREA; CITIZENS ADVISORY COUNCIL.

Subdivision 1.Advisory council created.

The Cuyuna Country State Recreation Area Citizens Advisory Council is established. Membership on the advisory council shall include:

(1) a representative of Cuyuna Range Economic Development Inc.;

(2) a representative for the Croft Mine Historical Park;

(3) a member at large appointed by the members of the council;

(4) a representative of the Crow Wing County Board;

(5) the state senator representing the state recreation area;

(6) the member from the state house of representatives representing the state recreation area;

(7) a representative of the Grand Rapids regional office of the Department of Natural Resources;

(8) a designee of the commissioner of Iron Range resources and rehabilitation;

(9) a designee of the local business community selected by the area chambers of commerce;

(10) a designee of the local environmental community selected by the Crow Wing County District 5 commissioner;

(11) a designee of a local education organization selected by the Crosby-Ironton School Board;

(12) a designee of one of the recreation area user groups selected by the Cuyuna Range Chamber of Commerce; and

(13) a member of the Cuyuna Country Heritage Preservation Society.

Subd. 2.Administration.

(a) The advisory council must meet at least four times annually. The council shall elect a chair and meetings shall be at the call of the chair.

(b) Members of the advisory council shall serve as volunteers for two-year terms with the ability to be reappointed. Members shall accept no per diem.

(c) The state recreation area manager may attend the council meetings and advise the council of issues in management of the recreation area.

(d) Before a major decision is implemented in the Cuyuna Country State Recreation Area, the area manager must consult with the council and take into consideration any council comments or advice that may impact the major decision.

STATE TRAILS

85.015 STATE TRAILS.

Subdivision 1.Acquisition.

(a) The commissioner of natural resources shall establish, develop, maintain, and operate the trails designated in this section. Each trail shall have the purposes assigned to it in this section. The commissioner of natural resources may acquire lands by gift or purchase, in fee or easement, for the trail and facilities related to the trail.

(b) Notwithstanding the offering to public entities, public sale, and related notice and publication requirements of sections 94.09 to 94.165, the commissioner of natural resources, in the name of the state, may sell surplus lands not needed for trail purposes at private sale to adjoining property owners and leaseholders. The conveyance must be by quitclaim in a form approved by the attorney general for a consideration not less than the appraised value.

Subd. 1a.Private subsurface use of trails.

Notwithstanding section 272.68, subdivision 3, the commissioner may issue a permit, without a fee, to allow a person who owns land adjacent to a trail established under this section on land owned by the state in fee to continue a subsurface use of the trail right-of-way, if:

(1) the person was carrying on the use when the state acquired the land for the trail; and

(2) the use does not interfere with the public's use of the trail.

Subd. 1b.Easements for ingress and egress.

(a) Notwithstanding section 16A.695, except as provided in paragraph (b), when a trail is established under this section, a private property owner who has a preexisting right of ingress and egress over the trail right-of-way is granted, without charge, a permanent easement for ingress and egress purposes only. The easement is limited to the preexisting crossing and reverts to the state upon abandonment. Nothing in this subdivision is intended to diminish or alter any written or recorded easement that existed before the state acquired the land for the trail.

(b) The commissioner of natural resources shall assess the applicant an application fee of $2,000 for reviewing the application and preparing the easement. The applicant shall pay the application fee to the commissioner of natural resources. The commissioner shall not issue the easement until the applicant has paid the application fee in full. The commissioner shall not return the application fee, even if the application is withdrawn or denied.

(c) Money received under paragraph (b) must be credited to the land management account in the natural resources fund and is appropriated to the commissioner of natural resources to cover the reasonable costs incurred under this section.

(d) Notwithstanding paragraphs (a) to (c), the commissioner of natural resources may elect to assume the application fee under paragraph (b) if the commissioner determines that issuing the easement will benefit the state's land management interests.

Subd. 1c.

[Repealed, 1999 c 4 s 5]

Subd. 1d.Bicycle use of trails.

The commissioner may not prohibit or otherwise restrict operation of an electric-assisted bicycle, as defined in section 169.011, subdivision 27, on any trail under this section for which bicycle use is permitted, unless the commissioner determines that operation of the electric-assisted bicycle is not consistent with (1) the safety or general welfare of trail users; or (2) the terms of any property conveyance.

Subd. 1e.Connection to state parks and recreation areas.

Trails designated under this section may include connections to state parks or recreation areas that generally lie in between or within the vicinity of the waymarks specifically named in the designation.

Subd. 2.Casey Jones Trail, Murray, Redwood, Pipestone, and Rock Counties.

(a) The trail shall originate in Lake Shetek State Park in Murray County and include the six-mile loop between Currie in Murray County and Lake Shetek State Park. From there, the first half of the trail shall trail southwesterly to Slayton in Murray County; thence westerly to the point of intersection with the most easterly terminus of the state-owned abandoned railroad right-of-way, commonly known as the Casey Jones unit; thence westerly along said Casey Jones unit to Pipestone in Pipestone County; thence southwesterly to Split Rock Creek State Park in Pipestone County; thence southeasterly to Blue Mounds State Park in Rock County; thence southerly to Luverne and Schoneman Park in Rock County, and there terminate. The second half of the trail shall commence in Lake Shetek State Park in Murray County and trail northeasterly to Walnut Grove in Redwood County; thence northeasterly to Redwood Falls in Redwood County to join with the Minnesota River State Trail.

(b) The trail shall be developed as a multiuse, multiseasonal, dual treadway trail. Nothing herein shall abrogate the purpose for which the Casey Jones unit was originally established, and the use thereof shall be concurrent.

Subd. 3.

[Repealed, 2014 c 248 s 19]

Subd. 4.Douglas Trail, Olmsted, Wabasha, and Goodhue Counties.

(a) The trail shall originate at Rochester in Olmsted County and shall follow the route of the Chicago Great Western Railroad to Pine Island in Goodhue County and there terminate.

(b) Additional trails may be established that extend the Douglas Trail system to include Pine Island, Mazeppa in Wabasha County to Zumbrota, Bellechester, Goodhue, and Red Wing in Goodhue County. In addition to the criteria in section 86A.05, subdivision 4, these trails must utilize abandoned railroad rights-of-way where possible.

(c) The trail shall be developed primarily for riding and hiking.

(d) Under no circumstances shall the commissioner acquire any of the right-of-way of the Chicago Great Western Railroad until the abandonment of the line of railway described in this subdivision has been approved by the Surface Transportation Board or the former Interstate Commerce Commission.

Subd. 5.Glacial Lakes Trail, Kandiyohi, Pope, Stearns, and Douglas Counties.

(a) The trail shall originate at Kandiyohi County Park on the north shore of Green Lake in Kandiyohi County and thence extend northwesterly to Sibley State Park, thence northwesterly to Glacial Lakes State Park in Pope County, thence northeasterly to Lake Carlos State Park in Douglas County, and there terminate.

(b) A segment shall be established beginning in the city of Willmar, Kandiyohi County, and extending northeasterly into Stearns County.

(c) The trail shall be developed primarily for riding and hiking.

Subd. 6.Minnesota Valley Trail, Hennepin, Dakota, Scott, Carver, Sibley and Le Sueur Counties.

(a) The trail shall originate at Fort Snelling State Park and thence extend generally southwesterly along the Minnesota River Valley through Hennepin, Dakota, Scott, Carver, Sibley, and Le Sueur Counties to the city of Le Sueur, and there terminate. The trail shall include the following state waysides:

(1) Rice Lake Wayside, in Scott County;

(2) Carver Rapids Wayside, in Scott County;

(3) Lawrence wayside, in Scott County;

(4) Belle Plaine Wayside, in Carver, Scott, and Sibley Counties;

(5) Blakeley Wayside, in Scott County; and

(6) Rush River Wayside, in Sibley County.

(b) The trail shall be developed primarily for riding and hiking. Motorized vehicles are prohibited from that portion of the trail on the north side of the Minnesota River, lying between Fort Snelling State Park and Rice Lake Wayside. That portion of the trail on the north side of the Minnesota River, lying between the Bloomington Ferry Bridge pedestrian crossing and the Cedar Avenue Bridge, must be a paved trail developed primarily for hiking and bicycling.

(c) In establishing, developing, maintaining, and operating the trail the commissioner shall cooperate with local units of government and private individuals and groups whenever feasible.

Subd. 6a.Mississippi Blufflands Trail, Goodhue and Wabasha Counties.

(a) The Mississippi Blufflands Trail shall originate at the Cannon Valley Trail and thence extend generally southeasterly along the Mississippi River through Frontenac State Park in Goodhue County and continue through Goodhue and Wabasha Counties to the city of Lake City, and there terminate. The trail shall include connections to the Rattlesnake Bluff Trail.

(b) The trail shall be developed primarily for riding and hiking.

(c) In establishing, developing, maintaining, and operating the trail, the commissioner shall cooperate with local units of government and private individuals and groups whenever feasible.

Subd. 7.Blufflands trail system, Fillmore, Olmsted, Winona, and Houston Counties.

(a) The Root River Trail shall originate at Chatfield in Fillmore County, and thence extend easterly in the Root River Valley to the intersection of the river with Minnesota Trunk Highway No. 26 in Houston County, and extend to the Mississippi River.

(b) Additional trails may be established that extend the Blufflands trail system to include La Crescent, Hokah, Caledonia, and Spring Grove in Houston County; Preston, Harmony, Fountain, Wykoff, Spring Valley, Mabel, Prosper, Canton, Ostrander, and connections to the Iowa border including a connection to Niagara Cave in Fillmore County; Rochester, Dover, Eyota, Stewartville, Byron, and Chester Woods County Park in Olmsted County; and Winona, Minnesota City, Rollingstone, Altura, Lewiston, Utica, St. Charles, and Elba in Winona County. In addition to the criteria in section 86A.05, subdivision 4, these trails must utilize abandoned railroad rights-of-way where possible.

(c) The trails shall be developed primarily for nonmotorized riding and hiking.

Subd. 8.Sakatah Singing Hills Trail, Blue Earth, Le Sueur, and Rice Counties.

(a) The trail shall originate in Mankato, Blue Earth County, and shall extend in a northeasterly direction on or along the railroad right-of-way into Rice County.

(b) The trail shall be developed primarily for riding and hiking. Motorized vehicles, except snowmobiles, are prohibited from the trail.

Subd. 8a.Mill Towns Trail, Rice, Dakota, and Goodhue Counties.

(a) The trail shall originate at a point commonly known as Faribault Junction in Rice County, the termination point of the Sakatah Singing Hills Trail, and shall extend through the towns of Faribault, Dundas, Northfield, Waterford, and Randolph, to the termination point of the Cannon Valley Trail in Cannon Falls. The trail may be located within the Cannon River Wild, Scenic, and Recreational Land Use District.

(b) The trail shall be developed primarily for riding and hiking. Motorized vehicles, except snowmobiles, are prohibited from the trail.

Subd. 9.

[Repealed, 1973 c 684 s 3]

Subd. 10.Luce Line Trail, Hennepin, McLeod, and Meeker Counties.

(a) The trail shall originate at Gleason Lake in Plymouth Village, Hennepin County, follow the route of the Chicago Northwestern Railroad, and include a connection to Greenleaf Lake State Recreation Area.

(b) The trail shall be developed for multiuse wherever feasible. The department shall cooperate in maintaining its integrity for modes of use consistent with local ordinances.

(c) In establishing, developing, maintaining, and operating the trail, the commissioner shall cooperate with local units of government and private individuals and groups. Before acquiring any parcel of land for the trail, the commissioner of natural resources shall develop a management program for the parcel and conduct a public hearing on the proposed management program in the vicinity of the parcel to be acquired. The management program of the commissioner shall include but not be limited to the following:

(1) fencing portions of the trail where necessary to protect adjoining landowners; and

(2) maintaining the trail in a litter-free condition to the extent practicable.

(d) The commissioner shall not acquire any of the right-of-way of the Chicago Northwestern Railway Company until the abandonment of the line described in this subdivision has been approved by the Surface Transportation Board or the former Interstate Commerce Commission. Compensation, in addition to the value of the land, shall include improvements made by the railroad, including but not limited to, bridges, trestles, public road crossings, or any portion thereof, it being the desire of the railroad that such improvements be included in the conveyance. The fair market value of the land and improvements shall be recommended by two independent appraisers mutually agreed upon by the parties. The fair market value thus recommended shall be reviewed by a review appraiser agreed to by the parties, and the fair market value thus determined, and supported by appraisals, may be the purchase price. The commissioner may exchange lands with landowners abutting the right-of-way described in this section to eliminate diagonally shaped separate fields.

Subd. 11.

[Repealed, 2007 c 131 art 1 s 96]

Subd. 12.Heartland Trail, Clay, Becker, Hubbard, and Cass Counties.

(a) The trail shall originate at Moorhead in Clay County and extend in an easterly direction through Detroit Lakes in Becker County to mile post 90.92 at Park Rapids in Hubbard County; thence in an easterly direction along the Burlington Northern Railroad right-of-way through Walker in Cass County; thence in a northerly direction along the Burlington Northern Railroad right-of-way to Cass Lake in Cass County, and there terminate. A segment shall be established that connects the trail to Itasca State Park.

(b) The trail shall be developed primarily for riding and hiking.

Subd. 13.Arrowhead region trail system, Cook, Lake, St. Louis, Pine, Carlton, Koochiching, and Itasca Counties.

(a)(1) The Taconite Trail shall originate at Ely in St. Louis County and extend southwesterly to Tower in St. Louis County, thence westerly to McCarthy Beach State Park in St. Louis County, thence southwesterly to Grand Rapids in Itasca County and there terminate;

(2) the C. J. Ramstad/Northshore Trail shall originate in Duluth in St. Louis County and extend northeasterly to Two Harbors in Lake County, thence northeasterly to Grand Marais in Cook County, thence northeasterly to the international boundary in the vicinity of the north shore of Lake Superior, and there terminate;

(3) the David Dill/Arrowhead Trail shall originate at International Falls in Koochiching County and extend southeasterly through the Pelican Lake area in St. Louis County, intersecting with the Taconite Trail west of Tower; then the David Dill/Taconite Trail continues easterly to Ely in St. Louis County; then the David Dill/Tomahawk Trail extends southeasterly, outside the Boundary Waters Canoe Area, to the area of Little Marais in Lake County and there terminates at the intersection with the C. J. Ramstad/Northshore Trail; and

(4) the Matthew Lourey Trail shall originate in Duluth in St. Louis County and extend southerly to Chengwatana State Forest in Pine County.

(b) The trails shall be developed primarily for riding and hiking.

(c) In addition to the authority granted in subdivision 1, lands and interests in lands for the Arrowhead region trails may be acquired by eminent domain. Before acquiring any land or interest in land by eminent domain the commissioner of administration shall obtain the approval of the governor. The governor shall consult with the Legislative Advisory Commission before granting approval. Recommendations of the Legislative Advisory Commission shall be advisory only. Failure or refusal of the commission to make a recommendation shall be deemed a negative recommendation.

Subd. 14.Willard Munger trail system, Chisago, Ramsey, Pine, St. Louis, Carlton, and Washington Counties.

(a) The trail shall consist of six segments. One segment shall be known as the Gateway Trail and shall originate at the State Capitol and extend northerly and northeasterly to William O'Brien State Park, thence northerly to Taylors Falls in Chisago County. One segment shall originate in Chisago County and extend into Hinckley in Pine County. One segment shall be known as the Brown's Creek Trail and shall originate at Duluth Junction and extend into Stillwater in Washington County. One segment shall be known as the Munger Trail and shall originate at Hinckley in Pine County and extend through Moose Lake in Carlton County to Duluth in St. Louis County. One segment shall be known as the Alex Laveau Trail and shall originate in Carlton County at Carlton and extend through Wrenshall to the Minnesota-Wisconsin border. One segment shall be established that extends the trail to include the cities of Proctor, Duluth, and Hermantown in St. Louis County.

(b) The Gateway and Brown's Creek Trails shall be developed primarily for hiking and nonmotorized riding and the remaining trails shall be developed primarily for riding and hiking.

(c) In addition to the authority granted in subdivision 1, lands and interests in lands for the Gateway and Brown's Creek Trails may be acquired by eminent domain.

Subd. 15.Paul Bunyan Trail, Crow Wing, Cass, Hubbard, and Beltrami Counties.

The trail shall originate in Crow Wing State Park in Crow Wing County and shall extend through the city of Baxter and in a northerly direction along the Burlington Northern Railroad right-of-way, intersecting the Heartland State Trail southwest of the city of Walker in Cass County. The trail shall continue on the Heartland State Trail through the city of Walker, then in a northwesterly direction along the Burlington Northern Railroad right-of-way to the city of Bemidji in Beltrami County and terminate in Lake Bemidji State Park.

Subd. 16.Superior Vista Trail, St. Louis and Lake Counties.

The trail shall originate at the city of Duluth and shall extend in a northeasterly direction along the shoreline of Lake Superior to the city of Two Harbors. The trail shall be designed for bicycles and hikers, shall utilize existing highway and railroad right-of-way where possible, and shall be laid out in a manner to maximize the view of Lake Superior while traversing the length of the trail.

Subd. 17.Shooting Star Trail, Mower County.

(a) The trail shall originate in the city of LeRoy and extend in a northwesterly direction through Lake Louise State Park and the cities of Taopi, Adams, Rose Creek, and Lyle, to the city of Austin.

(b) Additional trails shall be established to connect with the Bluffland trail system in Fillmore County and the trail from Riceville, Iowa.

(c) The trail shall be developed primarily for hiking and nonmotorized riding.

Subd. 18.Prairie Wildflower Trail, Mower, Dodge, Steele and Rice Counties.

(a) The trail shall follow an abandoned railroad line originating in the city of Austin and extending northwesterly through Blooming Prairie and Owatonna to the city of Faribault.

(b) The trail shall be developed primarily for hiking and nonmotorized riding.

Subd. 19.Blazing Star Trail, Freeborn and Mower Counties.

(a) The trail shall originate in the city of Albert Lea and extend to the city of Austin.

(b) The trail shall be developed primarily for hiking and nonmotorized riding.

Subd. 20.Stagecoach Trail, Steele, Dodge, and Olmsted Counties.

The trail shall originate at the Douglas Trail near the city of Rochester in Olmsted County and extend westerly along the Zumbro River Valley to the city of Mantorville and the village of Wasioja in Dodge County, following as closely as possible the Historic Stagecoach Trail to Wasioja, through Rice Lake State Park to the city of Owatonna in Steele County.

Subd. 21.Gitchi-Gami Trail, Lake and Cook Counties.

(a) The trail shall originate in the city of Two Harbors and shall extend in a northeasterly direction along the shore of Lake Superior, running parallel to State Highway 61 to the city of Grand Marais.

(b) The trail shall be developed primarily for hiking and bicycling.

Subd. 22.Minnesota River Trail, Big Stone, Le Sueur, Redwood, Brown, and Chippewa Counties.

The trail shall originate at the entrance to Big Stone Lake State Park and extend along the Minnesota River Valley to connect to the Minnesota Valley Trail at the city of Le Sueur. The trail shall include a loop between Fort Ridgely State Park and the cities of Redwood Falls and Sleepy Eye. A segment shall be established connecting the cities of Granite Falls and Montevideo.

Subd. 23.Central Lakes Trail, Otter Tail, Grant, and Douglas Counties.

The trail shall originate at the city of Fergus Falls and extend in a southeasterly direction through Grant and Douglas Counties to the eastern boundary of Douglas County.

Subd. 24.Cuyuna Lakes Trail, Crow Wing and Aitkin Counties.

(a) The trail alignments shall originate in Crow Wing County at the Paul Bunyan Trail in the city of Baxter and shall extend in an east-northeasterly direction to the city of Riverton, Crow Wing County, where they shall connect to the Sagamore Mine segment of the Cuyuna Country State Recreation Area. The trail alignments shall then continue in a northeasterly direction, generally along and using former railroad rights-of-way insofar as practical, to connect with the main body of the Cuyuna Country State Recreation Area, the communities of Ironton and Crosby in Crow Wing County, and the Croft Mine Historical Park. The trail alignments shall then continue in an east-northeasterly direction, generally along and using former railroad rights-of-way insofar as practical, to the city of Cuyuna in Crow Wing County, and then continue east to the city of Aitkin, Aitkin County, and there terminate.

(b) The trail shall be developed as a multiuse, multiseasonal, dual treadway trail.

Subd. 25.

MS 2006 [Never effective]

Subd. 26.Great River Ridge Trail, Wabasha and Olmsted Counties.

The trail shall originate in the city of Plainview in Wabasha County and extend southwesterly through the city of Elgin in Wabasha County and the town of Viola in Olmsted County to the Chester Woods Trail in Olmsted County.

Subd. 27.Des Moines River Valley Trail, Jackson, Cottonwood, and Murray Counties.

The trail shall originate in Jackson County at the Minnesota-Iowa border and connect with the Dickinson Trail in Mini-Wakan State Park in Iowa. To the greatest extent possible, the trail shall follow the Des Moines River Valley, extending northwesterly through Jackson County to Kilen Woods State Park, through Cottonwood County, and into Murray County. The trail shall terminate at Casey Jones Trail in Murray County.

Subd. 28.Camp Ripley/Veterans State Trail, Crow Wing, Cass, and Morrison Counties.

The trail shall originate at Crow Wing State Park in Crow Wing County at the southern end of the Paul Bunyan Trail and shall extend from Crow Wing State Park westerly to the city of Pillager, then southerly along the west side of Camp Ripley, then easterly along the south side of Camp Ripley across to the east side of the Mississippi River, and then northerly through Fort Ripley to Crow Wing State Park. A second segment of the trail shall be established that shall extend in a southerly direction and in close proximity to the Mississippi River from the southeasterly portion of the first segment of the trail to the city of Little Falls, and then terminate at the Soo Line Trail in Morrison County. Separation of motorized and nonmotorized corridors is acceptable as needed.

85.0155 LAKE SUPERIOR WATER TRAIL.

Subdivision 1.Creation.

A water trail is created along the Lake Superior shoreline from Park Point in Duluth to the border with Canada. The trail must be primarily developed for kayakers and campers, using existing public lands for designated rest areas.

Subd. 2.Commissioner's duties.

The commissioner of natural resources must coordinate the creation of the water trail by placing signs for rest areas along the lake and working with other public agencies and private resorts owning land along the lake to do the same. At the earliest opportunity, the commissioner shall make available a water trail map depicting the designated rest areas for the touring public.

Subd. 3.Gifts; donations.

The commissioner of natural resources is authorized to accept donations of land, or easements in land, for rest areas along the Lake Superior water trail, and may seek and accept money for this purpose from other public and private sources.

History:

1993 c 143 s 1

85.0156 MISSISSIPPI WHITEWATER TRAIL.

Subdivision 1.Creation.

An urban whitewater trail is created along the Mississippi River in the St. Anthony Falls area in Minneapolis. The trail must be primarily developed for whitewater rafters, canoers, and kayakers.

Subd. 2.Commissioner's duties.

(a) The commissioner of natural resources must coordinate the creation of the Whitewater Trail by placing designation signs near and along the river and must publicize the designation.

(b) In designating the Mississippi Whitewater Trail, the commissioner must work with other federal, state, and local agencies and private businesses and organizations interested in the trail.

Subd. 3.Gifts; donations.

The commissioner of natural resources is authorized to accept, on behalf of a nonprofit corporation, donations of land or easements in land for the Whitewater Trail and may seek and accept money for the trail from other public and private sources.

85.016 BICYCLE TRAIL PROGRAM.

The commissioner of natural resources must establish a program for the development of bicycle trails utilizing the state trails authorized by section 85.015, other state parks and recreation land, and state forests. "Bicycle trail," as used in this section, has the meaning given in section 169.011. The program must be coordinated with the local park trail-grant program established by the commissioner pursuant to section 85.019, with the state bicycle routes established by the commissioner of transportation pursuant to section 160.266, and with existing and proposed local bikeways. In the metropolitan area as defined in section 473.121, the program must be developed in accordance with plans and priorities established by the Metropolitan Council. The commissioner must provide technical assistance to local units of government in planning and developing bicycle trails in local parks. The bicycle trail program must, as a minimum, describe the location, design, construction, maintenance, and land acquisition needs of each component trail. The program must be developed after consultation with the state trail council and regional and local units of government and bicyclist organizations.

85.017 TRAIL REGISTRY.

The commissioner of natural resources shall compile and maintain a current registry of cross-country skiing, hiking, horseback riding and snowmobiling trails in the state and shall publish and distribute the information in the manner prescribed in section 86A.11. The Metropolitan Council, the commissioner of employment and economic development, the Minnesota Historical Society, and local units of government shall cooperate with and assist the commissioner in preparing the registry.

85.018 TRAIL USE; VEHICLES REGULATED, RESTRICTED.

Subdivision 1.Definitions.

For the purposes of this section:

(a) "All-terrain vehicle" has the meaning given in section 84.92, subdivision 8.

(b) "Commissioner" means the commissioner of the state agency from which the grants-in-aid are received.

(c) "Off-road vehicle" has the meaning given in section 84.797, subdivision 7.

(d) "Snowmobile" has the meaning given in section 84.81, subdivision 3.

(e) "Trail" means a recreational trail that is funded in whole or in part by state grants-in-aid to a local unit of government.

Subd. 2.Authority of local government.

(a) A local government unit that receives state grants-in-aid for any trail, with the concurrence of the commissioner, and the landowner or land lessee, may:

(1) designate the trail for use by snowmobiles or for nonmotorized use from December 1 to April 1 of any year; and

(2) issue any permit required under subdivisions 3 to 5.

(b) A local government unit that receives state grants-in-aid under section 84.794, subdivision 2, 84.803, subdivision 2, or 84.927, subdivision 2, for any trail, with the concurrence of the commissioner, and landowner or land lessee, may:

(1) designate the trail specifically for use at various times of the year by all-terrain or off-road vehicles or off-highway motorcycles, for nonmotorized use such as ski touring, snowshoeing, and hiking, and for multiple use; and

(2) issue any permit required under subdivisions 3 to 5.

(c) A local unit of government that receives state grants-in-aid for any trail, with the concurrence of the commissioner and landowner or land lessee, may designate certain trails for joint use by snowmobiles, off-highway motorcycles, all-terrain vehicles, and off-road vehicles.

(d) A local unit of government may not prohibit or otherwise restrict operation of an electric-assisted bicycle, as defined in section 169.011, subdivision 27, on any trail under this section designated for bicycle use or nonmotorized use that includes bicycles, unless the local unit of government determines that operation of the electric-assisted bicycle is not consistent with (1) the safety or general welfare of trail users; or (2) the terms of any property conveyance.

Subd. 3.Motorized use; permits, restrictions.

Permits may be issued for motorized vehicles, other than those designated, to use a trail designated for use by snowmobiles, off-highway motorcycles, all-terrain or off-road vehicles. Notice of the permit must be conspicuously posted, at the expense of the permit holder, at no less than one-half mile intervals along the trail, for the duration of the permit. Permits shall require that permit holders return the trail and any associated facility to their original condition if any damage is done by the permittee. Limited permits for special events such as races may be issued and shall require the removal of any trail markers, banners and other material used in connection with the special event.

Subd. 4.Nonmotorized use trails.

No motorized vehicle shall be operated on a trail designated for nonmotorized use. This subdivision does not apply to (1) motorized wheelchairs or other motorized devices operated by an individual who is physically disabled; or (2) electric-assisted bicycles, as defined in section 169.011, subdivision 27.

Subd. 5.Motorized vehicle trails restricted.

(a) From December 1 to April 1 in any year no use of a motorized vehicle other than a snowmobile, unless authorized by permit, lease, or easement, shall be permitted on a trail designated for use by snowmobiles.

(b) No use of a motorized vehicle other than an all-terrain or off-road vehicle and an off-highway motorcycle, unless authorized by permit, lease, or easement, shall be permitted on a trail designated for use by all-terrain vehicles, off-road vehicles, or both, and off-highway motorcycles.

Subd. 6.Exceptions.

The following motor vehicles are exempt from the provisions of subdivisions 3 to 5:

(1) military, fire, emergency or law enforcement vehicles used for official or emergency purposes;

(2) vehicles registered to the county, state or federal government;

(3) vehicles authorized by permit, lease or contract;

(4) vehicles owned by private persons engaged in the upkeep and maintenance of the trail systems under the direction of the local unit of government that manages the trail; and

(5) vehicles registered to or operated with the permission of a landowner on whose lands the trail system has been constructed, but only with respect to operation on the land of that owner.

Subd. 7.Streets and highways.

This section does not apply to any portion of a trail located on any street or highway as defined in section 169.011.

Subd. 8.Enforcement.

The provisions of this section may be enforced by officers of the Department of Natural Resources as provided in sections 97A.201 to 97A.235.

ADMINISTRATION

85.019 LOCAL RECREATION GRANTS.

Subdivision 1.Definition.

For purposes of this section, "unit of government" means a county, statutory or home rule charter city, or town.

Subd. 2.Parks and outdoor recreation areas.

(a) The commissioner shall administer a program to provide grants to units of government for up to 50 percent of the costs of acquisition and betterment of public land and improvements needed for parks and other outdoor recreation areas and facilities, including costs to create veterans memorial gardens and parks.

(b) For units of government outside the metropolitan area as defined in section 473.121, subdivision 2, the local match required for a grant to acquire or better a regional park or regional outdoor recreation area is $2 of nonstate money for each $3 of state money.

Subd. 3.

[Repealed by amendment, 1995 c 220 s 68]

Subd. 4.

[Repealed by amendment, 1995 c 220 s 68]

Subd. 4a.Natural and scenic areas.

The commissioner shall administer a program to provide grants to units of government and school districts for the acquisition and betterment of natural and scenic areas such as blufflands, prairies, shorelands, wetlands, and wooded areas. A grant may not exceed 50 percent or $500,000, whichever is less, of the costs of acquisition and betterment of land acquired under this subdivision. The commissioner shall make payment to a unit of government upon receiving documentation of reimbursable expenditures.

Subd. 4b.Regional trails.

The commissioner shall administer a program to provide grants to units of government for acquisition and betterment of public land and improvements needed for trails outside the metropolitan area deemed to be of regional significance according to criteria published by the commissioner. Recipients must provide a nonstate cash match of at least 25 percent of total eligible project costs. If land used for the trails is not in full public ownership, then the recipients must prove it is dedicated to the purposes of the grants for at least 20 years. The commissioner shall make payment to a unit of government upon receiving documentation of reimbursable expenditures. A unit of government may enter into a lease or management agreement for the trail, subject to section 16A.695.

Subd. 4c.Trail connections.

The commissioner shall administer a program to provide grants to units of government for acquisition and betterment of public land and improvements needed for trails that connect communities, trails, and parks and thereby increase the effective length of trail experiences. Recipients must provide a nonstate cash match of at least 25 percent of total eligible project costs. If land used for the trails is not in full public ownership, then the recipients must prove it is dedicated to the purposes of the grants for at least 20 years. The commissioner shall make payment to a unit of government upon receiving documentation of reimbursable expenditures. A unit of government may enter into a lease or management agreement for the trail, subject to section 16A.695.

Subd. 5.Powers; rules.

The commissioner has all powers necessary and convenient to implement this section, including the authority to adopt rules for the program under chapter 14.

Subd. 6.Administering grants.

Up to 2.5 percent of appropriations for grants under this section from revenue deposited in the natural resources fund under section 297A.94, paragraph (h), clause (4), may be used by the commissioner for the actual costs of administering the grants.

85.02 [Repealed, 1943 c 60 s 12]

85.021 ACQUIRING LAND; MINNESOTA VALLEY TRAIL.

Subdivision 1.Acquiring entire tract.

The commissioner of natural resources on determining that it is necessary to acquire any interest in a part of a tract or parcel of real estate for purposes of the Minnesota Valley Trail, may acquire in fee the whole or any additional parts of the tract or parcel that the commissioner deems to be in the best interests of the state.

Subd. 2.Conveying excess.

Within one year after acquiring excess real estate pursuant to subdivision 1, the commissioner of natural resources shall notify the governor that the excess real estate is available for sale. The commissioner shall then publish notice of sale for three successive weeks in a newspaper of general circulation in the territory from which bids are likely to be received. After receipt of sealed bids, and upon recommendation of the commissioner of natural resources, the governor shall convey the excess real estate by quitclaim deed in a form approved by the attorney general in the name of the state to the highest responsible bidder. The deed may contain restrictive clauses limiting the use of the real estate in the interest of preserving the integrity of the trail when the commissioner finds that the restrictions are reasonably necessary.

Subd. 3.Leasing.

The commissioner may lease for the term between the acquisition and sale thereof and for a fair rental rate and upon terms and conditions that the commissioner deems proper, any excess real estate acquired under the provisions of this section and any real estate acquired in fee for natural resources purposes and not presently needed therefor. All rents received from the leases shall be paid into the state treasury.

History:

1975 c 144 s 2; 1980 c 458 s 13,14; 1986 c 444

85.03 [Repealed, 1969 c 524 s 5]

85.04 ENFORCEMENT DIVISION EMPLOYEES.

Subdivision 1.Peace officer employment.

The commissioner of natural resources may employ peace officers as defined under section 626.84, subdivision 1, paragraph (c), to enforce laws governing the use of state parks, state monuments, state recreation areas, and state waysides.

Subd. 2.Other employees.

The commissioner of natural resources may designate certain employees according to section 84.0835 to enforce laws governing the use of state parks, state monuments, state recreation areas, state waysides, state forest lands when incidental to normal forestry duties, and state forest subareas.

85.041 [Repealed, 1980 c 384 s 3]

85.045 ADOPT-A-PARK PROGRAM.

Subdivision 1.Creation.

The Minnesota adopt-a-park program is established. The commissioner shall coordinate the program through the regional offices of the Department of Natural Resources.

Subd. 2.Purpose.

The purpose of the program is to encourage business and civic groups or individuals to assist, on a volunteer basis, in improving and maintaining state parks, state recreation areas, monuments, historic sites, and trails.

Subd. 3.Agreements.

(a) The commissioner shall enter into informal agreements with business and civic groups or individuals for volunteer services to maintain and make improvements to real and personal property in state parks, monuments, historic sites, and trails in accordance with plans devised by the commissioner after consultation with the groups.

(b) The commissioner may erect appropriate signs to recognize and express appreciation to groups and individuals providing volunteer services under the adopt-a-park program.

(c) The commissioner may provide assistance to enhance the comfort and safety of volunteers and to facilitate the implementation and administration of the adopt-a-park program.

Subd. 4.Worker displacement prohibited.

The commissioner may not enter into any agreement that has the purpose of or results in the displacement of public employees by volunteers participating in the adopt-a-park program under this section. The commissioner must certify to the appropriate bargaining agent that the work performed by a volunteer will not result in the displacement of currently employed workers or workers on seasonal layoff or layoff from a substantially equivalent position, including partial displacement such as reduction in hours of nonovertime work, wages, or other employment benefits.

85.05 [Repealed, 1987 c 253 s 5]

85.0505 FOOD AND BEVERAGE SERVICE IN STATE PARKS.

Subdivision 1.Itasca State Park.

Minnesota-produced wine and beer may be sold and consumed by the drink at the restaurant in Douglas Lodge in Itasca State Park, subject to other laws relating to the sale of intoxicating liquor.

Subd. 2.

[Repealed, 2009 c 176 art 1 s 52]

Subd. 3.

MS 2020 [Repealed, 1Sp2021 c 6 art 2 s 134]

85.0506 LAKE VERMILION-SOUDAN UNDERGROUND MINE STATE PARK; HOISTS.

The Lake Vermilion-Soudan Underground Mine State Park mine tour operation is exempt from sections 326B.163 to 326B.191. The federal mine code for hoists that lift people under Code of Federal Regulations, title 30, part 57, subpart R, applies to the Lake Vermilion-Soudan Underground Mine State Park hoist. The commissioner shall employ a hoist safety expert to conduct an annual inspection of the hoist system at the Lake Vermilion-Soudan Underground Mine State Park.

85.0507 MS 2020 [Repealed, 1Sp2021 c 6 art 2 s 134]
85.051 [Repealed, 1989 c 335 art 4 s 109]

85.052 USES OF STATE PARKS; FEES.

Subdivision 1.Authority to establish.

(a) The commissioner may establish, by written order, provisions for the use of state parks for the following:

(1) special parking space for automobiles or other motor-driven vehicles in a state park or state recreation area;

(2) special parking spurs, campgrounds for automobiles, sites for tent camping, other types of lodging, camping, or day use facilities, and special auto trailer coach parking spaces, for the use of the individual charged for the space or facility;

(3) providing water, sewer, and electric service to trailer or tent campsites and charging a reasonable use fee; and

(4) administrative penalties related to courtesy warnings and letters issued for failure to display a state park permit as required under section 85.053, subdivision 2.

(b) Provisions established under paragraph (a) are exempt from section 16A.1283 and the rulemaking provisions of chapter 14. Section 14.386 does not apply.

(c) For the purposes of this subdivision, "lodging" means an enclosed shelter, room, or building with furnishings for overnight use.

Subd. 2.State park special events.

(a) The commissioner may stage state park special events in a state park, municipal park, or on other land near or adjoining a state park and charge an entrance or use fee for the special event. All receipts from the special events must be used in the same manner as though the special events were conducted in a state park.

(b) The commissioner may establish, by written order, state park special event areas to hold historical or other special events conducted by the commissioner of a state agency or other public agency. Establishment of the areas is exempt from the rulemaking provisions of chapter 14, and section 14.386 does not apply.

Subd. 3.Fee for certain parking and campsite use.

(a) An individual using spaces in state parks under subdivision 1, clause (2), shall be charged daily rates determined and set by the commissioner in a manner and amount consistent with the type of facility provided for the accommodation of guests in a particular park and with similar facilities offered for tourist camping and similar use in the area.

(b) The fee for special parking spurs, campgrounds for automobiles, sites for tent camping, and special auto trailer coach parking spaces is one-half of the fee set in paragraph (a) on Sunday through Thursday of each week for a physically disabled person:

(1) with a motor vehicle that has disability plates issued under section 168.021, subdivision 1;

(2) who possesses a certificate issued under section 169.345; or

(3) who possesses an interagency access pass for state residents with permanent disabilities, issued by the federal government under the Federal Lands Recreation Enhancement Act.

Subd. 4.Deposit of fees.

(a) Fees paid for providing contracted products and services within a state park, state recreation area, or wayside, and for special state park uses under this section shall be deposited in the natural resources fund and credited to a state parks account.

(b) Gross receipts derived from sales, rentals, or leases of natural resources within state parks, recreation areas, and waysides, other than those on trust fund lands, must be deposited in the state treasury and credited to the state parks working capital account.

(c) Notwithstanding paragraph (b), the gross receipts from the sale of stockpile materials, aggregate, or other earth materials from the Iron Range Off-Highway Vehicle Recreation Area shall be deposited in the dedicated accounts in the natural resources fund from which the purchase of the stockpile material was made. Notwithstanding paragraph (b), the payments made under section 93.22, subdivision 1, paragraph (c), pursuant to a state mineral lease on lands and mineral rights purchased for and within the Iron Range Off-Highway Vehicle Recreation Area shall be deposited in the dedicated accounts in the natural resources fund from which the purchase of the lands was made.

Subd. 5.Establishing fees.

Except as otherwise specified in law, and notwithstanding sections 16A.1283 and 16A.1285, subdivision 2, the commissioner shall, by written order, establish fees providing for the use of state parks and state recreation areas. The fees are not subject to the rulemaking provisions of chapter 14, and section 14.386 does not apply.

Subd. 6.State park reservation system.

(a) The commissioner may, by written order, develop reasonable reservation policies for using camping, lodging, and day-use facilities and for tours, educational programs, seminars, events, and rentals. The policies are exempt from the rulemaking provisions under chapter 14, and section 14.386 does not apply.

(b) The revenue collected from the state park reservation fee established under subdivision 5, including interest earned, must be deposited in the state park account in the natural resources fund and is annually appropriated to the commissioner for the cost of operating the state park reservation and point-of-sale system.

Subd. 7.Special-use permits.

The commissioner may, by written order, develop reasonable policies for special-use permits to use state parks, state recreation areas, and state waysides. The policies are exempt from the rulemaking provisions under chapter 14, and section 14.386 does not apply.

85.053 STATE PARK PERMITS.

Subdivision 1.Form, issuance, validity.

(a) The commissioner shall prepare and provide state park permits for each calendar year that state a motor vehicle may enter and use state parks, state recreation areas, and state waysides over 50 acres in area. State park permits must be available and placed on sale by January 1 of the calendar year that the permit is valid. A separate motorcycle permit may be prepared and provided by the commissioner.

(b) An annual state park permit may be used from the time it is purchased for a 12-month period. State park permits in each category must be numbered consecutively for each year of issue.

(c) State park permits shall be issued by employees of the Division of Parks and Recreation as designated by the commissioner. State park permits also may be consigned to and issued by agents designated by the commissioner who are not employees of the Division of Parks and Recreation. All proceeds from the sale of permits and all unsold permits consigned to agents shall be returned to the commissioner at such times as the commissioner may direct, but no later than the end of the calendar year for which the permits are effective. No part of the permit fee may be retained by an agent. An additional charge or fee in an amount to be determined by the commissioner, but not to exceed four percent of the price of the permit, may be collected and retained by an agent for handling or selling the permits.

Subd. 2.Requirement.

Except as provided in section 85.054, a motor vehicle may not enter a state park, state recreation area, or state wayside over 50 acres in area, without a state park permit issued under this section or a state parks and trails plate issued under section 168.1295. Except for vehicles permitted under subdivisions 7, paragraph (a), clause (2), and 8, the state park permit must be affixed to the lower right corner windshield of the motor vehicle and must be completely affixed by its own adhesive to the windshield, or the commissioner may, by written order, provide an alternative means to display and validate state park permits. A motor vehicle owner or lessee is responsible for ensuring the owner's or lessee's vehicle has a state park permit, and the commissioner may issue warnings and citations under section 84.0835 to the owner or lessee of a vehicle not in compliance.

Subd. 2a.Split Rock Lighthouse State Park.

Notwithstanding subdivision 2, the commissioner of natural resources may negotiate with the Minnesota Historical Society a special fee structure for the Split Rock Lighthouse state historic site within Split Rock Lighthouse State Park.

Subd. 3.Multiple-vehicle permits.

The commissioner shall prescribe and issue multiple-vehicle state park permits for persons who own more than one motor vehicle and who request the permit for additional vehicles on a form prescribed by the commissioner.

Subd. 4.One-day permits.

The commissioner shall prescribe a special state park permit for use of state parks, state recreation areas, or state waysides for one day under conditions prescribed by the commissioner. For campers, the permit shall allow for the use of the park where camped from the time of purchase until the camping check-out time of the following day.

Subd. 5.Daily vehicle permit for groups.

The commissioner shall prescribe a special daily vehicle state park permit for groups for use of state parks, state recreation areas, or state waysides for up to one day under conditions prescribed by the commissioner.

Subd. 5a.Free permit; members of federally recognized tribes.

(a) The commissioner must issue an annual state park permit for no charge to any member of the 11 federally recognized tribes in Minnesota. To qualify for a free state park permit under this subdivision, an individual must present a qualifying tribal identification, as determined by each of the tribal governments, to the park attendant on duty or other designee of the commissioner.

(b) For vehicles permitted under paragraph (a), the permit issued under this subdivision is valid only when displayed on a vehicle owned and occupied by the person to whom the permit is issued.

(c) The commissioner may issue a daily state park permit free of charge to an individual who qualifies under paragraph (a) and does not own or operate a motor vehicle.

Subd. 6.Employee's permit.

(a) The commissioner shall prescribe and issue an employee's state park permit to state employees, peace officers, and contractors, that must enter areas where state park permits are required to perform official duties. An employee, peace officer, or contractor must display the special permit on the motor vehicle in the same manner as state park permits are displayed.

(b) A motor vehicle displaying only an employee's state park permit may not enter a place where state park permits are required if the vehicle is used for purposes other than performing official duties.

Subd. 7.Disabled persons.

(a) The commissioner shall prescribe and issue special state park permits for:

(1) a physically disabled person with a motor vehicle (i) that has disability plates issued under section 168.021, subdivision 1, or (ii) who has a permanent disability certificate issued under section 169.345 and who can demonstrate proof of ownership of the vehicle for which the state park permit is being purchased or proof of a leasehold interest in the vehicle for a term at least as long as the term of the permit;

(2) a physically disabled person who: (i) does not own or operate a motor vehicle; (ii) possesses a statement certified under section 169.345, subdivision 2a; and (iii) applies to the commissioner in writing; and

(3) a permanently disabled person who possesses an interagency access pass for people with permanent disabilities, issued by the federal government under the Federal Lands Recreation Enhancement Act.

(b) For vehicles permitted under paragraph (a), clause (1), the permit or the decal issued under this subdivision is valid only when displayed on a vehicle owned and occupied by the person to whom the permit is issued.

Subd. 8.Free permit; military personnel.

(a) Annual permits under subdivision 1 must be issued without a fee to active military personnel in any branch or unit of the United States armed forces or their dependents and to recipients of a Purple Heart medal. To qualify for a free permit under this subdivision, a person must present qualifying military identification or an annual pass for the United States military issued through the National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass program to the park attendant on duty or other designee of the commissioner.

(b) For purposes of this subdivision, the commissioner shall establish what constitutes qualifying military identification in the State Register.

(c) For vehicles permitted under paragraph (a), the permit or decal issued under this subdivision is valid only when displayed on a vehicle owned and occupied by the person to whom the permit is issued.

(d) The commissioner may issue a daily vehicle permit free of charge to an individual who qualifies under paragraph (a) and does not own or operate a motor vehicle.

Subd. 9.Towed vehicles.

The commissioner shall prescribe and issue a temporary permit for a vehicle that enters a park towed by a vehicle used for camping. The temporary permit shall be issued with the camping permit and allows the towed vehicle to be driven in state parks until the camping permit expires.

Subd. 10.Free permit; disabled veterans.

(a) The commissioner shall issue an annual park permit for no charge to any veteran with any level of service-connected disability, as determined by the United States Department of Veterans Affairs, who presents each year a copy of the veteran's determination letter or other official form of validation issued by the United States Department of Veterans Affairs or the United States Department of Defense to a park attendant or commissioner's designee. For the purposes of this subdivision, "veteran" has the meaning given in section 197.447.

(b) For vehicles permitted under paragraph (a), the permit or decal issued under this subdivision is valid only when displayed on a vehicle owned and occupied by the person to whom the permit is issued.

(c) The commissioner may issue a daily vehicle permit free of charge to an individual who qualifies under paragraph (a) and does not own or operate a motor vehicle.

85.054 STATE PARK PERMIT EXEMPTIONS.

Subdivision 1.State Park Open House Days.

(a) A state park permit is not required for a motor vehicle to enter a state park, state monument, state recreation area, or state wayside, on four days each calendar year at each park, which the commissioner shall designate as State Park Open House Days. The commissioner may designate two consecutive days as State Park Open House Days, if the open house is held in conjunction with a special event described in section 85.052, subdivision 2.

(b) The commissioner shall announce the date of each State Park Open House Day at least 30 days in advance of the date it occurs.

(c) The purpose of State Park Open House Days is to acquaint the public with state parks, recreation areas, and waysides.

(d) On State Park Open House Days, registered overnight guests in state parks and state recreation areas are exempt from the requirements for a state park permit under section 85.053 until after the camping or lodging check-out time of the following day in the park where the overnight stay occurred.

Subd. 2.Fort Snelling Memorial Chapel Island.

A state park permit is not required and a fee may not be charged for motor vehicle entry or parking at the Fort Snelling Memorial Chapel Island portion of Fort Snelling State Park.

Subd. 3.

[Repealed, 2008 c 357 s 40]

Subd. 4.Jay Cooke State Park.

A state park permit is not required and a fee must not be charged for motor vehicle entry or parking at the Veterans Memorial scenic overlook portion of Jay Cooke State Park.

Subd. 5.Gooseberry Falls State Park.

A state park permit is not required and a fee must not be charged for motor vehicle entry or parking at the class I highway rest area parking lot located adjacent to marked Trunk Highway 61 and the Gooseberry River at Gooseberry Falls State Park.

Subd. 6.Iron Range Off-Highway Vehicle Recreation Area.

A state park permit is not required and a fee may not be charged for motor vehicle entry or parking at the Iron Range Off-Highway Vehicle Recreation Area, except that the commissioner may establish special event fees.

Subd. 7.Tettegouche State Park.

A state park permit is not required and a fee may not be charged for motor vehicle entry at Palisade Head in Tettegouche State Park, provided that motor vehicles entering the park under this provision may not be parked at Palisade Head for more than one hour. A state park permit is not required and a fee may not be charged for the class I rest area parking area at Tettegouche State Park.

Subd. 8.Zippel Bay State Park.

A state park permit is not required and a fee may not be charged for motor vehicle entry or parking at the parking area located adjacent to County State-Aid Highway No. 4 at Zippel Bay State Park, Lake of the Woods County.

Subd. 9.Lake Bemidji State Park.

A state park permit is not required and a fee may not be charged for motor vehicle entry to, use of roads to, or parking at the Department of Natural Resources regional headquarters portion of Lake Bemidji State Park.

Subd. 10.Red River State Recreation Area.

A state park permit is not required and a fee may not be charged for any portion of the Red River State Recreation Area located outside of the campground.

Subd. 11.Big Bog State Recreation Area.

A state park permit is not required and a fee may not be charged for motor vehicle entry or parking at the parking area located north of Tamarac River in the southern unit of Big Bog State Recreation Area, Beltrami County.

Subd. 12.Lake Vermilion-Soudan Underground Mine State Park.

A state park permit is not required and a fee may not be charged for motor vehicle entry or parking at the visitor parking area of Soudan Underground Mine and the Stuntz Bay boat house area.

Subd. 13.Cuyuna Country State Recreation Area.

A state park permit is not required and a fee may not be charged for motor vehicle entry or parking at Croft Mine Historical Park and Portsmouth Mine Lake Overlook in Cuyuna Country State Recreation Area, except for overnight camping.

Subd. 14.Grand Portage State Park.

A state park permit is not required and a fee may not be charged for motor vehicle entry or parking at the class 1 highway rest area parking lot located adjacent to marked Trunk Highway 61 and Pigeon River at Grand Portage State Park.

Subd. 15.John A. Latsch State Park.

A state park permit is not required and a fee may not be charged for motor vehicle entry or parking at the parking lot located adjacent to John Latsch Road and Trunk Highway 61 at John A. Latsch State Park.

Subd. 16.Greenleaf Lake State Recreation Area.

A state park permit is not required and a fee may not be charged for motor vehicle entry or parking at Greenleaf Lake State Recreation Area.

Subd. 17.School-sanctioned activities.

A state park permit is not required and a fee may not be charged for vehicles transporting K-12 students engaged in school-sanctioned activities at state parks.

Subd. 18.La Salle Lake State Recreation Area.

A state park permit is not required and a fee may not be charged for motor vehicle entry, use, or parking in La Salle Lake State Recreation Area unless the occupants of the vehicle enter, use, or park in a developed campground, overnight, or day-use area.

Subd. 19.

MS 2020 [Repealed, 1Sp2021 c 6 art 2 s 134]

85.055 STATE PARK PERMIT FEES.

Subdivision 1.Fees.

(a) The fee for state park permits for:

(1) an annual use of state parks is $35;

(2) a second or subsequent vehicle state park permit is $26;

(3) a state park permit valid for one day is $7;

(4) a daily vehicle state park permit for groups is $5;

(5) an annual permit for motorcycles is $30;

(6) an employee's state park permit is without charge; and

(7) a state park permit for persons with disabilities under section 85.053, subdivision 7, paragraph (a), clauses (1) to (3), is $12.

(b) The fees specified in this subdivision include any sales tax required by state law.

Subd. 1a.Patron permit fee.

Notwithstanding section 16A.1283, the commissioner of natural resources may, by written order, provide a special patron permit allowing persons to pay an additional amount above the annual permit fee required in subdivision 1. The additional amount paid under this subdivision is not subject to the rulemaking provisions of chapter 14 and section 14.386 does not apply.

Subd. 1b.Discounts.

Except as otherwise specified in law, and notwithstanding section 16A.1285, subdivision 2, the commissioner may by written order authorize waiver or reduction of state park entrance fees.

Subd. 2.Fee deposit and appropriation.

The fees collected under this section shall be deposited in the natural resources fund and credited to the state parks account. Money in the account, except for the electronic licensing system commission established by the commissioner under section 84.027, subdivision 15, and the state park reservation system fee established by the commissioner under section 85.052, subdivisions 5 and 6, is available for appropriation to the commissioner to operate and maintain the state park system.

85.056 STATE PARKS AND TRAILS DONATION ACCOUNT.

Subdivision 1.Establishment.

The state parks and trails donation account is established as a separate account in the natural resources fund. The account shall be administered by the commissioner of natural resources as provided in this section.

Subd. 2.Funding sources.

The state parks and trails donation account shall consist of contributions made under section 168.1295 and other contributions. The contributions may be made in cash, property, land, or interests in land.

Subd. 3.Uses.

Money in the account is appropriated to the commissioner of natural resources to operate and maintain the state parks and trails system.

85.06 SCHOOLHOUSES IN CERTAIN STATE PARKS.

The commissioner is hereby authorized to allow the construction and use of schoolhouses in any state park the area of which is not less than 3,000 acres.

History:

(6472) 1919 c 368 s 1

85.07 [Renumbered 85.012, subd 29]
85.071 [Renumbered 85.012, subd 21]
85.08 [Renumbered 85.012, subd 28]
85.081 [Renumbered 85.012, subd 31]
85.082 [Renumbered 85.013, subd 9]
85.083 [Renumbered 85.012, subd 22]
85.085 [Renumbered 85.012, subd 49]
85.09 [Renumbered 85.012, subd 43]
85.10 [Alexander Ramsey State Park transferred to Redwood Falls, 1957 c 230]
85.101 [Renumbered 85.012, subd 40]

85.102

Subdivision 1.

[Renumbered 85.012, subd 3]

Subd. 2.

[Renumbered 85.012, subd 54]

Subd. 3.

[Obsolete, 1969 c 524 s 4]

85.103 [Renumbered 85.10, subd 4]
85.11 [Renumbered 85.012, subd 17]
85.111 [Renumbered 85.012, subd 14]
85.12 [Horace Austin State Park transferred to city of Austin, 1949 c 425 s 1; 1959 c 4 s 1,2]
85.122 [Renumbered 85.012, subd 42]
85.13 [Renumbered 85.012, subd 7]
85.14 [Renumbered 85.013, subd 23]
85.15 [Renumbered 85.012, subd 13]
85.16 [Oronoco Park conveyed to Olmsted County, 1965 c 810 s 9]
85.161 [Renumbered 85.012, subd 33]
85.162 [Renumbered 85.012, subd 45]
85.163 [Renumbered 85.012, subd 32]
85.164 [Renumbered 85.012, subd 11]
85.165 [Renumbered 85.012, subd 47]
85.17 [Renumbered 85.013, subd 14]
85.171 [Renumbered 85.012, subd 15]
85.172 [Renumbered 85.013, subd 7]
85.173 [Renumbered 85.013, subd 20]
85.174 [Renumbered 85.013, subd 5]
85.175 [Renumbered 85.013, subd 15]
85.176 [Renumbered 85.012, subd 60]
85.177 [Renumbered 85.012, subd 27]
85.178 [Renumbered 85.012, subd 12]
85.179 [Renumbered 85.012, subd 55]

85.18

Subdivision 1.

[Obsolete, 1969 c 524 s 4]

Subd. 2.

[Renumbered 85.012, subd 5]

Subd. 3.

[Renumbered 85.012, subd 9]

Subd. 4.

[Renumbered 85.012, subd 16]

Subd. 5.

[Renumbered 85.012, subd 38]

Subd. 6.

[Renumbered 85.012, subd 44]

Subd. 7.

[Renumbered 85.012, subd 8]

Subd. 8.

[Pomme de Terre Recreation Reserve conveyed to city of Morris, 1965 c 810 s 9]

Subd. 9.

[Renumbered 85.013, subd 26]

Subd. 10.

[Renumbered 85.012, subd 34]

Subd. 11.

[Renumbered 85.012, subd 25]

85.181 [Renumbered 85.012, subd 51]
85.182 [Renumbered 85.012, subd 4]
85.183 [Renumbered 85.012, subd 6]
85.184 [Renumbered 85.012, subd 18]

85.185

Subdivision 1.

[Obsolete, 1969 c 524 s 4]

Subd. 2.

[Obsolete, 1969 c 524 s 4]

Subd. 3.

[Renumbered 85.012, subd 41]

Subd. 4.

[Renumbered 85.012, subd 24]

Subd. 5.

[Renumbered 85.012, subd 23]

Subd. 6.

[Renumbered 85.012, subd 19]

Subd. 7.

[Renumbered 85.012, subd 58]

Subd. 8.

[Renumbered 85.012, subd 50]

Subd. 9.

[Renumbered 85.012, subd 36]

Subd. 10.

[Renumbered 85.012, subd 37]

Subd. 11.

[Renumbered 85.012, subd 48]

Subd. 12.

[Renumbered 85.012, subd 39]

Subd. 13.

[Renumbered 85.012, subd 2]

Subd. 14.

[Renumbered 85.012, subd 46]

Subd. 15.

[Renumbered 85.012, subd 56]

85.186 [Renumbered 85.012, subd 57]
85.1865 [Obsolete, 1969 c 524 s 4]
85.187 [Obsolete, 1969 c 524 s 4]

85.1871

Subdivision 1.

[Renumbered 85.012, subd 54]

Subd. 2.

[Renumbered 85.012, subd 26]

Subd. 3.

[Obsolete, 1969 c 524 s 4]

Subd. 4.

[Renumbered 85.012, subd 30]

85.188 [Obsolete, 1969 c 524 s 4]
85.189 [Obsolete, 1969 c 524 s 4]
85.19 [Obsolete, 1969 c 524 s 4]
85.191 [Renumbered 85.013, subd 28]
85.192 [Renumbered 85.013, subd 24]
85.193 [Renumbered 85.013, subd 16]
85.194 [Renumbered 85.013, subd 8]
85.195 [Renumbered 85.013, subd 10]
85.196 [Renumbered 85.012, subd 20]
85.197 [Renumbered 85.013, subd 21]
85.198 [Repealed, 1971 c 859 s 14]

85.20 VIOLATIONS OF RULES; LITTERING; PENALTIES.

Subdivision 1.Violation of rules.

(a) Any person who, within the limits of any outdoor recreation unit established in chapter 86A, shall willfully cut, injure, or destroy any live tree, shrub, timber, evergreen, or ornamental plant of any kind, or who shall willfully injure, remove, destroy, deface, or mutilate any guideboard, guidepost, furniture, fixture, improvement, monument, tablet, or other property of the state of any kind, or who shall willfully violate, or fail to comply with, any rule of the commissioner adopted according to section 86A.06, is guilty of a petty misdemeanor.

(b) Violations under paragraph (a) adopted for wildlife management areas described in section 86A.05, subdivision 8, are misdemeanors, consistent with game and fish law penalties defined in section 97A.301, subdivision 1, clause (6).

(c) If a different penalty is provided in another section of law for the violation and the person is charged under that section of law, the penalty specified for the violation will control over the penalty specified in paragraphs (a) and (b). Violations relating to the taking of wild animals are subject to the penalties as specified in the game and fish laws described in section 97A.011.

Subd. 2.

[Repealed, 1975 c 353 s 41]

Subd. 3.

[Repealed, 1975 c 353 s 41]

Subd. 4.

[Repealed, 1975 c 353 s 41]

Subd. 5.

[Repealed, 1975 c 353 s 41]

Subd. 6.Littering; penalty.

(a) No person shall drain, throw, or deposit upon the lands and waters within any unit of the outdoor recreation system as defined in section 86A.04 any substance, including cigarette filters and debris from fireworks, that would mar the appearance, create a stench, destroy the cleanliness or safety of the land, or would be likely to injure any animal, vehicle, or person traveling upon those lands and waters. The operator of a vehicle or watercraft, except a school bus or a vehicle transporting passengers for hire and regulated by a successor agency of the former Interstate Commerce Commission, shall not permit articles to be thrown or discarded from the vehicle upon any lands or waters within any unit of the outdoor recreation system.

(b) Violation of this subdivision is a misdemeanor. Any person sentenced under this subdivision shall in lieu of the sentence imposed be permitted, under terms established by the court, to work under the direction of the Department of Natural Resources at clearing rubbish, trash, and debris from any unit of the outdoor recreation system. The court may for any violation of this subdivision order the offender to perform such work under terms established by the court with the option of a jail sentence being imposed.

(c) In lieu of enforcement under paragraph (b), this subdivision may be enforced by imposition of a civil penalty and an action for damages for littering under section 115A.99.

85.205 RECEPTACLES FOR RECYCLING.

(a) The commissioner of natural resources must provide recycling conveniences at all state parks.

(b) State park managers must provide and maintain adequate receptacles for collection of food containers for recycling in all state parks.

(c) Appropriate recycling information must be available to all state park visitors.

(d) State park managers must post a notice of recycling availability at appropriate locations within each state park.

(e) State park managers must where practicable recycle the gathered recyclable materials, provide for the local unit of government to recycle the gathered materials, or contract with private nonprofit groups for recycling.

(f) Money collected by state park managers for recycling must be deposited in the state treasury and credited to the general fund.

85.21 STATE OPERATION OF PARK, MONUMENT, RECREATION AREA AND WAYSIDE FACILITIES; LICENSE NOT REQUIRED.

The state, in its operation of state park, state monument, state recreation area, and state wayside facilities, shall not be required to obtain or pay for permits or licenses required by statute or by ordinance of governmental subdivisions of private operators in conducting or maintaining similar business or facilities.

85.22 STATE PARKS WORKING CAPITAL ACCOUNT.

Subdivision 1.Designation.

The revolving fund established under Laws 1941, chapter 548, section 37, subdivision E, item 4 is the state parks working capital account. The account is to be used to maintain and operate the revenue producing facilities and to operate the resource management and interpretive programs in the state parks within the limits in this section.

Subd. 2.

[Repealed, 1965 c 901 s 72]

Subd. 2a.Receipts, appropriation.

All receipts derived from the rental or sale of state park items, tours, interpretation programs, educational programs, and operation of Douglas Lodge shall be deposited in the state treasury and be credited to the state parks working capital account. Receipts and expenses from Douglas Lodge shall be tracked separately within the account. Money in the account is annually appropriated for the purchase and payment of expenses attributable to items for resale or rental and operation of Douglas Lodge. Any excess receipts in this account are annually appropriated for state park management and interpretive programs.

Subd. 3.Charges sufficient to defray expenses.

Notwithstanding section 16A.1283, the commissioner of natural resources shall, by written order, adjust the schedule of charges for operating facilities within state parks so as to produce income sufficient to defray all expenses required to provide proper operations of said facilities. An adjustment to the schedule of charges is not subject to the rulemaking provisions of chapter 14 and section 14.386 does not apply.

Subd. 4.

[Repealed, 1965 c 901 s 72]

Subd. 5.Exemption.

Purchases for resale or rental made from the state parks working capital account are exempt from competitive bidding, notwithstanding chapter 16C.

85.23 COOPERATIVE LEASES OF AGRICULTURAL LANDS.

(a) On any agricultural lands however acquired, located within a state park, where the use of the lands would not conflict with normal park uses, cooperative farming leases on a sharecrop basis may be completed with nearby farmers to provide needed park services such as grassland restoration or development, weed control, and the provision of food plots, such as corn, for deer, pheasants and other wildlife species that are indigenous to the habitats existing in state parks and which are of value and interest to state park visitors and the general public.

(b) The sharecropping leases may be entered into for state park lands in lieu of any rental arrangement established for use with respect to state lands in any other provision of law.

History:

1977 c 249 s 1

85.26 [Expired]
85.27 [Expired]
85.28 [Expired]
85.29 [Expired]
85.30 [Repealed, 1990 c 594 art 3 s 15]
85.31 [Expired]

85.32 STATE WATER TRAILS.

Subdivision 1.Designation.

(a) The commissioner of natural resources is authorized in cooperation with local units of government and private individuals and groups when feasible to manage state water trails on the Lake Superior water trail under section 85.0155 and on the following rivers, which have historic, recreational, and scenic values: Little Fork, Big Fork, Minnesota, St. Croix, Snake, Mississippi, Red Lake, Cannon, Straight, Des Moines, Crow Wing, St. Louis, Pine, Rum, Kettle, Cloquet, Root, Zumbro, Pomme de Terre within Swift County, Watonwan, Cottonwood, Whitewater, Chippewa from Benson in Swift County to Montevideo in Chippewa County, Long Prairie, Red River of the North, Sauk, Otter Tail, Redwood, Blue Earth, Cedar, Shell Rock, Vermilion in St. Louis County, north fork of the Crow, and south fork of the Crow. The commissioner may map and sign points of interest, public water access sites, portages, camp sites, and dams, rapids, waterfalls, and other serious hazards that are dangerous to canoe, kayak, and watercraft travelers. The commissioner may maintain passageway for watercraft on state water trails.

(b) Notwithstanding section 10.49, the segment of the St. Croix River Water Trail between Wild River State Park and William O'Brien State Park is designated and named the Walter F. Mondale Scenic Riverway.

Subd. 2.Camp sites, rest areas, river accesses and portages; land acquisition.

The commissioner may, in cooperation with local units of government as provided in subdivision 1, acquire land by purchase, grant, gift, devise, exchange, lease or easement for camp sites, rest areas, river accesses and portages. The acquisition of any parcel of land pursuant to this subdivision shall not exceed 20 acres, unless it will or should require a land survey or a larger parcel will be in the best interest of the state, in which case the commissioner may acquire land not to exceed 40 acres or unless specifically authorized by the executive council. The commissioner may also develop and be responsible for the maintenance of campsites, rest areas, river accesses, and portages on the areas acquired, or in cooperation with local units of government, organizations, or individuals, along those rivers designated in subdivision 1.

Subd. 3.Dedication; application of statute.

Areas acquired by easement or lease or areas designated and marked under this section shall not be subject to the provisions of section 160.06.

85.33 ST. CROIX WILD RIVER AREA; LIMITATIONS ON POWER BOATING.

Subdivision 1.Definition.

For the purposes of this section, "motorboat" means any contrivance used or designed for navigation on water which is propelled in any respect by machinery, including but not limited to detachable motors.

Subd. 2.Purpose; rules above mouth of Snake River.

In furtherance of the public policy declared by Congress in Public Law 90-542 and Public Law 92-560 of maintaining the essentially wild and scenic character of certain rivers, including a part of the St. Croix, and as an exercise of state powers either recognized or granted by Public Law 90-542 and Public Law 92-560, the commissioner of natural resources may promulgate rules, in the manner provided by chapter 14, which limit or prohibit the operation or use of motorboats on that part of the St. Croix River north of the mouth of the Snake River, located in Section 31, Township 39 North, Range 19 West.

Subd. 3.Rules below mouth of Snake River.

After October 1, 1974, if the commissioner of natural resources has not established rules relating to the use of watercraft on that part of the St. Croix River south of the mouth of the Snake River but north of the nine-foot navigational channel at mile 24.5, measured from the mouth of the St. Croix River, pursuant to the request of a local governmental unit in the manner provided by section 86B.205, subdivision 9, the commissioner may establish such rules pursuant to section 86B.205, subdivision 9, notwithstanding the absence of a request from a local governmental unit and notwithstanding the absence of approval of the rules by a majority of the counties affected.

Subd. 4.Concurrent rules required.

Rules promulgated by the commissioner pursuant to this section are effective upon adoption of laws or rules providing for similar limitations or prohibitions on the operation and use of motorboats on the same reach of St. Croix River by the state of Wisconsin or its agencies. In exercising the authority granted by this section the commissioner may enter into necessary agreements with either the United States and its agencies, pursuant to section 84.025, or the state of Wisconsin and its agencies.

Subd. 5.Penalty.

A person violating any of the provisions of this section or the rules promulgated thereunder by the commissioner is guilty of a misdemeanor.

85.34 FORT SNELLING LEASE.

Subdivision 1.Upper bluff; lease terms.

The commissioner of natural resources with the approval of the Executive Council may lease for purposes of restoration, preservation, historical, recreational, educational, and commercial use and development, that portion of Fort Snelling State Park known as the upper bluff consisting of officer's row, area J, the polo grounds, the adjacent golf course, and all buildings and improvements located thereon, all lying within an area bounded by Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport, Trunk Highways numbered 5 and 55, and Bloomington Road. The lease or leases shall be in a form approved by the attorney general and for a term of not to exceed 99 years. The lease or leases may provide for the provision of capital improvements or other performance by the tenant or tenants in lieu of all or some of the payments of rent that would otherwise be required. Notwithstanding the continuing ownership of the upper bluff by the state, any lease of one or more buildings improved with state general obligation bond proceeds that exceeds 50 years shall be treated as a sale of the buildings for purposes of section 16A.695, subdivision 3. Any disposition proceeds payable to the commissioner upon execution of a lease relating to state-bond-financed buildings at the upper bluff shall be applied according to section 16A.695, subdivision 3, and used to pay, redeem, or defease state general obligation bonds issued for purposes of improving those buildings. Any lease revenues paid to the commissioner subsequent to the payment, redemption, or defeasance of state general obligation bonds shall be used by the commissioner as further described in this section.

Subd. 2.Admission.

Admission to the property leased pursuant to subdivision 1 shall be exempt from any state park permit or admission fees imposed pursuant to law.

Subd. 3.Sale of intoxicating liquor.

The commissioner of public safety with the approval of the Executive Council may issue to the lessee or developer of the property leased pursuant to subdivision 1, an on-sale license for the sale of intoxicating liquor upon the leased property. The annual fee for the license issued pursuant to this subdivision shall be set by the commissioner of public safety at an amount comparable to the fee charged by municipalities in the surrounding area for a similar license. All provisions of chapter 340A shall apply to the sale of intoxicating liquor upon the leased property.

Subd. 4.

[Repealed, 2004 c 255 s 51]

Subd. 5.Rule exception.

The commissioner of natural resources may provide an exception, in whole or in part, to the rules for use of state parks and other recreational areas for property leased pursuant to subdivision 1. The exception may be provided by commissioner's order and shall be effective for the term of the lease or such lesser period of time specified by the commissioner.

Subd. 6.Minneapolis lease.

A lease to the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board for the purposes of athletic fields and golf course operations is subject to subdivisions 1 to 5, except as provided in this subdivision. Approval of the Executive Council is not required for the lease or the issuance of a liquor license. A lease of any portion of Officer's Row or Area J may include a charge to be paid by the tenant for repayment of a portion of the costs incurred by the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board for the installation of a new water line on the upper bluff. The total amount to be repaid to the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board by tenants of Officer's Row and Area J shall not exceed $450,000.

Subd. 7.Disposition of proceeds.

(a) All revenue derived from the lease of the Fort Snelling upper bluff, with the exception of payment for costs of the water line as described in subdivision 6, shall be deposited in the natural resources fund and credited to a state park account. Interest earned on the money in the account accrues to the account.

(b) Revenue and expenses from the upper bluff shall be tracked separately within the account. Money in the account derived from the leasing or operation of the property described in subdivision 1 is appropriated annually to the commissioner for the payment of expenses attributable to the leasing, development, and operation of the property described in subdivision 1, including, but not limited to, the maintenance, repair, and rehabilitation of historic buildings and landscapes.

TRAIL PASSES

85.40 DEFINITIONS.

Subdivision 1.Scope.

For purposes of sections 85.40 to 85.45 the following terms have the meanings given them.

Subd. 2.Commissioner.

"Commissioner" means the commissioner of natural resources.

Subd. 3.Cross-country ski grant-in-aid program.

"Cross-country ski grant-in-aid program" means a program administered by the department, as described in section 85.44.

Subd. 4.Cross-country-ski race.

"Cross-country-ski race" means a timed skiing event organized for the participation of a large number of skiers at one time over a course prepared specifically for a ski race.

Subd. 5.Cross-country-ski trail.

"Cross-country-ski trail" means a public pathway designated and promoted for cross-country skiing in state parks as defined in section 85.012, on state forest lands as defined in section 89.001, on state trails as defined in section 85.015, on elements of the regional recreation open space system as defined in section 473.147, or on trails within the cross-country ski grant-in-aid program as defined in section 85.44.

Subd. 6.Cross-country skiing.

"Cross-country skiing" means traveling across country over snow by human power on skis. "Cross-country skiing" does not require the use of lifts, tows, or other mechanical devices.

Subd. 7.Department.

"Department" means the Department of Natural Resources.

85.41 CROSS-COUNTRY-SKI PASSES.

Subdivision 1.Pass in possession.

While skiing on cross-country-ski trails, a person age 16 or over shall carry in immediate possession a valid cross-country-ski pass. A landowner who grants an easement for a grant-in-aid ski trail is not required to have a pass when skiing on the landowner's property.

[See Note.]

Subd. 2.License agents.

(a) The commissioner may appoint agents to issue and sell cross-country-ski passes. The commissioner may revoke the appointment of an agent at any time.

(b) The commissioner may promulgate additional rules as provided in section 97A.485, subdivision 11. An agent shall observe all rules promulgated by the commissioner for the accounting and handling of licenses pursuant to section 97A.485, subdivision 11.

(c) An agent must promptly deposit and remit all moneys received from the sale of passes, except issuing fees, to the commissioner.

Subd. 3.Exemptions.

(a) Participants in cross-country-ski races and residents of a state or local government operated correctional facility are exempt from the pass requirement in subdivision 1 if a special use permit has been obtained by the organizers of the event or those in an official capacity in advance from the agency with jurisdiction over the cross-country-ski trail. Permits shall require that permit holders return the trail and any associated facility to its original condition if any damage is done by the permittee. Limited permits for special events may be issued and shall require the removal of any trail markers, banners, and other material used in connection with the special event.

(b) Unless otherwise exempted under paragraph (a), students, teachers, and supervising adults engaged in school-sanctioned activities or youth activities sponsored by a nonprofit organization are exempt from the pass requirements in subdivision 1.

(c) A resident that is in the armed forces of the United States, stationed outside of the state, and in the state on leave is exempt from the pass requirement in subdivision 1 if the resident possesses official military leave papers.

(d) A resident who has served at any time during the preceding 24 months in federal active service, as defined in section 190.05, subdivision 5c, outside the United States as a member of the National Guard, or as a reserve component or active duty member of the United Stated armed forces and has been discharged from active service is exempt from the pass requirement in subdivision 1 if the resident possesses official military discharge papers.

Subd. 4.Issuance.

The commissioner and agents shall issue and sell cross-country-ski passes. The pass shall be with the skier and available for inspection by any peace or conservation officer. The pass shall include the applicant's information deemed necessary by the commissioner.

[See Note.]

Subd. 5.Issuing fee.

In addition to the fee for a cross-country-ski pass, an issuing fee of $1 per pass shall be charged. The issuing fee shall be retained by the seller of the pass. Issuing fees for passes issued by the commissioner shall be deposited in the cross-country-ski account in the natural resources fund and retained for the operation of the electronic licensing system. A pass shall indicate the amount of the fee that is retained by the seller.

NOTE: The amendments to subdivisions 1 and 4 by Laws 2024, chapter 90, article 1, sections 14 and 15, are effective upon full implementation of the replacement electronic license system. The commissioner of natural resources must notify the revisor of statutes when the replacement electronic license system is fully implemented. Laws 2024, chapter 90, article 1, section 52.

85.42 USER FEE; VALIDITY.

(a) The fee for an annual cross-country-ski pass is $24 for an individual age 16 and over. The fee for a three-year pass is $69 for an individual age 16 and over. This fee must be collected at the time the pass is purchased. Three-year passes are valid for three years beginning the previous July 1. Annual passes are valid for one year beginning the previous July 1.

(b) The cost for a daily cross-country skier pass is $9 for an individual age 16 and over. This fee must be collected at the time the pass is purchased. The daily pass is valid only for the date designated on the pass form.

(c) A pass must be signed by the skier across the front of the pass to be valid and is nontransferable when signed.

(d) The commissioner and agents must issue a duplicate pass to a person whose pass is lost or destroyed using the process established under section 97A.405, subdivision 3, and rules adopted thereunder. The fee for a duplicate cross-country-ski pass is $2.

85.43 DISPOSITION OF RECEIPTS; PURPOSE.

Fees from cross-country-ski passes shall be deposited in the state treasury and credited to a cross-country-ski account in the natural resources fund and, except for the electronic licensing system commission established by the commissioner under section 84.027, subdivision 15, are appropriated to the commissioner of natural resources for:

(1) grants-in-aid for cross-country-ski trails to:

(i) counties and municipalities for construction and maintenance of cross-country-ski trails; and

(ii) special park districts as provided in section 85.44 for construction and maintenance of cross-country-ski trails;

(2) administering the cross-country-ski trail grant-in-aid program; and

(3) developing and maintaining state cross-country-ski trails.

85.44 CROSS-COUNTRY-SKI TRAIL GRANT-IN-AID PROGRAM.

The commissioner shall establish a grant-in-aid program for local units of government and special park districts to acquire, develop, and maintain cross-country-ski trails that are determined by the commissioner to be part of the state's grant-in-aid system. Grants are available to acquire trail easements but may not be used to acquire any lands in fee title. Local units of government and special park districts applying for and receiving grants under this section are considered to have cross-country-ski trails for one year following the expiration of their last grant. The department shall reimburse all public sponsors of grants-in-aid cross-country-ski trails based upon criteria established by the department. Before using any reimbursement criteria, a certain proportion of the revenues must be allocated on the basis of user fee sales location. The commissioner may establish a performance-based funding formula for annual grants-in-aid. The procedures and criteria for grants-in-aid are not subject to the rulemaking provisions of chapter 14, and section 14.386 does not apply. In administering the performance-based grants-in-aid, the commissioner must:

(1) determine annual grant amounts based on a funding formula that includes consideration of historical costs, snowfall, use, and tourism;

(2) make grant payments based on:

(i) successful completion of performance benchmarks;

(ii) reimbursement of eligible expenditures; or

(iii) a combination of items (i) and (ii); and

(3) assess penalties to nonperforming grant-in-aid recipients, which may include withholding grant payments or making the grantee or trail system ineligible for future grant-in-aid funding.

85.45 PENALTIES.

Subdivision 1.Skiing without pass.

No person may ski on a cross-country-ski trail without a valid cross-country-ski pass. Any person who violates this subdivision is guilty of a petty misdemeanor.

[See Note.]

Subd. 2.False statements.

A person who knowingly makes a false statement related to an application for a cross-country-ski pass is guilty of a petty misdemeanor.

NOTE: The amendment to subdivision 1 by Laws 2024, chapter 90, article 1, section 16, is effective upon full implementation of the replacement electronic license system. The commissioner of natural resources must notify the revisor of statutes when the replacement electronic license system is fully implemented. Laws 2024, chapter 90, article 1, section 52.

85.46 HORSE PASS.

Subdivision 1.Pass in possession.

(a) Except as provided in paragraph (b), while riding, leading, or driving a horse on lands administered by the commissioner, except forest roads and forest roads rights-of-way, a person 16 years of age or over shall carry in immediate possession a valid horse pass. The pass must be available for inspection by a peace officer, a conservation officer, or an employee designated under section 84.0835. A person who violates any provision of this subdivision is guilty of a petty misdemeanor.

(b) A valid horse pass is not required under this section for a person riding, leading, or driving a horse on property that is owned by the person or the person's spouse, child, parent, or guardian.

Subd. 2.License agents.

(a) The commissioner of natural resources may appoint agents to issue and sell horse passes. The commissioner may revoke the appointment of an agent at any time.

(b) The commissioner may adopt additional rules as provided in section 97A.485, subdivision 11. An agent shall observe all rules adopted by the commissioner for the accounting and handling of passes according to section 97A.485, subdivision 11.

(c) An agent must promptly deposit and remit all money received from the sale of passes, except issuing fees, to the commissioner.

Subd. 3.Issuance.

The commissioner of natural resources and agents shall issue and sell horse passes. The pass shall include the applicant's information deemed necessary by the commissioner. To be valid, a daily or annual pass must be issued to the person riding, leading, or driving the horse, and a commercial annual pass must be issued to the owner of the commercial riding facility.

[See Note.]

Subd. 4.Pass fees.

(a) The fee for an annual horse pass is $20 for an individual 16 years of age and over. The fee shall be collected at the time the pass is purchased. Annual passes are valid for one year beginning January 1 and ending December 31.

(b) The fee for a daily horse pass is $4 for an individual 16 years of age and over. The fee shall be collected at the time the pass is purchased. The daily pass is valid only for the date designated on the pass form.

(c) The fee for a commercial annual horse pass is $200 and includes issuance of 15 passes. Additional or individual commercial annual horse passes may be purchased by the commercial riding facility owner at a fee of $20 each. Commercial annual horse passes are valid for one year beginning January 1 and ending December 31 and may be affixed to the horse tack, saddle, or person. Commercial annual horse passes are not transferable to another commercial riding facility. For the purposes of this section, a "commercial riding facility" is an operation where horses are used for riding instruction or other equestrian activities for hire or use by others.

Subd. 5.Issuing fee.

In addition to the fee for a horse pass, an issuing fee of $1 per pass shall be charged. The issuing fee shall be retained by the seller of the pass. Issuing fees for passes sold by the commissioner of natural resources shall be deposited in the state treasury and credited to the horse pass account in the natural resources fund and are appropriated to the commissioner for the operation of the electronic licensing system. A pass shall indicate the amount of the fee that is retained by the seller.

Subd. 6.Disposition of receipts.

Fees collected under this section, except for the issuing fee, shall be deposited in the state treasury and credited to the horse pass account in the natural resources fund. Except for the electronic licensing system commission established by the commissioner under section 84.027, subdivision 15, the fees are appropriated to the commissioner of natural resources for trail acquisition, trail and facility development, and maintenance, enforcement, and rehabilitation of horse trails or trails authorized for horse use, whether for riding, leading, or driving, on land administered by the commissioner.

Subd. 7.Duplicate horse passes.

The commissioner of natural resources and agents shall issue a duplicate pass to a person or commercial riding facility owner whose pass is lost or destroyed using the process established under section 97A.405, subdivision 3, and rules adopted thereunder. The fee for a duplicate horse pass is $2, with an issuing fee of 50 cents.

NOTE: The amendment to subdivision 3 by Laws 2024, chapter 90, article 1, section 17, is effective upon full implementation of the replacement electronic license system. The commissioner of natural resources must notify the revisor of statutes when the replacement electronic license system is fully implemented. Laws 2024, chapter 90, article 1, section 52.

85.47 SPECIAL-USE PERMITS; FEES.

Subdivision 1.Special-use permits.

The commissioner may, by written order, develop reasonable policies for special-use permits to use state trails and state water access sites. The policies are exempt from the rulemaking provisions under chapter 14, and section 14.386 does not apply.

Subd. 2.Disposition of fees.

Fees collected for special-use permits to use state trails and state water access sites not on state forest, state park, or state recreation area lands must be deposited in the natural resources fund and are appropriated to the commissioner of natural resources for operating and maintaining state trails and water access sites.

CENTRAL MINNESOTA REGIONAL PARKS AND TRAILS PLAN

85.50 DEFINITION.

For purposes of sections 85.50 to 85.52, "central Minnesota regional parks and trails plan" or "plan" means a recreational park and trail plan in the counties of Stearns, Benton, and Sherburne that includes, at a minimum, existing regionally significant parks and trails that are identified in the plan under a local unit of government jurisdiction and includes newly developed parks and trails or trail connections to communities, parks, or public open space.

History:

1999 c 65 s 1

85.51 PLANNING; COORDINATION.

Plan development, adoption, and amendments shall be coordinated with the counties of Stearns, Benton, and Sherburne by an appropriate regional parks and trail coordination board that is created under a joint powers agreement.

History:

1999 c 65 s 2

85.52 GRANTS; PRIORITIES.

The Regional Parks and Trail Coordination Board under section 85.51 may administer grants from the United States, the state, or other sources to develop, enhance, or maintain the central Minnesota regional parks and trails plan, and must dispose of grant money in accordance with the acceptance of any agreement or contract. In developing, enhancing, and maintaining the plan, the Parks and Trails Coordination Board must develop priorities for expenditure of grant money.

History:

1999 c 65 s 3

PARKS AND TRAILS FUND

85.53 PARKS AND TRAILS FUND.

Subdivision 1.Establishment.

The parks and trails fund is established in the Minnesota Constitution, article XI, section 15. All money earned by the parks and trails fund must be credited to the fund.

Subd. 2.Expenditures; accountability.

(a) A project or program receiving funding from the parks and trails fund must meet or exceed the constitutional requirement to support parks and trails of regional or statewide significance. A project or program receiving funding from the parks and trails fund must include measurable outcomes, as defined in section 3.303, subdivision 10; a plan for measuring and evaluating the results; and an assessment of whether the funding celebrates cultural diversity or reaches diverse communities in Minnesota, including reaching low- and moderate-income households. A project or program must be consistent with current science and incorporate state-of-the-art technology, except when the project or program is a portrayal or restoration of historical significance.

(b) Money from the parks and trails fund shall be expended to balance the benefits across all regions and residents of the state.

(c) A state agency or other recipient of a direct appropriation from the parks and trails fund must compile and submit all information for funded projects or programs, including the proposed measurable outcomes and all other items required under section 3.303, subdivision 10, to the Legislative Coordinating Commission as soon as practicable or by January 15 of the applicable fiscal year, whichever comes first. The Legislative Coordinating Commission must post submitted information on the website required under section 3.303, subdivision 10, as soon as it becomes available.

(d) Grants funded by the parks and trails fund must be implemented according to section 16B.98 and must account for all expenditures. Proposals must specify a process for any regranting envisioned. Priority for grant proposals must be given to proposals involving grants that will be competitively awarded.

(e) Money from the parks and trails fund may only be spent on projects located in Minnesota.

(f) When practicable, a direct recipient of an appropriation from the parks and trails fund shall prominently display on the recipient's website home page the legacy logo required under Laws 2009, chapter 172, article 5, section 10, as amended by Laws 2010, chapter 361, article 3, section 5, accompanied by the phrase "Click here for more information." When a person clicks on the legacy logo image, the website must direct the person to a web page that includes both the contact information that a person may use to obtain additional information, as well as a link to the Legislative Coordinating Commission website required under section 3.303, subdivision 10.

(g) Future eligibility for money from the parks and trails fund is contingent upon a state agency or other recipient satisfying all applicable requirements in this section, as well as any additional requirements contained in applicable session law. If the Office of the Legislative Auditor, in the course of an audit or investigation, publicly reports that a recipient of money from the parks and trails fund has not complied with the laws, rules, or regulations in this section or other laws applicable to the recipient, the recipient must be listed in an annual report to the legislative committees with jurisdiction over the legacy funds. The list must be publicly available. The legislative auditor shall remove a recipient from the list upon determination that the recipient is in compliance. A recipient on the list is not eligible for future funding from the parks and trails fund until the recipient demonstrates compliance to the legislative auditor.

(h) Any state agency or organization requesting a direct appropriation from the parks and trails fund must inform the house of representatives and senate committees having jurisdiction over the parks and trails fund, at the time the request for funding is made, whether the request is supplanting or is a substitution for any previous funding that was not from a legacy fund and was used for the same purpose.

Subd. 3.Metropolitan area; distribution formula.

Money appropriated from the parks and trails fund to the Metropolitan Council shall be distributed to implementing agencies, as defined in section 473.351, subdivision 1, paragraph (a), as grants according to the following formula:

(1) 45 percent of the money must be disbursed according to the allocation formula in section 473.351, subdivision 3, to each implementing agency;

(2) 31.5 percent of the money must be distributed based on each implementing agency's relative share of the most recent estimate of the population of the metropolitan area;

(3) 13.5 percent of the money must be distributed based on each implementing agency's relative share of nonlocal visits based on the most recent user visitation survey conducted by the Metropolitan Council; and

(4) ten percent of the money must be distributed as grants to implementing agencies for land acquisition within Metropolitan Council approved regional parks and trails master plan boundaries under the council's park acquisition opportunity grant program. The Metropolitan Council must provide a match of $2 of the council's park bonds for every $3 of state funds for the park acquisition opportunity grant program.

Subd. 4.Data availability.

Data collected by the projects funded with money from the parks and trails fund that have value for planning and management of natural resources, emergency preparedness, and infrastructure investments must conform to the enterprise information architecture developed by the Department of Information Technology Services. Spatial data must conform to geographic information system guidelines and standards outlined in that architecture and adopted by the Minnesota Geographic Data Clearinghouse at the Minnesota Geospatial Information Office. A description of these data that adheres to the Department of Information Technology Services geographic metadata standards must be submitted to the Minnesota Geospatial Information Office to be made available online through the clearinghouse and the data must be accessible and free to the public unless made private under chapter 13. To the extent practicable, summary data and results of projects and programs funded with money from the parks and trails fund should be readily accessible on the Internet and identified as a parks and trails fund project.

Subd. 5.Restoration evaluations.

(a) The commissioner of natural resources may convene a technical evaluation panel comprised of five members, including one technical representative from the Board of Water and Soil Resources, one technical representative from the Department of Natural Resources, one technical expert from the University of Minnesota or the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities, and two other representatives with expertise related to the project being evaluated. The commissioner may add a technical representative from a unit of federal or local government.

(b) The members of the technical evaluation panel may not be associated with the restoration, may vary depending upon the projects being reviewed, and shall avoid any potential conflicts of interest.

(c) Each year, the commissioner may assign a coordinator to identify a sample of up to ten habitat restoration projects completed with parks and trails funding. The coordinator shall secure the restoration plans for the projects specified and direct the technical evaluation panel to evaluate the restorations relative to the law, current science, and the stated goals and standards in the restoration plan and, when applicable, to the Board of Water and Soil Resources' Native Vegetation Establishment and Enhancement Guidelines.

(d) The coordinator shall summarize the findings of the panel and provide a report to the chairs of the respective house of representatives and senate policy and finance committees with jurisdiction over natural resources and spending from the parks and trails fund. The report shall determine if the restorations are meeting planned goals, any problems with the implementation of restorations, and, if necessary, recommendations on improving restorations. The report shall be focused on improving future restorations.

(e) Up to one-tenth of one percent of forecasted receipts from the parks and trails fund may be used for restoration evaluations under this section.

Subd. 6.Reserve requirement.

In any fiscal year, at least five percent of that year's projected tax receipts determined by the most recent forecast for the parks and trails fund must not be appropriated.

Subd. 7.Free park days.

An implementing agency, county, or city that charges an entrance fee or requires a vehicle permit must provide free access to all its parks at least four days each calendar year in order to be eligible for money appropriated from the parks and trails fund. The implementing agency, county, or city must publicly announce the date when entrance will be free at least 30 days in advance of the date it occurs.

85.535 PARKS AND TRAILS GRANT PROGRAM.

Subdivision 1.Establishment.

The commissioner of natural resources shall administer a program to provide grants from the parks and trails fund to support parks and trails of regional or statewide significance. Grants shall not be made under this section for state parks, state recreational areas, or state trails.

Subd. 2.Priorities.

In awarding trails grants under this section, the commissioner shall give priority to trail projects that provide:

(1) connectivity;

(2) enhanced opportunities for commuters; and

(3) enhanced safety.

Subd. 3.Grant amount.

A grant amount is not subject to a maximum grant award limitation. Additional consideration shall be given to applicants who provide a nonstate cash match.

Subd. 4.Rule exemption.

The commissioner is not subject to the rulemaking provisions of chapter 14 in implementing this section, and section 14.386 does not apply.

85.536 GREATER MINNESOTA REGIONAL PARKS AND TRAILS COMMISSION.

Subdivision 1.Establishment; purpose.

The Greater Minnesota Regional Parks and Trails Commission is created to undertake system planning and provide recommendations to the legislature for grants funded by the parks and trails fund to counties, cities, and Tribal governments outside of the seven-county metropolitan area for parks and trails of regional significance.

Subd. 2.Commission.

The commission shall include 13 members appointed by the governor with two members from each of the regional parks and trails districts determined under subdivision 5 and one member at large. Membership terms, compensation, and removal of members and filling of vacancies are as provided in section 15.0575, except that a commission member may be compensated at the rate of up to $125 a day.

Subd. 3.First appointments.

The governor shall make the first appointment by June 15, 2013. The governor shall designate six of the first appointees to terms ending on the first Monday in January 2015, and the remainder of the first appointees shall serve terms ending the first Monday in January 2016.

Subd. 4.First meeting.

The governor or the governor's designee shall convene the first meeting of the commission by July 15, 2013, and shall act as chair until the commission elects a chair. The commission shall elect a chair at its first meeting.

Subd. 5.Districts; plans and hearings.

(a) The commissioner of natural resources, in consultation with the Greater Minnesota Regional Parks and Trails Coalition, shall establish six regional parks and trails districts in the state encompassing the area outside the seven-county metropolitan area. The commissioner shall establish districts by combining counties and may not assign a county to more than one district.

(b) The commission shall develop a strategic plan and criteria for determining parks and trails of regional significance that are eligible for funding from the parks and trails fund and meet the criteria under subdivision 6.

(c) Counties within each district may jointly prepare, after consultation with all affected municipalities, and submit to the commission, and from time to time revise and resubmit to the commission, a master plan for the acquisition and development of parks and trails of regional significance located within the district. Districtwide plans and master plans for individual parks and trails must meet the protocols and criteria as set forth in the greater Minnesota regional parks and trails strategic plan. The counties, after consultation with the commission, shall jointly hold a public hearing on the proposed plan and budget at a time and place determined by the counties. Not less than 15 days before the hearing, the counties shall provide notice of the hearing stating the date, time, and place of the hearing and the place where the proposed plan and budget may be examined by any interested person. At any hearing, interested persons shall be permitted to present their views on the plan and budget.

(d) The commission shall review each master plan to determine whether it meets the conditions of subdivision 6. If it does not, the commission shall return the plan with its comments to the district for revision and resubmittal.

Subd. 6.Regional significance.

The commission must determine whether a park or trail is regionally significant under this section based on the definitions and criteria determined in the greater Minnesota parks and trails strategic plan, along with the following criteria:

(1) a park must provide a natural resource-based setting and should provide outdoor recreation facilities and multiple activities that are primarily natural resource-based;

(2) a trail must serve more than a local population and where feasible connect to existing or planned state or regional parks or trails;

(3) a park or trail must be utilized by a regional population that may encompass multiple jurisdictions; and

(4) a park may include or a trail may pass unique natural, historic, or cultural features or characteristics.

Subd. 7.Recommendations.

(a) In recommending grants under this section, the commission shall make recommendations consistent with master plans.

(b) The commission shall determine recommended grant amounts through an adopted merit-based evaluation process that includes the level of local financial support. The evaluation process is not subject to the rulemaking provisions of chapter 14, and section 14.386 does not apply.

(c) When recommending grants, the commission shall consider balance of the grant benefits across greater Minnesota.

(d) Grants may be recommended only for parks and trails included in a plan approved by the commission under subdivision 5.

Subd. 8.Chair.

The commission shall annually elect from among its members a chair and other officers necessary for the performance of its duties.

Subd. 9.Meetings.

The commission shall meet at least twice each year. Commission meetings are subject to chapter 13D.

Subd. 10.Report.

The commission shall submit a report by January 15 each year listing its recommendations under subdivision 7, in priority order, to the chairs and ranking minority members of the committees of the senate and house of representatives with primary jurisdiction over legacy appropriations.

Subd. 11.Conflict of interest.

A member of the commission may not participate in or vote on a decision of the commission relating to an organization in which the member has either a direct or indirect financial interest.

Subd. 12.Definitions.

For purposes of this section, "commission" means the Greater Minnesota Regional Parks and Trails Commission established under this section.

Official Publication of the State of Minnesota
Revisor of Statutes