MN HF489

Appropriates $25,802,000 in FY2026 and $26,920,000 in FY2027 from the parks and trails fund to the DNR commissioner for state parks, recreation areas, and trails

Appropriates $12,901,000 in FY2026 and $13,460,000 in FY2027 for grants to regional parks and trails outside the seven-county metropolitan area, with up to $140,000 annually for grant administration and $500,000 annually for the Greater Minnesota Regional Parks and Trails Commission

Appropriates $652,000 in FY2026 and $679,000 in FY2027 for coordination between DNR, Metropolitan Council, and the Greater Minnesota Regional Parks and Trails Commission, plus enhanced web-based information for users

Requires the Greater Minnesota Regional Parks and Trails Commission to submit FY2027 project funding recommendations and funding criteria reports to legislative committees by January 15, 2026

Extends grant availability to June 30, 2027 for six previously funded projects: Cannon Valley Trail (Goodhue County), Beaver Island Trail (Stearns County), Bluffs Traverse Trail (Winona), Jay C. Hormel Nature Center (Austin), Spirit Mountain Recreation Area (Duluth), and Waabizheshikana/Marten Trail (Duluth)