DNR Eyes Tax Proceeds To Buy New Park, Trail Lands

ST. PAUL - The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources will use an estimated $1.3 billion in sales tax proceeds over the next 25 years to buy land for new parks and trails, invest more in existing parks and trails, and to get more people to use parks and trails.

New DNR commissioner Tom Landwehr unveiled the agency's 25-year legacy plan Monday. It's a road map for spending the agency's portion of a three-eighths of a percentage point increase in the state sales tax that voters approved in 2008 to boost spending on clean water, outdoor heritage, parks and trails, and arts and cultural programs.

The DNR's 25-year plan doesn't identify specific parks and trail projects. Those requests will be made by park boards and other local governments and ultimately approved by state lawmakers.

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