The battle between Greater Minnesota and the Twin Cities over state funding for parks and trails is heating up again. At stake is about $40 million annually from Minnesota Legacy Amendment funds
It's been nearly four years since Minnesotans passed the Land and Legacy Amendment. Since then, millions of dollars have been collected for arts programs and the outdoors across the state. Explore Minnesota - along with other organizations - are featuring some of those projects with five Legacy Destination Weekends in various communities. This coming weekend is St. Cloud's turn to be highlighted.
If Governor Dayton signs it, an amendment to the Clean Water Land and Legacy bill would more equally distribute money to regional parks across the state.
We told you earlier this week about the dwindling acres of land in the Conservation Reserve Program. But, there is some help for improving pheasant habitat in Minnesota.
Walkers and bikers will one day be able to use the Beaver Island Trail to get to the River Bluffs Regional Park in south St. Cloud. City Council members approved the alignment and right-of-way acquisition last night. The move means the city will extend the trail from where it currently ends at 33rd Street South to park's entrance at 38th Street South.