Minnesota Department of Natural Resources Commissioners Office 500 Lafayette Road, St. Paul, MN

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1 This dcument is made available electrnically by the Minnesta Legislative Reference Library as part f an nging digital archiving prject. January 15, 2019 Hnrable Carrie Ruud Chair, Envirnment and Natural Resurces Plicy and Legacy Finance Cmmittee Minnesta State Senate 3233 Minnesta Senate Bldg. Hnrable Bill Weber Vice Chair, Envirnment and Natural Resurces Plicy and Legacy Finance Cmmittee Minnesta State Senate 2109 Minnesta Senate Bldg. Hnrable Chris Eatn Ranking Minrity Member, Envirnment and Natural Resurces Plicy and Legacy Finance Cmmittee Minnesta State Senate 2403 Minnesta Senate Bldg. Hnrable Len Lillie Chair, Legacy Funding Finance Cmmittee Minnesta Huse f Representatives 367 State Office Building Hnrable Ami Wazlawik Vice Chair, Legacy Funding Finance Cmmittee Minnesta Huse f Representatives 565 State Office Building Hnrable Jsh Heintzeman Ranking Minrity Member, Legacy Funding Finance Cmmittee Minnesta Huse f Representatives 353 State Office Building Dear Senatrs and Representatives: We are pleased t share with yu the MN Department f Natural Resurces (DNR) FY20-21 pririties fr the Parks and Trails Legacy Fund. The attached reprt gives yu an verview f DNR s apprach t advance pririties assciated with the 25-year Parks and Trails Legacy Plan, including cnnecting peple t the utdrs, acquiring land and creating new pprtunities, taking care f what we have, and crdinating with partners. The reprt als prvides an at-a-glance spending plan (pages 19-20). If yu have questins in the attached reprt, please cntact Bb Meier at ; bb.meier@state.mn.us r Erika Rivers at ; erika.rivers@state.mn.us. Sincerely, Sarah Strmmen, Cmmissiner Department f Natural Resurces Attachment cc: Assistant Cmmissiner Barb Naramre Assistant Cmmissiner Bb Meier Parks and Trails Divisin Directr Erika Rivers Parks and Trails Legacy Advisry Cmmittee Liaisns Legislative Reference library Minnesta Department f Natural Resurces Cmmissiners Office 500 Lafayette Rad, St. Paul, MN

2 Parks and Trails Fund DNR Strategic Directins - Fiscal Years Minnesta Department f Natural Resurces January 15, 2019

3 Cntents Backgrund...2 Guidance n Biennial Legacy Pririties...3 Insights n Legacy Pririties frm Public Engagement...3 Early Legacy Plan Pririties...4 Legacy Pillars and Budget Prpsal...5 DNR Parks and Trails FY 20/21 Legacy Budget Prpsal...5 Pillar Pages: Orientatin t this Dcument...6 Supplement versus substitute/supplant statement...6 Minnesta State Parks and Trails Strategic Guidance...6 Parks and Trails Divisin Areas f Impact...6 Minnesta State Parks and Trails System Plan...7 Cnnecting Peple t the Outdrs...8 Acquire Land and Create Opprtunities Taking Care f What We Have Crdinate with Partners DNR Parks and Trails Divisin FY20/21 Legacy Spending Plan At-A-Glance Backgrund Minnesta vters apprved the Clean Water, Land and Legacy Amendment t the cnstitutin in The Minnesta Department f Natural Resurces (DNR) Parks and Trails Divisin receives a prtin f the Parks and Trails Legacy Fund alng with the Metrplitan Cuncil and the Greater Minnesta Reginal Parks and Trails Cmmissin. This dcument lays ut pririties, strategies, prpsed funding allcatins, and utcmes fr apprpriatins t the DNR frm the Parks and Trails Legacy Fund. Based n guidance frm the 25-year Parks and Trails Legacy Plan, the DNR Parks and Trails Divisin priritizes the fllwing: Cnnect peple t the utdrs. Acquire land and create pprtunities. Take care f what we have. Imprve cperatin with partners t implement the 25-year Parks and Trails Legacy Plan.

4 Guidance n Biennial Legacy Pririties The 25-year Parks and Trails Legacy Plan identified a set f key strategies, rganized within fur main strategic directins, r pillars, t mve the state tward its visin f a wrld-class parks and trails system cnnecting everyne t the utdrs. The plan selected a smaller grup f recmmended pririty strategies fr the early years f Legacy (FY ) t help fcus limited resurces. One f these recmmendatins was t establish a statewide advisry bdy t wrk with DNR and ther Parks and Trails Legacy agencies t champin the 25-year Plan. The Parks and Trails Legacy Advisry Cmmittee (PTLAC) began meeting in 2012, and has prvided an imprtant vice helping guide agencies in the best use f Legacy dllars. (Mre infrmatin at the Advisry Cmmittee s website). Insights n Legacy Pririties frm Public Engagement Legacy 10-Year Celebratin and Engagement In 2018, the DNR alng with PTLAC and its partner agencies held a series f public events t recgnize the tenth anniversary f the passage f the Legacy Amendment. We celebrated, educated, and listened as 12,500 Minnestans shared their perspectives n Minnesta s state and reginal parks and trails at nine reginal events. Each event included unique activities and displays that were suited t the lcatin and time f year. Multi-generatinal activities included ice fishing, rasting marshmallws, nature prgrams and bstacle curses. The events als prvided structured ways fr Minnestans t prvide feedback n pririties fr state and reginal parks and trails. Sme activities were designed t slicit thughts n the impact f Legacy funding, while thers encuraged participants t prvide brader aspiratins n the future f Legacy investments in Minnesta s parks and trails. Participants played a game using $100 t share hw they wuld priritize investments acrss Legacy Plan pririties. This feedback was nt intended t replace the existing Legacy Plan, but rather t listen fr emerging themes that the plan had nt anticipated, and check in with public pinin n hw Legacy funds were being allcated. What we learned The Legacy Advisry Cmmittee, alng with leaders f the Metrplitan Cuncil, Greater Minnesta Reginal Parks and Trails Cmmissin and Department f Natural Resurces ffer the fllwing reflectins n Minnestan s feedback: Many peple s identities as Minnestans are tied t having gd parks, trails, and natural resurces. Minnestans place high value n taking care f facilities and preserving the natural resurces already fund within existing parks and trails. Many Minnestans see the health and wellness benefits ffered by nearby parks and trails as part f their daily lives. Parks and trails must becme mre accessible and welcming t peple with different abilities and backgrunds. Mre public awareness f these resurces, and marketing specific parks and trails by Legacy agencies, is necessary. 1/15/2019 3

5 Older participants are cncerned abut preserving natural resurces fr yunger generatins and abut teaching them abut nature and utdr activities. 1 The DNR s past Legacy Fund spending fairly clsely reflects participant s results f the $100 game. The DNR has dedicated mre than half f Legacy funds t Taking Care f What We Have and ver a quarter t Acquiring Land and Creating Opprtunities. Spending f 16% n Cnnecting Peple t the Outdrs is less than participants allcated in the $100 game; hwever, the cst f hlding utdrs prgrams and marketing the benefits f utdr recreatin tends t be relatively less expensive than buying land and develping facilities. As a result f what we learned frm this feedback, the DNR prpses increasing Fiscal Year 20/21 Legacy spending fr Cnnecting Peple t the Outdrs t 17% and increasing the amunt f funds in Taking Care f What We Have that are utilized fr resurce management. Mre infrmatin abut ur spending prpsal fr Cnnecting Peple t the Outdrs and Taking Care f What We Have can be fund n pages 8 and 13, respectively. Early Legacy Plan Pririties The Legacy Plan identified each f these strategies as tp pririties fr the first years f plan implementatin. Thugh we are nw celebrating 10 years f Legacy, these pririties still prvide guidance fr hw the DNR invests Legacy funds acrss the state park and trail system. 1. D mre marketing. Time and again, Minnestans have expressed a need fr better infrmatin, including mre integrated Web-based fferings, t increase awareness f recreatinal pprtunities. 2. Prvide a welcming envirnment with prgrams and special events t attract first-time visitrs t parks and trails. Adapt t meet the needs f Minnesta s changing demgraphics, which are aging and becming mre diverse. 3. Physically cnnect cmmunities t parks and trails and make them accessible t peple f all abilities. 4. Accelerate the acquisitin f private land within park r trail bundaries (private in-hldings). 5. Cnnect high-pririty trails and fill critical gaps. 6. Fcus n pprtunities in areas near reginal centers and in areas f shrtage that are prjected t grw mst rapidly ver the cming 25 years. 7. Accelerate the rehabilitatin f aging park and trail infrastructure t ensure high-quality experiences. 8. Preserve existing high-quality natural resurces and restre thse that have been degraded. Priritize the cntrl f the spread f invasive species. 9. Give visitrs the pprtunity t easily find what they want. Develp and maintain integrated and standardized infrmatin (e.g., website) abut parks and trails f state and reginal significance. 10. Establish a statewide advisry cmmittee t help fster a netwrk f parks and trails with a seamless user experience. 1 Reprt Frthcming. Marking the 10 th Anniversary f Legacy Amendment Impact n Minnesta s Parks and Trails. 1/15/2019 4

6 Legacy Pillars and Budget Prpsal Pillar 1: Cnnect Peple t the Outdrs The DNR s primary strategy fr cnnecting peple t the utdrs is by prmting innvative prgrams and prviding educatin, interpretatin, utdr skill training, and special events t engage families in utdr activities and t encurage natural resurce stewardship. Pillar 2: Acquire Land, Create Opprtunities The DNR will pursue high- pririty acquisitins that establish imprtant cnnectins and preserve pririty natural r cultural resurces. We will fcus n expanding trail experiences that mtivate new custmers. We will cmplete high-pririty develpment prjects that encurage utdr recreatin participatin and enhance r prtect natural and cultural resurces. Pillar 3: Take Care f What We Have (Maintain Existing Hldings) We will ensure high-quality utdr recreatin experiences thrugh infrastructure renewal and increased accessibility. We will manage and restre natural landscapes within the state park and trail system, including invasive species detectin and management. Pillar 4: Crdinate with Partners Crdinatin and cperatin are needed t d everything frm prviding infrmatin t park and trail visitrs t ensuring that park and trail shrtages are addressed. While agencies and rganizatins can d much crdinatin and cperatin n their wn, the Legacy Advisry Cmmittee cntinues t encurage the develpment f a seamless netwrk f parks and trails. DNR Parks and Trails FY 20/21 Legacy Budget Prpsal Legacy Pillar Dllars Percent Cnnect Peple t the Outdrs $6,923, % Acquire Land and Create Opprtunities $9,978, % Take Care f What We Have $23,825, % Ttal DNR Parks and Trails Apprpriatin $40,727, % Crdinate with Partners* $1,028,000 N/A *Funding fr the Crdinate with Partners pillar is apprpriated separately frm the DNR budget. 1/15/2019 5

7 Prpsed Allcatin f DNR FY Parks and Trails Legacy Fund (Including Crdinating with Partners Funds) FY20 - $20,792,000 FY21 - $20,963,000 Cnnecting Peple t the Outdrs, $6,923,590 Crdinating with Partners, $1,028,000 Taking Care f What We Have, $23,825,295 Acquiring Land and Creating Opprtunities, $9,978,115 Pillar Pages: Orientatin t this Dcument The fllwing pages lay ut specific utcmes in each f the fur pillar areas. While the pillars help guide Legacy investments, DNR als uses an integrated apprach t advancing Legacy pririties. Fr example, many prjects rely n multiple strategies, such as acquiring land and develping built facilities, cnnecting peple t these new pprtunities, crdinating with partners, and maintaining and taking care f these investments ver time. Supplement versus substitute/supplant statement In cmpliance with M.S Subd. 2. (h), DNR affirms that the prgrams and prjects presented in this dcument, requested t be funded thrugh an apprpriatin frm the Parks and Trails Fund, d nt supplant, nr substitute fr, any previus funding that was nt frm a Legacy fund and was used fr the same purpse. Minnesta State Parks and Trails Strategic Guidance Parks and Trails Divisin Areas f Impact The DNR Parks and Trails Divisin strives t achieve five verarching utcmes, called areas f impact. These five areas f impact are guided by the Divisin Leadership Team, and include the fllwing: 1. Operatinal excellence in utdr recreatin 1/15/2019 6

8 2. Healthy cultural and natural resurces 3. Visitr services and utreach 4. Healthy and prductive rganizatin 5. Organizatinal stability and sustainability The areas f impact are implemented by staff acrss the state, s we deliver excellent peratins, resurce management and visitr services in the nrthwest, nrtheast, central and suthern regins f Minnesta. Minnesta State Parks and Trails System Plan The Divisin f Parks and Trails has develped a system plan t advance new appraches fr managing the DNR's state parks, state recreatin areas, state trails, state frest recreatin areas, and state water recreatin system. The system plan is an utgrwth f wrk cmpleted by the State Parks and Trails Future Strategies Cmmittee. That cmmittee recmmended the Divisin "mve tward a mre differentiated system that favrs quality f facilities and pprtunities ver quantity r gegraphic distributin." As evidenced in the biennial recmmendatins cntained in this reprt, the system plan is a tl t help future investments fcus n Minnesta's mst imprtant natural resurces and highest-quality recreatin pprtunities. While the system plan des infrm planned investment in state parks and trails, it des s thrugh identifying differentiated niche experiences, the quality f which can be sustained at varying levels f investment. In these pages, state parks are smetimes referenced by their system plan investment grup categry. State Park Investment Grups include the fllwing: Destinatin units ffer a destinatin-quality experience, with an array f utdr recreatin and ldging pprtunities, park facilities, and naturalist-led interpretive fferings. Cre units ffer a diversity f quality utdr recreatin experiences, frm classic camping and hiking pprtunities t adventurus climbing, muntain biking, OHV-riding, and kayaking pprtunities, ften in clse prximity t ppulatin centers. Rustic units will ffer basic amenities, including picnic tables, fire rings, and rientatin signage. 1/15/2019 7

9 Cnnecting Peple t the Outdrs FY20/21 Prpsed Legacy Allcatin: $6,923,590 17% f ttal DNR Parks and Trails Divisin Allcatin Previus Budget Allcatins Cnnecting Peple t the Outdrs, $6,923,590 FY12/13 Biennium: $4,300,000 FY14/15 Biennium: $5,066,000 FY16/17 Biennium: $5,448,000 FY18/19 Biennium: $5,559,696 Why is this Imprtant? Peple wh engage with nature are mre likely t have an appreciatin f the natural wrld and t want t supprt and maintain it fr future generatins. Feedback frm the 10 th Anniversary events emphasized the imprtance f teaching the next generatin abut cnserving natural resurces, and public awareness and marketing f park and trail pprtunities and the health and wellness benefits assciated with them. The 2017 Minnesta Outdr Activities Survey identified brad trends in utdr recreatin participatin amng Minnestans. 2 While the study shwed that utdr activity has becme increasingly imprtant t Minnestans, it als shws that barriers t participatin still exist fr sme. The study reinfrces what we already intuitively knw that peple desire t spend time tgether in nature with family and friends in rder t imprve their health and discnnect frm the demands f everyday life. Our gal is t reduce the barriers that exist s that all Minnestans can enjy the benefits f ur state parks and trails system. Desired 25-Year Outcme The state s ppulatin is prjected t increase by 19% ver the next 25 years. Our gal is fr the number f visits t Minnesta s parks and trails t increase by at least this much as well. This increase wuld encurage life-lng visitatin by individuals and families and fster a cntinued sense f stewardship frm generatin t 2 The Imprve Grup. (2017) 2017 Minnesta Outdr Activities Survey Reprt n Findings. Minnesta Department f Natural Resurces. St. Paul, MN. 1/15/2019 8

10 generatin. Tgether with partners, Minnesta can encurage grwth in utdr recreatin participatin s that mre residents enjy higher quality-f-life and the health and wellness benefits frm nature-based recreatin. Tp Legacy Plan Pririties fr the FY20/21 biennium: 1. Prvide a welcming envirnment with prgrams and special events t attract first-time visitrs t parks and trails. Adapt t Minnesta s changing demgraphics, which pint t a mre diverse and lder ppulatin. 2. Ensure that visitrs have access t simple, easy-t-understand rientatin and wayfinding infrmatin when they visit parks and trails. 3. D mre effective marketing. Time and again, Minnestans have expressed a desire fr better infrmatin, including mre integrated Web-based fferings, t increase awareness f utdr recreatin pprtunities. 4. Prvide nging diversity training t Minnesta state and reginal parks and trails emplyees. 5. Physically cnnect cmmunities with parks and trails and make them accessible t peple f all abilities. DNR Cnnecting Peple Prgrams Interpretive services, including I Can! skills building prgrams and naturalist prgrams Vlunteering and partnerships Public infrmatin and scial media Marketing and retail FY20/21 Plan and Prpsed Outcmes DNR s FY20/21 Plan The DNR will prmte innvative prgrams, educatin, interpretatin, utdr skill training, targeted marketing and advertising, and special events t engage target markets in utdr activities and encurage natural 1/15/2019 9

11 resurce stewardship. The gal is t cntinue t increase state park and trail visitatin, attract new users and bring ur visitr demgraphics mre in line with the demgraphics f the state. Prpsed Results/Outcmes Interpretive Services: Public Infrmatin: Engage 16,000 participants, with an emphasis n attracting new custmers in I Can! and ther skill-building prgrams. Help participants stay cnnected t additinal pprtunities with an electrnic mnthly newsletter. Cnduct research t better understand the impact f skillbuilding prgrams n participants, including retentin in utdr recreatin. Deliver 2,900 prgrams by Legacy-funded naturalists fr abut 100,000 visitrs. Prvide interpretive prgrams thrugh year-rund and seasnal naturalists, as well as Naturalist Crps, at Destinatin and Cre state parks. Deliver Bisn Buggy turs, cnnect t underserved cmmunities, and supprt ther interpretive services at Blue Munds State Park. Update interpretive exhibits and displays, and prvide welcming self-service interpretatin, exhibits, brchures and maps. Enhance interpretive delivery with updated visitr center displays and use f new technlgies. Prvide mtivating messages thrugh media relatins, multi-cultural media utreach, Web cntent, scial media, and cartgraphy t prvide infrmatin abut parks and trails, services and trip planning. Imprve wayfinding, rientatin, and general visitr infrmatin at state parks and trails. Expand and refine the use f scial media t reach current users and ptential new visitrs, including yuth, yung adults, and families with children. Marketing and retail: Implement new marketing and advertising campaigns, including materials, pht and vide shts, prmtins and media buys. Raise awareness and mtivate participatin with 12 millin annual grss impressins t target market ppulatins. Increase marketing fcus n culturally diverse markets, and expand digital and scial media presence with selfie statins. Imprve Hiking Club and Passprt Club lyalty prgrams. Partnership develpment: Augment prgramming and services with vlunteers. Engage a partnership crdinatr t develp vlunteer prgrams t engage the public in park and trail resurce stewardship. Increase vlunteer engagement. Supprt the Urban Outreach Prgram based ut f Frt Snelling State Park. 1/15/

12 Cntinue t increase the rganizatin s inter-cultural cmpetence thrugh training and develpment. Build crss-cultural partnerships and cntract with targeted vendrs. Prmte new and innvative partnerships thrugh small grants available t supprt engagement f under-represented grups. Acquire Land and Create Opprtunities FY20/21 Legacy Allcatin: $9,978, % f ttal DNR Parks and Trails Divisin Allcatin Previus Budget Allcatins FY12/13 Biennium: $10,301,350 FY14/15 Biennium: $13,509,000 FY16/17 Biennium: $9,527,000 FY18/19 Biennium: $9,142,034 Acquiring Land and Creating Opprtunities, $9,978,115 Why is this Imprtant? Minnestans are avid utdr recreatinists. Just ver half f Minnesta residents visit natural park areas near their hmes each year, and a little mre than tw-thirds use paved trails fr walking, hiking, skating and biking. Other park and trail facilities are als frequently used. Yet, Minnestans wh use these parks and trails ften say they wuld like additinal pprtunities available t them. New and expanded park and trail pprtunities are needed t satisfy current visitrs, as well as t create pprtunities fr new visitrs. Desired 25-Year Outcme Land needed t meet the nature-based utdr recreatin needs f Minnestans will be acquired and/r develped. High-pririty develpment prjects that encurage utdr recreatin participatin and enhance r prtect natural and cultural resurces are cmpleted. 1/15/

13 Tp Legacy Plan Pririties fr the FY20/21 biennium: 1. Accelerate acquisitin f private land within a park r trail bundary (private in-hldings). 2. Cnnect high-pririty trails and fill critical gaps. 3. Develp infrastructure and amenities that meet the lifestyles f ur target markets. 4. Design, develp, and redevelp parks and trails facilities that meet the differing utdr recreatin needs fr peple f all abilities. 5. Design and cnstruct sustainable, resilient, and energy-efficient infrastructure. DNR Acquire Land, Create Opprtunities Prgrams State Park and Recreatin Area Develpment State Trail Develpment State Park and Trail Land Acquisitin FY20/21 Plan and Prpsed Outcmes DNR s FY20/21 Plan Using the State Parks and Trails System Plan as a guide, pursue high-pririty acquisitins that prvide imprtant cnnectins and/r preserve pririty natural r cultural resurces. Acquire and/r develp critical trail cnnectins between existing trails, parks, and cmmunities t attract new custmers and serve cmmunities. Cmplete high-pririty develpment prjects that create new pprtunities t encurage utdr recreatin participatin and/r enhance and prtect natural and cultural resurces. Cntinue t priritize making ur facilities energy efficient and accessible t all. Prpsed Results/Outcmes Cmplete a shwer building upgrade at Split Rck Lighthuse State Park. Develp a paved multi-use trail cnnecting t Mary Gibbs Visitr Center at Itasca State park. Develp critical trail segments f the Minnesta Valley State Trail. Cmplete new trail develpment at Cuyuna Cuntry State Recreatin Area. Cmplete analysis and design fr high-pririty develpment prjects planned fr FY22/23. Acquire apprximately 20 new acres f pririty trail cnnectins and state park inhldings. 1/15/

14 Taking Care f What We Have FY20/21 Legacy Allcatin: $23,825, % f ttal DNR Parks and Trails Divisin Allcatin Previus Budget Allcatins FY12/13 Biennium: $13,859,650 FY14/15 Biennium: $15,198,000 FY16/17 Biennium: $19,927,000 FY18/19 Biennium: $20,773,270 Taking Care f What We Have, $23,825,295 Why is this Imprtant? Minnesta has invested, and cntinues t invest, in the develpment f parks and trails f state and reginal significance. Once a park r trail is established, regular reinvestment is needed t maintain natural and cultural resurces and t ensure safe, high-quality experiences fr current and future visitrs. Tday, a shrtage f funding, aging infrastructure, and intensive use have led t a backlg f preservatin, rehabilitatin and renewal wrk. Fr example, many f the 296 bridges in the state trail system are mre than 100 years ld and will need t be rehabilitated r replaced. And, the state parks and trails system includes mre than 2,500 buildings many f them histric. Assets like these cntribute t Minnesta being a natinal leader in utdr recreatin, but als require adequate investment f resurces. Desired 25-Year Outcme Minnesta parks and trails f state and reginal significance are well maintained and up-t-date. They meet current needs and prvide high-quality recreatin pprtunities fr a variety f visitrs with different interests, needs and abilities. Rehabilitatin is accelerated beynd current levels; this wrk includes infrastructure and natural resurce management. 1/15/

15 Tp Legacy Plan Pririties fr the FY20/21 biennium: 1. Accelerate rehabilitatin f an aging park and trail infrastructure t ensure high-quality experiences. State and reginally significant parks and trails need mre funds set aside fr develpment, restratin and redevelpment t meet current standards fr accessibility and energy sustainability. 2. Preserve existing high-quality natural and water resurces. Manage the spread f invasive species and restre high-quality, rare and aquatic plant cmmunities. Natural resurces are the fundatin fr the state park and trail system. State park visitrs and participants in the 10-year Legacy Celebratin events said natural settings are very imprtant t them. 3. Prtect cultural resurces, including archaelgical sites, cultural landscapes and structures listed n the Natinal Register, which are critical t help tell the stries f ur past t ur visitrs. Cmplete archaelgical investigatins and cmplete resurce assessments t avid, minimize r mitigate impacts t cultural resurces. DNR Taking Care Prgrams Asset Management Renewal and rehabilitatin f state trails, frest trails, state trail bridges, and state park buildings and facilities. Renewable energy and energy cnservatin prjects acrss the state park and trail system. Emergency repair and maintenance f buildings and facilities. Enhancing ADA accessibility. Natural and Cultural Resurce Management Invasive species management n Parks and Trails Divisin Lands. Landscape restratin and maintenance. Prescribed burning. Archaelgical investigatins. Resurce assessments t avid, minimize r mitigate impacts t natural and cultural resurces. Special prjects (e.g., bisn restratin). 1/15/

16 FY20/21 Plan and Prpsed Outcmes DNR s FY20/21 Plan Using the State Parks and Trails System Plan as a guide, the divisin will wrk t ensure visitrs experience highquality resurces thrugh safe, accessible and well-maintained facilities. Taking Care f What We Have means that we are maintaining the natural and cultural resurces and built facilities that are necessary t sustain quality utdr experiences fr current and future visitrs. Accelerating investments t restre and preserve ur resurces and facilities will be crucial fr the divisin t address a backlg f rehabilitatin needs and sustain the system int the future. These investments help imprve public safety, increase accessibility f utdr recreatin t peple f all abilities, and reduce ur energy ftprint. Prpsed Results/Outcmes Cmplete three campgrund rehabilitatins at Destinatin state parks. Rehabilitate tw Destinatin state park visitr centers. Rehabilitate tw state park amphitheaters, ne each at a Destinatin and Cre state park. Replace shwer and bathrm buildings at fur Cre State Parks. Restre an histric building at a Destinatin state park. Cmplete a park prtfli upgrade f rientatin, wayfinding, and vault tilets at fur Rustic state parks. Rehabilitate and repair bridges acrss fur state trails. Maintain sustainable state park hiking trails at high-pririty lcatins. Invest in energy efficiency upgrades and renewable energy prjects acrss the state park and trail system. Cmplete assessments and design fr future state park and trail system asset management. Recnstruct native plant cmmunities, with a fcus n high-quality, rare r aquatic cmmunities. Cnduct prescribed burns n state park and trail lands. Manage invasive species n state park and trail lands. Cnduct natural and cultural resurce assessments t avid, minimize r mitigate impacts t resurces. Cntract with Cnservatin Crps f Minnesta and Iwa t engage yuth wrkers and cmplete resurce management. 1/15/

17 Crdinate with Partners FY20/21 Legacy Allcatin: $1,028,000 Nte that in previus sessins, Crdinate funding benefitting all systems has been a separate apprpriatin t DNR. Crdinating with Partners, $1,028,000 Previus Budget Allcatins FY12/13 Biennium $404,000 FY14/15 Biennium $407,000 FY16/17 Biennium $1,091,000* FY18/19 Biennium: $1,069,000 *$260,000 t University f Minnesta Why is this Imprtant? The state and reginal parks and trails system is made up f many parts, with different prviders in different parts f the state, and funded thrugh a variety f surces. This cmplex netwrk pses a challenge t state and reginal prviders interested in meaningful crdinatin, as well as t ur visitrs, wh seek high-quality, cnnected, and accessible pprtunities. Crdinatin is essential t achieve the visin laid ut in the 25-year Parks and Trails Legacy Plan and t ensure that the principles the public develped fr the use f Legacy Funds are achieved. DNR is wrking with partners - including, but nt limited t, the Metrplitan Cuncil and the Greater Minnesta Reginal Parks and Trails Cmmissin t achieve that effective crdinatin that results in the best use f funds. Efficiency and effectiveness are enhanced thrugh crdinatin. Desired 25-Year Outcme Minnestans and visitrs see parks and trails f state and reginal significance as a seamless netwrk; they may nt knw which agency is respnsible fr management f the natural area they are enjying and they dn t need t. Emphasis is n the user experience. Outdr recreatin prviders must wrk tgether t ffer visitrs easy-t-use maps and ther infrmatin. Tp Legacy Plan Pririties fr the FY20/21 biennium: 1. Give visitrs the pprtunity t easily find what they want. Maintain integrated and standardized infrmatin (e.g., website) abut parks and trails f state and reginal significance. 2. Prmte and crdinate the implementatin f the 25-year Parks and Trails Legacy Plan, with strategic guidance and advice frm the Legacy Advisry Cmmittee. 3. Enhance crdinatin with ther agencies, rganizatins and nnprfits. 4. Enhance crdinatin f Minnesta s state and reginal parks and trails at the reginal and site levels.

18 Parks and Trails Crdinating Prgrams (Minnesta Department f Natural Resurces, Metrplitan Cuncil, and Greater Minnesta Reginal Parks and Trail Cmmissin): Crdinated research and planning acrss state and reginal recreatinal systems. Integrated, Web-based systems. Onging supprt fr the Parks and Trails Legacy Advisry Cmmittee. Landscape restratin evaluatin. Crdinated appraches t invlve yuth and diverse audiences in Legacy wrk. FY20/21 Plan, Prpsed Outcmes and Prject Highlights Crdinating Agencies FY20/21 Plan Crdinatin and cperatin are needed t d everything frm prviding infrmatin t park and trail visitrs t ensuring that park and trail shrtages are addressed. While agencies and rganizatins can d a great deal f crdinatin and cperatin n their wn, the Parks and Trails Legacy Advisry Cmmittee will encurage the crdinated develpment f a netwrk f parks and trails. Prpsed Results/Outcmes Crdinating agencies, in cnsultatin with the Legacy Advisry Cmmittee, will: Enhance, integrate and create accessible Web-based infrmatin fr park and trail visitrs. Facilitate standardized, crdinated research and planning acrss state and reginal park and trail systems. Supprt activities f the Parks and Trails Legacy Advisry Cmmittee. Invlve yuth and diverse audiences in Legacy wrk and utcmes. Crdinate prjects and Legacy appraches with ther agencies, rganizatins and nnprfits. Prject Highlights Web-based Systems: In the last biennium, the partner agencies launched an integrated website that peple can use fr trip planning, creating custmized maps, using print-n-demand services, and interfacing with smartphnes. Integrated, web-based tls will cntinue t prvide peple with useful infrmatin abut a seamless system f parks and trails in Minnesta. Research: Standardized and crdinated research is needed acrss the three systems t understand wh is using the state and reginal park and trail systems, where they are cming frm, and their satisfactin with facilities and prgrams. Partners began this wrk in the previus biennium; and will cnduct further integrated research and system planning t ensure that citizen expectatins fr the Parks and Trails Legacy Fund are being met. Infrmatin n use and satisfactin that can be cmpared 1/15/

19 acrss systems is als imprtant fr decisins abut future investments. Partners als cnducted a brad recreatinal participatin survey t better understand changing patterns since the last similar survey, ver a decade ag. Supprt fr the Legacy Advisry Cmmittee: The cmmittee is cmprised f vlunteers wh travel frm all ver the state fr bimnthly strategic directins discussins. Reimbursement fr travel expenses and supprt fr their wrk makes participatin pssible fr a diverse grup f citizens. This cmmittee helps advance implementatin f the 25-year Parks and Trails Legacy Plan. Public Engagement: The Legacy agencies, in partnership with the Legacy Advisry Cmmittee, held a series f events acrss the state t celebrate the 10 th anniversary f passage f the Legacy Amendment. The agencies will cntinue t engage Minnestan s with a significant presence at the 2019 Minnesta State Fair. Restratin Evaluatin: Evaluatin f natural resurce restratin prjects acrss all fur Legacy Funds will determine prgress tward gals and help achieve legislative mandates fr restratin evaluatin. A crdinated apprach t evaluatin prvides several efficiencies. 1/15/

20 DNR Parks and Trails Divisin FY20/21 Legacy Spending Plan At-A-Glance Cnnect Peple t the Outdrs $6,923,590 r 17% f DNR Parks and Trails Divisin Allcatin Interpretive services: 9 year-rund naturalists and several partially Legacy funded naturalists at Destinatin and Cre parks Blue Munds State Park naturalist including Bisn Buggy prgrams and utreach t underserved cmmunities Deliver the I Can! series f utdr skills building prgrams Statewide Naturalist Crps prgram and partnered interns Interpretive exhibits and self-service interpretatin Statewide prgram directin frm Visitr Services supervisr and 4 reginal naturalists Public infrmatin: media relatins, multi-cultural media utreach, Web cntent management, scial media, cartgraphy, nline trip-planning platfrms, rientatin and wayfinding Marketing and retail: Targeted marketing and advertising with a fcus n reaching culturally diverse audiences (campaign develpment, materials, pht and vide shts, prmtins and paid media) Increased fcus n digital and scial media, including selfie statins Lyalty prgram imprvements fr Hiking Club and Passprt Club Partnership develpment: vlunteer prgrams, urban utreach prgram, and supprt fr innvative diversity and inclusin initiatives acrss the state park and trail system Infrmatin technlgy: GIS data management, data analysis and business peratins supprt Acquire Land, Create Opprtunities $9,978,115 r 24.5% f DNR Parks and Trails Divisin Allcatin Land Acquisitin: Acquire key state park inhldings and parcels fr strategic state trail cnnectins Destinatin State Park Develpment: Split Rck Lighthuse State Park shwer building Itasca State Park paved, multi-use trail cnnectin t Mary Gibbs Visitr Center Cnvert residence t public ldging at Jay Cke r Whitewater state parks Cre State Park Develpment: Cuyuna Cuntry State Recreatin Area trail develpment and entrance mnument sign State Trail Develpment: Minnesta Valley State Trail develpment Prject Design: Glendalugh State Park bicycle trail Beltrami State Frest OHV campgrund Itasca State Park cncessin/parking area Heartland State Trail Spur frm Emmaville t Itasca State Park Prfessinal services and A&D staff 1/15/

21 Take Care f What We Have $23,825,295 r 58.5% f DNR Parks and Trails Divisin Allcatin Natural and Cultural Resurce Management: Cntract with Cnservatin Crps f Minnesta & Iwa t engage yuth in resurce management Cntract with Minnesta Histrical Sciety t cmplete cultural resurce management and perfrm archaelgical investigatins Cmplete invasive species management, native plant cmmunity restratin, prescribed burning, and resurce assessments acrss the state park and trail system Energy efficiency and renewable energy prjects Sustainable state park hiking trails; high pririty lcatins t be determined A&D staff, prfessinal services, and pre-design fr new biennium prjects Reginal small prjects Destinatin State Park Prjects: Campgrund rehabilitatin: Paint Rck Springs campgrund at St. Crix State Park and Upper and Lwer Cedar campgrunds at Whitewater State Park Histric building rehabilitatin; Nicllet Curt at Itasca State Park Visitr center rehabilitatin at Sibley and Wild River state parks Accessibility updates at Sibley State Park amphitheater Cre State Park Prjects: Shwer building replacement at Myre-Big Island, Frt Ridgely, Maplewd, and Frntenac (includes campgrund site wrk) state parks Frt Ridgely State Park amphitheater Rustic State Park Prjects: Park prtfli update f rientatin, wayfinding, and vault tilets (carry-ver prject frm FY 18-19: Old Mill, Charles Lindberg, Mnsn Lake, and Judge C.R. Magney state parks) State Trail Rehabilitatin and Bridge Repair: Harmny-Prestn Valley State Trail Tacnite State Trail C.J. Ramstad/Nrth Shre State Trail Great River Ridge State Trail 1/15/