GMPT News & Updates

On February 19, the Minnesota Senate Environment, Climate, and Legacy Committee met and had the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) provide an update on the rollout of the Environmental and Natural Resource Trust Fund (ENRTF) Community Grant Program and the newly released 2025 ENRTF Community Grant Program Report.

The program was established in 2023 and was strengthened through 2024’s voter-approved extension of ENRTF lottery funding, which aims to expand access to environmental funding for communities historically underserved by traditional grant processes.

During the committee discussion, DNR staff highlighted that the program is designed to increase the number and diversity of grant recipients, particularly in communities impacted by pollution and environmental degradation. Eligible projects may include environmental education, community health responses to pollution, habitat restoration, and local conservation initiatives.

Committee members raised questions about program administration, including whether the 5% administrative allocation would cover staff supporting applications and permits. DNR staff confirmed that the administrative funds will be used to hire staff who can provide technical assistance and manage a new grant oversight system to ensure accountability. This includes monitoring grantee progress through site visits, an issue that committee members emphasized due to the ongoing fraud conversation at the state level.

The DNR announced that it aims to release the official RFP before the end of the 2026 legislative session, allowing community organizations time to prepare their applications and engage with available technical support resources.

Below is a message from GMPT Chair Joe Tart. You can reach him at joseph.tart@chisagocounty.us.

February sure was a busy month! From the dramatic changes in the weather to Minnesota bringing home the most Olympic medals (13 total), to the start of the 2026 legislative session, there has been a lot to keep up with. Looking ahead, our attention is now turning to the Capitol, as lawmakers have returned to St. Paul and jumped right into their legislative work. As the Legislature gets into full swing, it’s more important than ever that you stay informed and get involved—two things that we are here to help with!

In addition to our usual communications, we will be sending out regular legislative updates and action alerts to keep our membership informed of the legislative developments related to parks and trails at the Capitol. So, make sure you keep an eye on your inbox! As a reminder, we are transitioning to a new non-profit association membership software that will deliver a much better customer experience in the long run, though in the short term, we’re still working through some kinks. Please keep in mind

• If you are the primary contact person for your organization, you should have received your renewal notice and invoice from the system. If you have not received it, please check your junk mail and contact us at greatermnparkstrails@gmail.com.
• If you would like to include a voluntary contribution with your renewal, you can simply include it in the check you send OR we can send you a revised invoice with that amount. Just email us at greatermnparkstrails@gmail.com.
• Over the coming weeks, we will be moving more of our electronic communications, including future newsletters, to the new system. Please add the email address “noreply@members.greatermnparksandtrails.org” to your safe sender list and check your spam folder occasionally.

Lastly, if you want to get more involved in our advocacy work, I highly recommend that you register to attend our 2026 Legislative Action Day on March 4! Our annual event is the perfect opportunity to learn about parks and trails legislative policy, how to connect with your legislators, and network with fellow outdoor recreation professionals. If you are unable to attend in person, we will be providing a virtual option free of charge. Scroll down to learn more about Legislative Action Day and register, or visit our website.  

We hope to see you there!

The Duluth Area Outdoor Alliance (DAOA) is teaming up with the Society of Outdoor Recreation Professionals (SORP) for the 2026 National Outdoor Recreation Conference (NORC), which will take place in Duluth on May 11-14, 2026.

The 2026 NORC program will explore how outdoor recreation can serve as a catalyst for restoration and revitalization—of places, communities, and systems. As outdoor recreation continues to evolve in response to social, environmental, and economic changes, this conference focuses on the role of recreation planning and management in rebuilding resilient infrastructure, fostering community well-being, strengthening governance, honoring culture and place, and fostering innovation. Sessions will offer actionable insights, inspire collaboration, and reflect forward-thinking approaches.

The National Outdoor Recreation Conference (NORC) brings together over 500 people including recreation resource planners, land managers, policy makers, tourism and destination stewardship partners, researchers, consultants, innovators, and leaders in nature-based outdoor recreation. This is an incredible opportunity for parks and trails professionals to connect with others in the outdoor recreation industry!

Click here to register. For more information, visit the SORP website here.

Below is a message from GMRPTC Executive Director Renee Mattson. You can reach her at renee.mattson@gmrptcommission.org.

At the November 26, 2025, Commission meeting, Commissioners finalized the Fiscal Year 2027 funding recommendations. The application cycle resulted in 15 eligible submissions, and the Commission is pleased to report that Legacy funding has been recommended for 12 grant applications.

The selected projects encompass a wide scope of facility and trail enhancements, including trail reconstruction, improvements to accessibility, and new construction initiatives. These awards are expected to have a considerable positive impact on outdoor recreational opportunities for both Minnesotans and visitors

Fiscal Year 2027 Greater Minnesota Legacy Funding Recommendations

Project	Award	District
Duluth Traverse	$1,318,978	1
Grand Marais Recreation Area	$1,066,750	1
Mille Lacs County Soo Line Trail	$600,000	1
Roseau River Water Trail	$1,112,254	2
Detroit Mountain Recreation Area	$821,700	3
Lac qui Parle County Park	$368,202	3
Otter Tail County Phelps Mill County Park	$713,747	3
Willmar Robbins Island Regional Park	$1,327,945	3
Chisago County Swedish Immigrant Trail	$477,441	4
Lincoln County Hole in the Mountain Park	$901,890	5
Olmsted County Oxbow Park and Zollman Zoo	$2,040,000	6
Rochester Gamehaven Park	$577,938	6
Total	$11,326,845

Project Descriptions

Check out the highlights below for more information on each exciting project approved for legacy grant funding:

• Duluth Traverse — Trailhead infrastructure improvements and construction of a beginner and intermediate bike skills development area and tot pump track at Duluth Traverse in Lester Park. The trailhead improvements include a safer, reconfigured parking lot, wayfinding and signage, and a dedicated trailhead plaza with appropriate site amenities.
• Grand Marais Recreation Area — Construction of a new, family-friendly bathhouse, replacing a 50-year-old structure with an accessible, energy-efficient building in a more strategic location. New gateway entrance signage and wayfinding signage.
• Mille Lacs County Soo Line Trail — Improvements to the 2.2-mile Segment 3 to include reconstruction of a trail crossing, install trail and roadway crossing signage, and improve the 20-foot-wide gravel trail surface.
• Roseau River Water Trail — First phase of projects for the water trail includes an accessible trail and viewing/fishing platform at the Roseau Rapids Park as well as paving roads at the Roseau City Park campground and boat launch access road. The project will also upgrade six campsites and add kayak/canoe racks, picnic tables/shelters, and interpretive signage in the campground.
• Detroit Mountain Recreation Area — Acquisition of 32.6 acres of adjacent land for site of future campground development.
• Lac qui Parle County Park — The grant is for supplemental funds to construct a pedestrian bridge across the Lac qui Parle River which separates the park.
• Otter Tail County Phelps Mill County Park — Rebuild the historic parking lot for better flow and more parking spaces. Construction of 4,000 feet of accessible paved trails connecting two boardwalks and the parking lot, construction of an amphitheater and seating area as well as building a new nature scape playground area. The project will also repurpose the existing playground equipment to the campsite area to provide amenities for campers.
• Willmar Robbins Island Regional Park — Phase II of the unique two-sided amphitheater project at Robbins Island Regional Park. This phase completes the project with the construction of the walls and roof, rest rooms, storage, and ADA accessible spectator areas. Improves existing trails and create rain gardens to reduce mud and increase pollinator activity.
• Chisago County Swedish Immigrant Trail — The grant will provide for the complete reconstruction of Segment E of the trail. The reconstruction will allow for a smoother transition to the newer existing trail corridor segments and provide a safer route access.
• Lincoln County Hole in the Mountain Park — Funding to expand the East Campground at the park. The project will include the installation of electric, water, and sewer services to accommodate 16 campsites. Each campsite will include a pad, picnic table, fire pit, and power pedestal. The project also includes the installation of a new restroom and shower facility to expand access and outdoor recreational opportunities on the east side of the park.
• Olmsted County Oxbow Park and Zollman Zoo — The project involves the critical replacement of two bridges, each over fifty years old, which have experienced substantial deterioration as a result of decades of seasonal flooding. The new bridges will feature accessible design improvements, unlike the existing structures, and will facilitate enhanced access to the park’s interior for emergency response teams. The new design is flood resilient and expected to minimize debris accumulation during high water events, helping to prevent erosion, reduce flow diversion, and eliminate potential hazards for river-based recreation.
• Rochester Gamehaven Park — Construction of a mountain bike skills area and jump park, extension of power service for snowmaking equipment, and an automated towing system for the snow tubing area.

The GMRPTC forwards its recommendations to the Minnesota Legislature for approval through the Parks and Trails Legacy Fund, which will take place during the upcoming legislative session.

For more information on these projects and the Greater MN Regional Parks & Trails Commission, visit gmrptcommission.org.