The legislature requested that the Department of Natural Resources develop a 25-year long range plan in collaboration with other park and trail providers and park and trail user organizations. A 10 year strategic coordination plan was also required. Legislative requirements for the plan included:
- A vision
- A proposed definition of parks and trails of regional significance
- A plan to increase the number of visitors to state and regional parks
- Assessment of the need for new or expanded regional outdoor recreation systems to preserve and connect high-quality, diverse natural resources in areas with concentrated and increasing populations
- Budgeting for ongoing maintenance
- Decommissions
- A plan for trails that takes into account connectivity and the potential for use by commuters
- Requirements for local contribution
- Benchmarks