To provide grants to local units of government to support parks and trails of regional or statewide significance outside of the seven county metropolitan area. Funding for this grant program is from the Parks and Trails Fund created by the Minnesota Legislature from the Clean Water, Land and Legacy Amendment passed by the voters in 2008. Beginning July 1, 2015 (fiscal year 2016), the Greater Minnesota Regional Parks and Trails Commission (GMRPTC) assumed management of reviewing and awarding these grants.
To develop a 25 year long range plan for the use of the money available in the parks and trail fund as well as other traditional sources of funding. Also the development of a 10 year strategic coordination plan is required. The plan is to include a vision, goals and measureable outcomes. The plan must also address specific deliverables outlined in statute. Public engagement was the foundation for the recommendations. The plan was developed in collaboration with other park and trail providers.
