Public trails in southern Minnesota could be expanded, under a pair of bills approved by the House Environment Policy and Oversight Committee Feb. 10.
Sponsored by Rep. Rod Hamilton (R-Mountain Lake), HF60 calls for the development of the Des Moines River Valley Trail, originating in Jackson County, extending northwest through Kilen Woods State Park and Cottonwood County. It would meet up with the Casey Jones Trail in Murray County.
An advocacy group called Friends of the Jackson County Trails would work with the Department of Natural Resources to develop the trail. Since 1998, the group has supported the expansion of trails in and around the city of Jackson, including securing $50,000 from a private estate and by holding annual cookouts.
The committee also approved HF230, which provides for the extension of the Casey Jones Trail in Pipestone.
Sponsored by Rep. Doug Magnus (R-Slayton), it authorizes the DNR to work with Friends of the Casey Jones Trail with the goal of connecting the trail to Blue Mounds State Park and Schoneman Park near Luverne.
No specific appropriation amount is requested in either bill. Both were sent to the House Finance Committee.
Sen. Jim Vickerman (DFL-Tracy) sponsors the companion bills, SF34 and SF171, respectively. Each awaits action by the Senate Environment and Natural Resources Committee.
Doling out resources
Omnibus environment and natural resources law also contains energy provisions
(view full story)
Published 6/1/2010
Definitions matter
Language for environment and energy spending called into question
(view full story)
Published 5/13/2010
Supplant or supplement?
Some think constitutionally dedicated funds may be filling traditional funding void
(view full story)
Published 4/29/2010
Sinking the law on sunken timber
DNR intends to let sleeping logs lie
(view full story)
Published 4/29/2010
Minnesota Index: Earth, wind and fire
Figures and statistics on Earth Day and the environment
(view full story)
Published 4/15/2010
Minnesota Index: Quality of life
Figures and statistics on Minnesota's quality of life
(view full story)
Published 3/25/2010
Talkin’ trash
PCA discovers interpreting the letter of the law isn’t easy
(view full story)
Published 3/18/2010
Land wHOa!
Audit suggests DNR has more land than they can manage
(view full story)
Published 3/11/2010
Safe Drug Disposal Act
Leftover drugs find their way to fish and teens
(view full story)
Published 2/11/2010
At Issue: Money for outdoors, arts gets green light
Legacy bill passes but still needs work
(view full story)
Published 5/29/2009
At Issue: Unearthing the state’s past
Legacy bill moves through final process quickly, awaits floor action
(view full story)
Published 5/8/2009
At Issue: Funding environment and energy
Conferees make additional spending cuts
(view full story)
Published 5/8/2009
First Reading: Wildfire in slow motion
Emerald ash borer ignites prevention policies
(view full story)
Published 5/1/2009
At Issue: Animal, vegetable, mineral … or chemical?
Toxic Free Kids Act survives House floor omnibus debate
(view full story)
Published 4/24/2009
At Issue: Control-alt-delete
Electronic waste collections called ‘too successful’
(view full story)
Published 4/10/2009
Minnesota Index: Extreme weather
Figures and statistics on weather records in Minnesota
(view full story)
Published 4/10/2009
At Issue: Spending new proceeds
Lessard Outdoor Heritage Council considers projects for new tax receipts
(view full story)
Published 2/6/2009