This bill appropriates funds from the parks and trails fund to support various initiatives related to state parks, recreation areas, and trails in Minnesota. Specifically, it allocates $25,802,000 for fiscal year 2026 and $26,920,000 for fiscal year 2027 to the commissioner of natural resources for activities aimed at connecting people to the outdoors, acquiring land, maintaining existing holdings, and improving cooperation with partners to implement a long-range parks and trails legacy plan. Additionally, it designates $12,901,000 in fiscal year 2026 and $13,460,000 in fiscal year 2027 for grants to support regional parks and trails outside the seven-county metropolitan area, with specific criteria for funding based on recommendations from the Greater Minnesota Regional Parks and Trails Commission.

Furthermore, the bill includes appropriations for coordination efforts among various agencies, with $652,000 in fiscal year 2026 and $679,000 in fiscal year 2027 allocated for projects that enhance web-based information for park users and support the Parks and Trails Legacy Advisory Committee. It also extends the availability of grants for several specific projects, including the Cannon Valley Trail, Beaver Island Trail, and others, until June 30, 2027. The bill emphasizes the importance of regional significance in funding decisions and requires the Greater Minnesota Regional Parks and Trails Commission to submit project recommendations and funding criteria to legislative committees by January 15, 2026.