Subdivision 1.Establishment, development, maintenance, and operation.

In addition to other lawful authority, the commissioner of natural resources may establish, develop, maintain, and operate recreational areas, including but not limited to trails and state water trails, for the use and enjoyment of the public on any state-owned or leased land under the commissioner’s jurisdiction. The commissioner may employ and designate individuals according to section 84.0835 to enforce laws governing the use of recreational areas. The commissioner may establish the recreational areas by written order published in the State Register.

Subd. 2.Acquiring land for trails.

The commissioner may acquire, by gift, purchase, or lease, easements or other interests in land for trails, and recreational uses related to trails, where necessary to complete trails established primarily in state forests, state parks, or other public land under the jurisdiction of the commissioner, when railroad rights-of-way are abandoned, when the use of township roads is compatible with vehicular travel, or when needed to complete trails established by the legislature.

Subd. 3.Rulemaking exemption.

Terms Used In Minnesota Statutes 84.029

  • Gift: A voluntary transfer or conveyance of property without consideration, or for less than full and adequate consideration based on fair market value.
  • Jurisdiction: (1) The legal authority of a court to hear and decide a case. Concurrent jurisdiction exists when two courts have simultaneous responsibility for the same case. (2) The geographic area over which the court has authority to decide cases.
  • Lease: A contract transferring the use of property or occupancy of land, space, structures, or equipment in consideration of a payment (e.g., rent). Source: OCC
  • state: extends to and includes the District of Columbia and the several territories. See Minnesota Statutes 645.44

Authority exercised by the commissioner according to this section is exempt from the rulemaking provisions of chapter 14 and section 14.386.