4 The Outdoors: Optimize the use of current funding

The Minnesota DNR strives to make the best use of every dollar, and we know there is always room for improvement. In 2023, DNR staff and leadership focused on the first 4 The Outdoors action, optimizing the use of current funding by:

• Maximizing flexibility within current funding
• Pursuing opportunities for improving efficiency
• Prioritizing funding for the most critical needs and those which will help reduce costs in the future
• Increasing accountability and transparency of investments and spending

Latest updates

Leveraging federal funds to improve the health of the Game and Fish Fund

In 2019, the federal government clarified that state spending on Payment in Lieu of Taxes (PILT) is eligible to be matched by Pittman-Robertson dollars. Using PILT as Pittman-Robertson matching dollars puts an additional $7 million annually into the Game and Fish Fund, which has improved the health of the fund dramatically.

In the 2023 Minnesota legislative session, lawmakers made investments in conservation that will allow the DNR to capture an additional $29.8 million in Pittman-Robertson dollars, further improving the health of the Game and Fish Fund.

Using one-time investments to optimize operational efficiencies

The DNR is working to modernize many of our systems, which improves our internal efficiency and the experience of Minnesotans. For example, our Parks and Trails Division moved away from payment boxes and transitioned to electronic payments to increase efficiency, improve customer service, and reduce costs in the permit fulfillment process. We are also currently in the process of updating the Electronic License System for hunting, fishing, and other licenses.

In addition, the DNR secured a transformative $150 million Get Out MORE (Modernize Outdoor Recreation Experiences) investment from the Minnesota Legislature and Governor Walz that is helping ensure Minnesotans of all abilities and interests enjoy a world-class recreation system. Get Out MORE funds critical improvements to infrastructure to enhance access and welcome new users to public lands, including investments in roads, trails, campgrounds, boat access, and stream restorations. These one-time investments will reduce annual maintenance costs and create operational efficiencies. For example, a number of the state's fish hatcheries were constructed in the 1950s and are still operating with original equipment. The $60 million in investments will move Minnesota toward a state-of-the-art fish hatchery system with safe and biosecure water supplies, increased fish production, and improved staff safety.