User fees for state parks, fishing and hunting licenses, and motorized vehicles can’t reasonably keep pace with cost increases while also ensuring the Minnesota DNR can appropriately steward resources and provide open and affordable access to the outdoors for everyone. The DNR wants to make sure impact of uses aligns with cost of those uses and that we do not price the public out of access to public spaces.
Latest updates
- Public input opportunity
The DNR is currently seeking public input on the “Explore the use and application of fees” action step via our public engagement portal Investing in Minnesota’s Outdoor Resources | Engage with DNR | Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Scroll to the bottom of the page for the questionnaire, which is open through August 20, 2025. Your input will help us better understand how people think about the role of fees to support Minnesota’s natural resources and outdoor recreation, and how we can improve our fee structure and how fees are collected.
- Outdoor Recreation Endorsement Model
As part of the action to “Explore the use and application of fees” the DNR proposed the idea of an outdoor recreation endorsement model linked to the purchase of Minnesota license plate tabs. The legislature directed the agency to draft statute establishing a license plate endorsement model, allowing reduced state park vehicle entrance fees. Predicted higher sales will support state parks and other areas of DNR’s work.
The DNR’s report is due by January 15, 2026, and will outline the benefits of allowing people to voluntarily purchase a state parks’ pass when they register or review their vehicle license plate tabs. Future updates on this effort can be found on the “Secure stable and predictable base and operational funding” page (ADD LINK).
Share your thoughts and ideas
Look for input opportunities by visiting our digital engagement portal Investing in Minnesota’s Outdoor Resources | Engage with DNR | Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. There you can learn more about the 4 The Outdoors initiative, ask questions, access any active questionnaires, and sign up for email updates.