Funding what matters to Minnesotans
The Minnesota DNR’s 4 The Outdoors initiative is built on the foundation of innovation and collaboration. We are working with diverse groups of stakeholders and Minnesotans who want to secure stable and appropriate funding for conservation and outdoor recreation for generations to come. You can help us achieve this goal.
In partnership with Minnesotans, the DNR identified 4 action steps we can collectively take over 4 years to achieve funding stability and sustainability. We have already made solid progress on these actions; you can click on the text below for the latest updates:
The challenge
While Minnesotans continually demonstrate their support for the environment and outdoors, Minnesota’s current natural resources funding system can’t sustainably support the conservation efforts, natural resource management, and outdoor recreation opportunities we value for the future.
For example, Minnesota’s state budget typically allocates less than 2.5% of total spending to support the work of all the state’s environmental and agriculture agencies, including the Minnesota DNR, Minnesota Pollution Control Agency, the Minnesota Department of Agriculture and related entities.
Additionally, user fees for state parks and fishing and hunting licenses can’t reasonably keep pace with cost increases while ensuring the Minnesota DNR can appropriately steward resources and provide open and affordable access to the outdoors everyone.
The vision
Through a year-long public engagement process in 2021, a shared vision for funding the future of outdoor recreation and conservation emerged. This vision included four guideposts:
Future generations benefit from sustained and improved outdoor recreation experiences and conservation of natural resources.
Minnesotans work together to support diverse outdoor recreation opportunities and conservation of our state’s natural features.
Conservation and outdoor recreation opportunities equitably meet the needs of all Minnesotans.
Conservation and outdoor recreation align with and are integrated into Minnesota’s state priorities.
The solutions
Guided by the vision that emerged in 2021 and working with a diverse cross-section of Minnesotans, the DNR identified 4 steps in 4 years that we can collectively take to secure stable and predictable funding for natural resources and outdoor recreation:
Progress on any one of these actions will help Minnesota advance on the path toward our goal. Progress on all four actions is critical to fully realize the vision of what Minnesotans want for the future. These actions require a shared effort on the part of Minnesota DNR, its partners, legislators, nonprofits, and environmental organizations.
Get involved
Learn more
Find out more about the 4 The Outdoors effort and action steps by exploring information on our website and Engage with DNR page. You can also read the full 4 The Outdoors Report, which was created with public input to identify a shared vision for the future of natural resources management and outdoor recreation and the actions needed to achieve that vision.
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.
4 The Outdoors in the Media
Minnesota considers linking state park pass to vehicle registration
- Minneapolis StarTribune
DNR seeking your innput on natural resource fee
- KFGO
Minnesota DNR commissioner reviews first year of state's '4 The Outdoors' plan
- Outdoor News
Minnesota DNR: We need a new way to fund the outdoors
- Duluth News Tribune
Anderson: Minnesota DNR commissioner says no plan to raise state park or hunting, fishing license fees
- Minneapolis StarTribune