Revenue Distribution

Natural Resources Fund

The Natural Resources Fund receives money from various fees and resources connected with natural resources management, such as snowmobile and ATV registration fees, proceeds from the sale of some surplus state land, and fines for certain natural resources-related violations. Beginning in 2000, the legislature dedicated a portion of lottery revenues to this fund.

For fiscal year 2009, 36.2 percent of the in-lieu-of-sales tax on lottery tickets is dedicated to the Natural Resources Fund. By law, 45 percent of this money must be spent on state parks and trails; another 45 percent must be spent on parks and trails in the Twin Cities metropolitan area; 6 percent on local trails; and 4 percent on the Duluth, Como, and Apple Valley zoos. The law further states that this money “may not be used as a substitute for traditional sources of funding” but is to be used to supplement existing programs.

Metro Parks and Trails - $4,570,000

This grant is to the Metropolitan Council for maintenance and operations at metropolitan area regional parks and trails.

State Park Operations - $3,996,000

These funds will allow the DNR to restore camping and day use in state parks, make camping available in the spring and fall, provide facility maintenance and security, and partially fund winter operations.

State Trail Operations - $742,000

Local Trails - $655,000

Through this program, the DNR will make grants to local units of government for trails. The local governments must agree to maintain the trails for at least 20 years.

Como Zoo and Conservatory - $135,000

Duluth Zoo - $135,000

Minnesota Zoological Gardens - $137,000