The Minnesota DNR has worked with partners and other agencies to explore options to shore up base funding for conservation and outdoor recreation across the state. Some potential strategies explored include:
- Creating a license plate endorsement model that can be purchased when registering or renewing vehicle license plate tabs providing a convenient, low-cost way to access state parks and recreation areas.
- Increase and guarantee a portion of the general fund for conservation and outdoor recreation.
- Implement an excise tax on outdoor equipment dedicated to the DNR and the environment.
- Link funding and policy decisions more closely to the economic benefits of conservation and outdoor recreation.
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- Outdoor Recreation Endorsement Model
In 2025, the DNR successfully presented the idea of an outdoor recreation endorsement model to the Minnesota legislature. The legislature directed the agency to draft a legislative report and 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 Outdoor Recreation Endorsement Report outlines the benefits of allowing people to voluntarily purchase a state parks’ pass when they register or review their vehicle license plate tabs. The endorsement would be reflected on the tab and allow entrance to any of Minnesota’s state parks or recreation areas for a year.
With more than five million registered vehicles in Minnesota, the opt-in endorsement would be an easy way to encourage more people to buy parks passes and at a much lower price than the current annual pass. The concept for this model is used in several other states like Colorado, Idaho, Montana, and Michigan. The Recreation Passport that was implemented nearly 15 years ago in Michigan has been particularly successful. The $15 pass has a 36 percent participation rate and generates millions of dollars that support natural resources management and outdoor recreation.