The principal intent of this document is to improve intergovernmental cooperation on recreational enhancement projects along Minnesota trunk highways. While state highway rights-of-way are less than 0.3 percent of total Minnesota public land ownership, these corridors are often the most visible public property, and frequently adjoin or provide access to recreational land owned by other governmental units. Timely and systematic interagency recreational planning will maximize utilization of public lands and funds, particularly when proposals can be integrated into the trunk highway project development process at an early stage.
Authority for this planning effort is derived from Section 4 of the 1986 State Transportation Act (Minnesota Statute §160.81), as amended in 1987 (see appendix A for text of legislation). The legislation—which will subsequently be referred to as Highways in Recreation Areas (HIRA)—designated the Minnesota Department of Transportation (Mn/DOT) and the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) as lead agencies. In addition to Mn/DOT and the DNR, public agencies with significant potential for involvement in HIRA partnerships include the U.S. Forest Service, the National Park Service, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the Minnesota Historical Society, local governments, and others.
