ST. PAUL, Minn. —This week, Senate Environment, Climate and Legacy Committee Chair Senator Foung Hawj (DFL-St. Paul) told a group of Greater Minnesota advocates that future expansion and improvements of parks and trails across Minnesota will require sustained effort and wide cooperation among lawmakers, advocates, local leaders, and state residents.
Sen. Hawj made his remarks during a panel discussion organized by Greater Minnesota Parks and Trails. The event was held at Robbins Island Regional park, which has benefitted from State Legacy funding.
“For generations, Minnesotans have always supported clean air and water, as well as access to our parks and trails for hiking and recreation,” said Senator Hawj. “But, in order to ensure expanded and improved parks and trails for Greater Minnesota residents, it will take sustained effort, investment, and cooperation across communities, across advocacy groups, and across party lines. I plan to continue to make it a priority in the coming years and I am urging Minnesotans to do so as well.”
Senator Hawj, who has chaired the Legacy Committee since 2023, said that in 2008, Minnesota voters passed the Clean Water, Land and Legacy Amendment (Legacy Amendment) to the Minnesota Constitution to: protect drinking water sources; to protect, enhance, and restore wetlands, prairies, forests, and fish, game, and wildlife habitat; to preserve arts and cultural heritage; to support parks and trails; and to protect, enhance, and restore lakes, rivers, streams, and groundwater.
With the Legacy Amendment once again on the ballot in 2034, he said there has to be an effort across Minnesota to pass it and ensure that it provides enough funding to ensure that parks and trails across the state, and especially in Greater Minnesota, remain available and accessible for everyone.
Senator Hawj was joined at the panel discussion by Senator Andrew Lang (R-Olivia), a member of the Environment, Climate and Legacy Committee. Both Senators also serve on the Lessard-Sams Outdoor Heritage Council.
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