5/30/2007

New horse trail pass required on state trails

A Horse Trail Pass, designed to generate funds for trail rehabilitation and maintenance, is now required on required on horse trails within state parks, state forests, state trails and state recreation areas. The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) began administering the Horse Trail Pass on Jan. 1.

Proceeds from sale of the Horse Trail Pass will assist the DNR in addressing horse trail needs in the state-owned areas where the pass is required. Funds from the pass will be deposited in a dedicated account and used to acquire and develop trails and trail facilities, and to maintain and rehabilitate existing horse trails, said Grant Scholen of the DNR Trails and Waterways Division.

"Monies from the horse trail pass will provide a great opportunity for the DNR and the horse trail riding community to work together to establish new riding opportunities and improve those that currently exist," Scholen said. "We are excited about the ability to improve upon an already great statewide system of trail riding opportunities."

The annual Horse Trail Pass fee is $21 for one year beginning Jan. 1 and ending Dec. 31. The fee for a daily horse trail pass is $5.

The pass is required for anyone 16 years of age and older riding on state trails, in state forests, and in state parks and recreation areas. Riders must possess a signed pass and visibly display the pass on their person or horse tack.

Horse passes can be purchased from DNR Electronic License System vendors across the state. These are the same vendors who sell fishing and hunting licenses.

To find an agent, visit the DNR Web site at www.dnr.state.mn.us.

For more information, visit the DNR Web site at www.dnr.state.mn.us or call the DNR Information Center at (651) 296-6157 or toll free 1-888-MINNDNR (646-6367).