Subdivision 1. Establishment, development, maintenance and operation. In addition to other lawful authority, the commissioner of natural resources may establish, develop, maintain, and operate recreational areas, including but not limited to trails and state water trails, for the use and enjoyment of the public on any state-owned or leased land under the commissioner's jurisdiction. The commissioner may employ and designate individuals according to section 84.0835 to enforce laws governing the use of recreational areas. The commissioner may establish the recreational areas by written order published in the State Register.

Subd. 2. Acquiring land for trails. The commissioner may acquire, by gift, purchase, or lease, easements or other interests in land for trails, and recreational uses related to trails, where necessary to complete trails established primarily in state forests, state parks, or other public land under the jurisdiction of the commissioner, when railroad rights-of-way are abandoned, when the use of township roads is compatible with vehicular travel, or when needed to complete trails established by the legislature.

Subd. 3. Rulemaking exemption. Authority exercised by the commissioner according to this section is exempt from the rulemaking provisions of chapter 14 and section 14.386.

History: 1969 c 190 s 1,2; 1969 c 1129 art 10 s 2; 1973 c 713 s 1; 1975 c 353 s 13; 1986 c 444; 2003 c 128 art 1 s 13; 2004 c 221 s 3,4; 2004 c 260 s 2; 2007 c 131 art 1 s 2; 2010 c 361 art 4 s 82