The Department of Natural Resources reminds state park visitors, snowmobilers and ATV riders that fee increases will go into effect July 1.
However, the cost of fishing and hunting licenses, including deer licenses, won't increase until 2018.
"I want to thank the many Minnesotans and state lawmakers who supported these modest increases in parks, snowmobile, all-terrain vehicle, hunting and fishing fees during the recent legislative session," said Commissioner Tom Landwehr in a news release. "These fees will help maintain quality outdoor experiences for now and for future generations. We are fortunate to live in a state that offers such great outdoor opportunities and passionate citizenry that supports those resources."
One-day state park vehicle permits will increase $2 to $7 and year-round vehicle permits will increase $10 to $35. These fees have not changed in more than a decade, and the increases were needed to continue to provide quality facilities and services at these important places at a level that maintains their nation-leading status, the state reported.
Also effective July 1, the fee to register all-terrain vehicles and snowmobiles will increase and a $15 license will be required for ice shelters that do not collapse, fold or disassemble.
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"ATV and snowmobile clubs throughout the state provide a large and well-maintained system of trails throughout Minnesota," Landwehr said. "These trails are supported in large part by the user fees that contribute to the state's grant-in-aid trail systems. High-quality trails give snowmobilers and other motorized recreation enthusiasts a reason to travel, which bolsters tourism and strengthens local economies in Minnesota."
Visit www.mndnr.gov/parks_trails/feedetails.html for a list of all the parks and trails fees that are changing.
Effective with the 2018 license year, the cost for some fishing and hunting licenses will rise. The cost of a resident fishing license will increase $3, from $22 to $25, and a resident deer license will increase $4, from $30 to $34. Go to www.mndnr.gov/LicenseDollarsAtWork for a complete list of license fee increases.
These increases won't build fish and wildlife programs, but do ensure that fish stocking will not be reduced; deer management and research will continue at current levels; and nuisance wildlife and wildlife damage complaints will be answered in a timely manner.
For more information, contact the DNR Information Center at info.dnr@state.mn.us or 888-646-6367 from 8 a.m.-8 p.m. Monday through Friday and 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturday.
