HF3643

Purpose

Establishes a new state park, the Melissa and Mark Hortman Memorial State Park, in Ramsey County (St. Paul). The park is designed to preserve and provide public access to state land within a defined area, with emphasis on historic and cultural purposes in addition to natural features.

Establishment and Boundaries

• Creates the Melissa and Mark Hortman Memorial State Park in Ramsey County, within the city of St. Paul.
• Provides a detailed boundary description that follows specific streets and landmarks in central St. Paul, outlining the exact area the park will cover.

Access and Fees

• A state park permit is not required.
• No entry fee may be charged for entry into the Melissa and Mark Hortman Memorial State Park.

Management and Governance

• The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) administers all state land within the park boundary the same as other state parks.
• Specific authority over buildings and monuments within the park is split among agencies:
  • Buildings: The Commissioner of Administration and the Minnesota Historical Society retain authority to manage state buildings located within the park at the time of establishment. They may modify, demolish, or construct buildings as allowed by law, with input from the DNR.
  • Monuments and interpretive structures: The Commissioner of Natural Resources, with input from the Capitol Area Architectural and Planning Board (CAPAB), controls all state monuments within the park and may erect and maintain additional monuments, informational kiosks, and other structures for interpretive, educational, or administrative purposes. The park can be managed for historic and cultural purposes, and development is not limited to facilities only necessary to complement natural features.
• The act emphasizes historic and cultural purposes alongside natural features in guiding park development.

Reporting and Implementation

• By January 15, 2027, the DNR, in consultation with CAPAB, the Commissioner of Administration, and the Minnesota Historical Society, must submit a report with recommendations for implementing the act and any needed statutory changes to legislative chairs and ranking minority members.

Notable Provisions and Implications

• The park is a new state property with a defined geographic area and a governance framework that integrates multiple state entities (DNR, CAPAB, Administration, Minnesota Historical Society).
• Entry is free, and there is no permit requirement, removing typical fee structures for visitors.
• The bill allows for a broader set of uses focused on history and culture, in addition to natural features, guiding future developments and educational programming within the park.
• A formal implementation plan and potential statutory changes are to be reported to the Legislature within two years.

Relevant Terms - Melissa and Mark Hortman Memorial State Park - Ramsey County - St. Paul - state park permit - entry fee - boundary description / boundaries - Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) - Capitol Area Architectural and Planning Board (CAPAB) - Commissioner of Administration - Minnesota Historical Society - state monuments - monuments, informational kiosks, interpretive structures - historic and cultural purposes - Minnesota Statutes 2024 section 85.012 - Minnesota Statutes 2024 section 85.054 - management report due January 15, 2027 - statutory changes and implementation