Minnesota Conservation Officer Tales

Starting July 1, the horse trail pass that is required on horse trails within Minnesota state parks, state forests, state trails, and state recreation areas no longer needs to be displayed while riding. The pass is still required, however, to be in the immediate possession of each rider and available for inspection by enforcement officers. 

Proceeds from sale of the horse trail pass assists the DNR in addressing horse trail needs in the state-owned areas where the pass is required. Funds from the pass are used to maintain and rehabilitate existing horse trails, and to acquire and develop horse trails and horse trail facilities, said Grant Scholen of the DNR Trails and Waterways Division.

“Sales of the Minnesota horse trail pass, which became effective in 2007, generated approximately $127,000 last year,” said Scholen. “These funds are being used for horse trail improvements at state-owned facilities.”

Horse trail and facility improvements to be completed in 2008 include:

• Forestville State Park - replace two vault toilets in the horse campground
• St. Croix State Forest - develop trail orientation signs for the horse trail system
• Richard J. Dorer Hardwood Memorial State Forest, Zumbro Bottoms Unit - rehabilitate sections of horse trail
• Maplewood State Park - rehabilitate sections of horse trail
• Richard J. Dorer Hardwood Memorial State Forest, Hay Creek Unit - rehabilitate sections of horse trail and day-use parking lot
• Upper Sioux Agency State Park - rehabilitate sections of horse trail.

The annual horse trail pass fee is $21 for the calendar year it is purchased in. The daily horse trail pass fee is $5.

The pass is required for anyone 16 years of age and older riding on horse trails in state forests, on state trails, in state parks and in state recreation areas. Riders must possess a signed pass when riding horse trails in these areas.

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/licenses/agents.html.

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