Purpose of the Bill

The purpose of this bill is to establish a grant program aimed at promoting outdoor education and recreational activities specifically targeted at older adults. The program supports their engagement with natural resources and the outdoors, enhancing their well-being and quality of life.

Main Provisions

• Nature As We Age Grant Program: The bill mandates the creation and administration of a grant program by the commissioner of natural resources. This program will provide financial support for initiatives that offer outdoor education and recreation opportunities for older adults.
• Eligibility for Grants: Grants can be awarded to both public entities and private nonprofit organizations that propose projects aligned with the program's goals.
• Priority Considerations: When awarding grants, the program will prioritize projects that:
  1. Enable direct interaction with nature and the natural environment for older adults.
  2. Aim to serve a large number of participants.
  3. Focus on older adults with limited access to outdoor activities.
  4. Utilize public parks and natural resource venues and personnel.
  5. Include matching funds or in-kind resources.

Significant Changes

• This bill introduces a new grant program under Minnesota Statutes chapter 84, specifically targeting older adults and their participation in natural-resource-based outdoor activities, marking a new focus within the state's natural resources policies.
• The bill includes an appropriation from the general fund for fiscal year 2026 to support the grant program.

Relevant Terms

nature as we age grant program, older adults, natural resources, outdoor education, recreation, public parks, nonprofit organizations, matching funds, Minnesota Statutes chapter 84.