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<br /> . A HISTORY, PURPOSE AND SUMMARY OF H.F. #1757 <br /> Because tourism, specifically trail us~s essential to the economic well-being of the State <br /> of Minnesota; several community, C/ business, governmental, tourism and trail user <br /> organizations are working together to insure the continued use of state-wide, multi-use <br /> trails and trail systems through the introduction of new legislation. <br /> This proposed legislation H.F. #1757 brings Minnesota law in line with the vast majority <br /> of states in the snowbelt, particularly those who depend on outdoor recreation for <br /> significant economic development. <br /> In essence, H.F. #1757 would limit liability of private landowners who without charge allow <br /> recreational use of their property. Currently, Minnesota law discourages these same <br /> landowners from opening-up or continuing recreational use of their land for uses such <br /> as snowmobiling, hiking, skiing, horseback riding, bicycling, etc... <br /> State and local governments and for-profit enterprises alone can not provide adequate <br /> outdoor recreational opportunities for the public. Free use of private land has helped to <br /> fill the gap. <br /> H.F. #1757 addresses and corrects this issue. It limits liability to conduct intended to <br /> . cause injury, and it requires that the landowner grant in writing an easement or other <br /> property right before any such property right may be inferred from letting others use the <br /> land for recreational purposes. H.F. #1757 also provides for costs and attorney's fees to <br /> be awarded to the landowner if any frivolous lawsuit is brought against the landowner. <br /> H.F. #1757 is authored by Representative Mary Jo McGuire in the House of <br /> Representatives. Similar legislation will soon be introduced in the Senate. The following <br /> organizations have endorsed H.F. #1757: <br /> MN USA (snowmobiling) <br /> Minnesota Park & Trails Council <br /> Minnesota Horse Council <br /> Minnesota Recreation Coalition <br /> Minnesota Mountain Bikers Association <br /> Minnesota Civil Justice Coalition <br /> Minnesota 4 X 4 Association <br /> Minnesota DNR <br /> Minnesota Motel Association <br /> Minnesota Association of Campground Operators <br /> The Hibbing Area Chamber of Commerce <br /> The Grand Rapids Area Chamber of Commerce <br /> The Lake Superior Trail Association <br /> . <br />