| On May 24, 2006 the Governor of Minnesota signed into law* legislation whereby the state will be able to acquire 2,840 acres of the University's UMore Park property in 25 years in conjunction with its support for the University’s construction of a new Gopher football stadium at approximately $10.25 million each year for the 25 years. The transaction was part of a legislative compromise that increased the state’s support for the stadium, and reduced the fees that would have been assessed to students to help build the stadium.
The University and the state’s Department of Natural Resources will jointly oversee use of the parcel for 25 years – the scheduled duration of state payments to the University. Assuming no default, the land then comes under ownership of the state in 2032 and is permanently protected for public use.
The University retains its right to use the land for its research, education and engagement mission in perpetuity. The Board of Regents approved a land/stadium plan at a special meeting March 27, 2006, with the goal of ultimately creating this large metropolitan nature reserve while also providing funds for an on-campus football stadium. The University has long recognized the southern most portion of the 7,686-acre property as an ecological jewel that should be preserved as it integrates into the fabric of the larger property and the surrounding region. Through this special relationship, the University and the state can provide green space in the midst of a growing metropolitan area, for recreation, learning and beauty.
University and Department of Natural Resources representatives began meeting in June 2006 to formulate a joint oversight plan for the property.
Mandated Report to the State Legislature
The mandated report to the state legislature "Creating Common Ground," which was transmitted on Jan. 22, 2007, describes the cooperative management of a 2,840-acre parcel of the UMore Park property by the University of Minnesota and the state Department of Natural Resources (DNR), pursuant to 2006 Minnesota Law, Chapter 247. The report also addresses short- and longer-term programmatic plans for development of the land.
_____
*Minnesota Laws 2006, Chapter 247 (Minnesota Statutes Sections 137.50 – 137.52 and 137.54 include all language specific to the University’s UMore Park property).
| 
