Subd. 1. Definition.

For purposes of this section, "unit of government" means a county, statutory or home rule charter city, or town.

Subd. 2. Parks and outdoor recreation areas.

The commissioner shall administer a program to provide grants to units of government for up to 50 percent of the costs or $50,000, whichever is less, of acquisition and betterment of public land and improvements needed for parks and other outdoor recreation areas and facilities.

Subd. 3.

Repealed by amendment, 1995 c 220 s 68

Subd. 4.

Repealed by amendment, 1995 c 220 s 68

Subd. 4a. Natural and scenic areas.

The commissioner shall administer a program to provide grants to units of government and school districts for the acquisition and betterment of natural and scenic areas such as blufflands, prairies, shorelands, wetlands, and wooded areas. A grant may not exceed 50 percent or $500,000, whichever is less, of the costs of acquisition and betterment of land acquired under this subdivision.

Subd. 5. Powers; rules.

The commissioner has all powers necessary and convenient to implement this section, including the authority to adopt rules for the program under chapter 14.