Active military personnel in any branch or unit of the United States Armed Forces and veterans with a service-related disability are now eligible to receive a free year-round vehicle permit, providing unlimited access to all 75 Minnesota state parks and recreation areas.

These new benefits were proposed by the Department of Natural Resources and approved by state lawmakers during the 2017 Minnesota legislative session.

“We are grateful to the men and women who have served in the military,” said DNR Commissioner Tom Landwehr. “Providing free access to Minnesota state parks is just one way to thank them for their service and sacrifice.”

To see all of the licenses, permits and passes that are available to military personnel and veterans, and the form of identification that an individual needs to show, visit www.mndnr.gov.

The DNR is recognized as a Yellow Ribbon Company for its support of active and retired military personnel and their families.

“We invite active military personnel and veterans with a service-related disability to come get their free permit over the Fourth of July weekend,” said Erika Rivers, director of Minnesota state parks and trails. “Minnesota state parks and recreation areas offer a firework-free environment for those who want to celebrate the holiday in peace and quiet.”

A list of especially quiet getaways is included in the summer guide on the Parks and Trails website.

For more information, contact the DNR Information Center at info.dnr@state.mn.us or call 651-296-6157 or 888-646-6367. The information center is open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Friday and 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday.