School trust lands are publicly owned and managed yet have a different legal purpose than other public lands. They were established in the state constitution to be held in trust for a single and specific purpose—to generate revenue for Minnesota's public schools.
Revenue on school trust lands is generated from three major categories—mineral leasing and royalty payments, forest management activities, and real estate transactions. The total net revenue is equal to gross revenues generated after the deduction of operating costs.
Minnesota’s school trust lands are largely open to the public for responsible recreational activities including boating, camping, hiking, hunting, mountain biking, off-highway vehicle (OHV) use, rock hounding, skiing and snowmobiling.
