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MN DOT's responsibilities is the administration of the Great River Road Program in the State. The purpose of the program i's to provide a recreational highway from Lake Itasca to the Gulf of Mexico, and supply the necessary fund- ing for acquisition of easements and recreational improvements. The route which has been designated includes Hennepin County Road 12 and Trunk Highway 169 through the City of Champlin. MN DOT also has highway wayside reat areas, such as Daytonport in Ramsey, which, because of its size and location, serve a broader function than just the highway traveler. In addition, the Highway Department now considers trails as part of the transportation system, and is therefore funding bicycle trails adjacent to some of their existing and pro- posed highways. The State also has a system of wildlife areas and parks. Metropolitan Council - The Metropolitan Council's role in meeting park and recreational needs is limited basically to planning. The Metropolitan Council is concerned with regional park needs, regional trails, and special features such as undeveloped river islands. The Council is responsible for prioritizing regional acquisition and improvement programs, and reviews all LAWCON and SNR applications. Of particular importance to the CAR communities is the Trail Policy Plan which has designated trails on both sides of the Missis§ippi River. The communities are responsible for determining the specific location of these trails. County - The Anoka County Park and Recreational Department and the Hennepin County Park Reserve District administer programs which attempt to meet the regional park needs. Generally, the parks which are part of the regional park system are 100 acres or larger. Both counties have a program similar to the state for providing bicycle trails adjacent to county roads. At the -31 -