Lease School Trust Land for Construction Aggregate Resources

From land available, to mining (gravel pit), to use of materials (roads), to money for schools, and finally reclamation of land

 

Construction Aggregates

For nearly 150 years, school trust land has been used to generate revenue for Minnesota's public schools. Identification and development of construction aggregate resources (sand and gravel) provide one such opportunity. The DNR offers leases, called earth material leases, to private entities and local governments for the commercial production of sand, gravel, crushed stone and landscape stone. Fees from school trust leases create revenue that benefits Minnesota's school children. The lessee pays a specific fee, called a royalty, for every unit of weight (ton) or volume (cubic yard) of material taken off the property.

 

Image of different aggregate sizes

School Trust Aggregate Finder Map

Launch the web map to view school trust land with high aggregate resource potential.
Aggregate Finder Web Map »

Common map symbol for aggregate pit.

How to lease School Trust Aggregate

View 7 common steps for getting a DNR construction aggregate lease.
7 Steps to Lease »

Graphic showing sections 16 and 36 from a typical township. These sections were initially given to fund schools in Minnesota.

Minnesota School Trust Lands

Learn more about the little known public lands that benefit Minnesota's public schools.
Minnesota's School Trust Lands »

View of active gravel pit

Earth Materials Lease Status

Status of active state earth material lease sites on all school trust lands.
Aggregate Finder »

Graphic showing revenue on state aggregate leases since 2000.

Economic Opportunity

Since 2000, leases for School Trust construction aggregate have generated 7.86 million dollars.
View school trust aggregate leasing status »


If you would like to learn more about construction aggregate leasing opportunities, please contact:

Aggregate Leasing Program
Nic Borchardt

Lands and Minerals Division
500 Lafayette Road
St. Paul, MN 55155-4045
Tel: 651-259-5958

Disclaimer: The DNR does not operate a retail business to sell stone products or construction aggregates. However, if you have a question regarding a request to purchase commercial quantities of materials from our lessees, we will provide contact information to you for our lessees. Please send an email inquiry for more information.

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