Teachers Retirement Association

The Minnesota State Retirement System administers 10 different retirement plans that provide retirement, survivor and disability benefit coverage for Minnesota state employees, as well as employees of the metropolitan council and nonfaculty employees at the University of Minnesota. It covers over 50,000 active employees and pays monthly benefits to more than 20,000 retirees, survivors and disabled employees. In addition, the system administers deferred compensation and health care savings plans. It administers correctional, state patrol and unclassified plans. The system s state patrol retirement plan covers public safety officers. Its judges' retirement plan covers district and appellate court judges, as well as judges of Minnesota Supreme Court. The Minnesota State Retirement System is located in St. Paul, Minn.

PERA serves over 250,000 current and former public employees from over 2,000 local units of government throughout the state of Minnesota.

Founded in 1931, the MN Department of Natural Resources operates fish and wildlife, forestry and ecological resources divisions. It offers a range of recreational activities, including biking, boating, fishing, hunting and horse riding. The department operates a forestry division that works for improving the health and productivity of private and public forestlands. The MN Department of Natural Resources lands and minerals division manages mineral exploration and mine development projects for state-owned and tax-fortified lands. It also protects and regulates state's wildlife resources. The department enforces natural resource laws for hunting, sport fishing and trapping activities. In addition, the MN Department of Natural Resources operates a management system of recreational trails and public water access.