Background
In 2008, Minnesotan’s voted a Constitutional Amendment for 25 years of dependable funding for the environment. This allows for the type of long term ecological planning necessary to tackle complex issues.
WHAT YOU CAN DO to ensure wise use of constitutionally approved financing for the environment
The Lessard Outdoor Council was formed in early 2009 to address the constitutionally approved funds and to receive proposals and make decisions on funding environmentally protective projects. This website takes you to the latest activities of the Council. http://www.lohc.state.mn.us/ Native plant communities should be a cornerstone of long-term environmental protection and funding. The importance of this will be understood by the Council only when MNNPS members and others present them personal stories and well thought out science on the importance of our native plant communities. Urge them to make native plant communities a top priority in considering and ranking proposals. Consider working together with a MNNPS friend to send letters and attend and comment on Council hearings in 2010.
The Minnesota Conservation magazine has a great website, The Admendment.org that keeps track of where the money is spent. They are “keeping the spotlight shinning on the legislators in the 2009 session.” 250 million has been approved for conservation!
$60 million is raised in a given year, and this is funneled to the Outdoor Heritage Fund. The legacy fund battle is now over the definition of “restore, protect and enhance.” The legislature, driven by Rep. Jean Wagenius claim “protect” for example, can be interpreted broadly to include such things as educating people about the environment. The money was intented to be spent on the ground. Let your legislatures know how you want your tax money spent, and don’t let them stray far afield from the original intent of the legacy Amendment!!
Good News- The Upper Mississippi Forest was recommended for funding by the Lessard-Sams Outdoor Heritage Council and appproved! It is one of the largest conservation efforts ever, and encompasses 60,000 acres of wetlands and more than 280 miles of shore along lakes, rivers, and streams.
These information are going to help me with my presentations coming within a week. Many thanks, I’ll definitely credit you, lolz.
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