A look at the Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund
On Tuesday, Nov. 5, Minnesota voters will have the opportunity to renew a constitutional amendment established in 1988 that dedicates lottery funding for the Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund (ENRTF).
The money in the ENRTF allocates funding for the purpose of protection, conservation, preservation, and enhancement of the state’s air, water, land, fish, wildlife, and other natural resources.
The Legislative-Citizen Commission on Minnesota Resources (LCCMR), made up of 17 members: five Senators, five Representatives, five citizens appointed by the governor, one citizen appointed by the Senate, and one citizen appointed by the House, oversees the funding recommendations to the legislature for special environment and natural resources projects.
Since 1991, the ENRTF has provided over $1 billion in funding to over 1,700 projects across the state, including many in the northeast region.
More recently, in 2023, ENRTF funding included the University of Minnesota Duluth – Large Lakes Observatory to study sinking and suspended microplastic particles in Lake Superior, Sugarloaf The North Shore Stewardship Association for forestry research and implementation, and the Superior Hiking Trail Association to address erosion along high use river loops.
What voters will see on the ballot:
Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund Renewal
Shall the Minnesota Constitution be amended to protect drinking water sources and the water quality of lakes, rivers, and streams; conserve wildlife habitat and natural areas; improve air quality; and expand access to parks and trails by extending the transfer of proceeds from the state-operated lottery to the environment and natural resources trust fund, and to dedicate the proceeds for these purposes?
Yes
No
Failure to vote on a constitutional amendment has the same effect as voting no on the amendment.
WTIP’s Kalli Hawkins spoke with Minnesotans For Our Great Outdoors Campaign Director Marcus Starr, about the history of the ENRTF and the renewal of the constitutional amendment.
Kalli Hawkins November 3, 2024
