Minnesota is more than the land of 10,000 lakes. Winding rivers, creeks and streams, prairie wetlands, and unique bog environments all contribute to amazing water resources within and along the states borders. Depending on where a drop of rain falls it may start a journey across one of three continental watersheds. These tremendous water resources come with great responsibility.
Clean water is a primary advocacy goal of MNCF as it touches all other areas of our work.
Minnesota is a nationwide leader in agricultural production. The state’s working lands are an economic engine that supports communities in all corners of Minnesota. Adoption of sustainable agricultural practices such as the utilization of cover crops, no till practices, and the utilization of best management practices can have huge implications for water quality in Minnesota. MWF engages with state agencies, local Soil and Water Conservation Districts, National Wildlife Federation partners and others as we seek to reduce the impact of agriculture on water quality while utilizing the rich resources the states lands have to offer.
Minnesota is fortunate to have number of sources of funding that have clean water impacts across the state. MWF works to elevate the success these funds have in achieving clean water outcomes for people and wildlife. Minnesotas Legacy Amendment and the recently renewed Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund, as approved by the voters of the state, provide valuable resources for those engaging in clean water work. Oversight of the use of these funds is necessary and MWF is part of that process.
MWF Executive Director Brad Gausman represents statewide Hunting organizations as a voting member of the states Clean Water Council. The council makes bi-annual recommendations to the legislature on how to spend funds raised through Minnesotas Clean Water, Land, and Legacy Amendment.
Clean water is necessary wether one runs, swims, flies, or is kept firmly in place by its roots.
Clean water for people means that Minnesotans should be able to drink clean water from a municipal water system or have the tools to know with confidence that their private well pumping clean healthy water. Clean water for people means that the lakes and rivers people recreate on are swimmable and fishable and that fish that are caught are healthy to eat.
Clean water for wildlife means that fish have healthy aquatic ecosystems, that waterfowl have healthy habitats to live, and that all plants and animals have healthy water to thrive.
