Greetings All,

In the depths of winter, our family made guesses on the calendar as to when we would see the last snowflakes of the year here in Hermantown. I’m feeling pretty good about my guess of May 1st, but we had confirmed flakes flying just yesterday, so who knows. We are certainly ready for spring to fully arrive. If hoping for spring to arrive is of interest to you, I would consider getting a puppy in February. It worked for us!

This past month has been really exciting for the Minnesota Wildlife Federation as we announced our new partnership with the Minnesota Foraging Alliance. I have personally had a fantastic time meeting foragers and getting to know more about foraging in Minnesota. Read on for more information about this exciting collaboration.

Dedicated conservation funding is important in Minnesota for many reasons. At the moment, significant funding from the Outdoor Heritage Fund and Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund is in jeopardy. The end of the legislative session is coming up soon, and if action isn’t taken, critical dollars won’t be available to support conservation work across Minnesota.

More information is included below about how to get in touch with your elected representatives.

I can’t wait to get into the woods for a planned trip next weekend that conveniently aligns with the fishing opener. I hope you find time to do the same.

Yours in Conservation,

Brad Gausman

Executive Director

The Minnesota Wildlife Federation is excited to announce that we have joined forces with the Minnesota Foraging Alliance (MNFA) to better engage with foraging communities across the state.

Foraging is growing in popularity. As more folks engage in foraging, a need is arising to better understand the current status of rules and regulations for forageable items and where foraging is allowed on public lands. MWF has worked alongside foraging partners in the creation of the recent Minnesota Sustainable Foraging Task Force and submitted testimony regarding SF4737 — the Minnesota Foraging Act.

Two experienced foragers, Leya Charles and Alan Toczydlowski, have joined our board of directors and co-chair our new Foraging Committee.

Stay tuned for more to come regarding this exciting development for the Minnesota Wildlife Federation!

Researchers at the University of Minnesota are working to better understand foraging practices in Ramsey county.

Whether you find foraging access in the county or reside there and forage elsewhere you are encouraged to contribute to research efforts by completing a quick survey.

Some respondents will be selected to continue engaging in future research opportunities which involve mini foraging forays!

The 2026 MWF Conservation Leadership Academy program wrapped up this month with a day spent in St. Paul that gave student participants an up-close look at how conservation work gets done through the efforts of the legislature and state agencies.

After a historical tour of the Capitol building itself, the group learned about the role of a Legislative Assistant and how best to effectively communicate with elected leaders. A lunch alongside government relations staff from Conservation Minnesota, The Trust for Public Land, The Minnesota Land Trust, and Park Street Public provided an opportunity to chat with lobbyists who are engaged with the legislature and active on conservation issues on a daily basis.

A trip to the capital city also provided the group with the chance to visit state agencies active in conservation. Staff from the Board of Water and Soil Resources, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency, and the Minnesota Clean Water Council all shared their roles in conservation while providing insight into how to make conservation a career.

Since 2019, the Minnesota Wildlife Federation Conservation Leadership Academy has provided over 50 college students in Minnesota with an opportunity to experience hunting and fishing activities while also learning about career opportunities with volunteer conservation mentors.

Thanks to the following organizations for their financial support of the 2026 CLA program!

-Lake City Sportsman Club

-Snake River Valley Conservation Club

-Frontenac Sportsman Club

-New Brighton Sportsman Club

-The Outdoor News

Funds raised through Minnesota’s Clean Water, Land and Legacy Amendment provide critical funding for conservation projects across Minnesota. From water quality monitoring to public land acquisitions and restorations, Legacy funds positively impact both people and wildlife.

Members of the Lessard-Sams Outdoor Heritage Council meet regularly to review and recommend projects for receiving Legacy Amendment funding through a robust process that includes members of the public and legislature. After reviewing proposals and making their recommendations, the LSOHC shares its recommended funding priorities with legislative leaders. Then it is up to the legislature to finalize the funding by reviewing the efforts of the council and appropriating the funds.

This past week, a bill in the Minnesota House that carried Legacy funding appropriations failed to move out of committee due to a disagreement between members. Without this funding, conservation work across Minnesota will grind to a halt.

Please let your elected representatives know that conservation funding is important to you.

Call or email your representative in the MN House and let them know that HF 3879 is an important bill to you.

Call or email your MN Senator and let them know that passage of SF 4304 is important to you.

Unsure of who represents you? Find out more here: https://gis.lcc.mn.gov/iMaps/districts/