One thing I didn’t see coming this month was the amount of time I would see the word “switchboard” mentioned in communications from conservation partners. They were speaking of the US Capitol phone switchboard. Calling the switchboard is an easy way to get in touch with our elected representatives.
The urge to make calls was in regards to an effort to stop the sale of Federal public lands through the Federal budgeting process. I made more than a couple calls to the switchboard myself and found it very simple to get in touch with my elected officials. A friendly staffer even picked up the phone and listened to my concerns in person. I always prefer that over leaving a voicemail. How do you say “Don’t sell of our public lands” to an answering machine. (Apologies to Paul Westerberg)
The efforts of vocal conservationists was successful and thankfully the language detailing the sale of thousands of acres of public lands was removed from the bill. Our voices do have power and thank you to everyone who made a call, wrote and email, or elevated the issue through social media or otherwise.
At a local level MNCF was proud to take part in a public lands day event recently at the Minnesota state capitol. Minnesotans really turned out in support of our shared outdoor spaces. Read on for more information about that event.
We are only days away from hosting the National Wildlife Federation annual meeting in Minneapolis. Conservation partners from across the country will be joining together in Minneapolis. Field trips, learning sessions, and keynote speakers are all set to go. I look forward to telling you more about this event next month.
The Rotunda was rocking when conservationists from across Minnesota turned out to support the states public lands and waters.
Public lands and waters provide critical access to outdoor recreation. Seeing so many people turn out to support these public spaces made for a truly inspiring day.
A special focus on potential adverse impacts to the Boundary Waters Canoe Area from sulfide mining was expressed by MN Senator Tina Smith who spoke to the assembled crowd about her work to protect the health of Americas most visited wilderness area.
Thank you to all of the organizations and individuals that made the event a success!
MNCF President Julia Schrenkler and Board Member Mercedes Akinseye were on hand to lend their voices to the chorus in support of Public Lands and Waters.
Conservationists of all ages participated.
A sign making station allowed for creativity in expressing the importance of public land and waters including the BWCA.
Minnesota is fortunate to have an active and engaged conservation community. Thank you to all of the partner organizations who made this event possible!
2026-27 Clean Water Funds Approved
Minnesotans gave ourselves a gift in 2008 with the voter approved passage of the Clean Water, Land, and Legacy Amendment. This amendment increased the state sales tax by 1/8 of 1% for the purpose of funding clean water, conservation, and cultural heritage projects across the state. One third of the funds raised are allocated to the Clean Water Fund.
Every two years recommendations for the use of these funds are drafted by the Clean Water Council and presented to the Legislature for their approval. Recently, members of the Clean Water Council made final recommendations for 2026-27 that will help craft clean water work throughout the state. After legislative review the package of funding recommendations was passed through both legislative chambers without any changes and signed by Governor Walz.
MNCF Executive Director Brad Gausman was appointed to the Clean Water Council as a representative of statewide hunting organizations.
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