Happening

Throughout Minnesota, there are hundreds of environment, sustainability, energy, natural resource, and parks & recreation commissions, but only one conference that connects these volunteer commissioners to network and learn from experts and each other. Since 2017 Conservation Minnesota has been co-hosting the Environment Commissions Conference.

November is Native American Heritage Month, a time for us to reflect on the historic and continued contributions of Native Americans across the country. In a local example, the Fond du Lac Band of Lake Superior Chippewa has been working to bring elk back to northeast Minnesota.

Since 1988 the state’s lottery proceeds have provided over $1 billion in stable, long-term funding for innovative projects to help protect our Great Outdoors without spending any tax dollars. This November, the opportunity to renew lottery funding will be on every ballot in Minnesota. Over 50% of voters must vote YES to ensure this critical funding source continues flowing to the Great Outdoors for the next 25 years.

The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) recently announced a draft wastewater permit for the 3M Cottage Grove facility, containing some of the strongest limits on PFAS in Minnesota history. MPCA is currently accepting public comment on the proposal through August 30. Learn more!

As part of our new Tell Me More: Talks with Conservation Minnesota webinar series, we recently hosted three state commissioners (from Commerce, Pollution Control, and Natural Resources) to discuss the last two legislative sessions and how their agencies are working to implement historic investments in clean energy, clean water, and outdoor recreation.

Our Community Stewards program, in partnership with AmeriCorps, brings Minnesotans together to learn about and solve conservation problems within their community. Today, we have offices in Duluth, Bemidji, Moorhead, Saint Cloud, Rochester, and Winona. Learn about the impact our Stewards are making on local communities.

July is Disability Pride Month in Minnesota. The Minnesota DNR and nonprofits that help protect the Great Outdoors are working to make Minnesota's outdoor spaces accessible for all.

The 2024 session was a success for Conservation Minnesota and our Great Outdoors. The Packaging Act & the Clean Energy Infrastructure Permitting Act are just two wins in a busy session. Learn about these and more of our legislative accomplishments.

On May 1st, 2024, Conservation Minnesota and GreenStep Cites & Tribal Nations hosted the 7th Environment Commissions Conference. Commissioners joined us at Burnsville’s Terrace Oaks Park for a tour of their oak savanna restoration project.

Over the weekend, the Minnesota Legislature released its funding proposal for critical infrastructure and community projects, known as bonding or capital investments. Today, we submitted the following letter to both the Senate and House Capitol Investment committees. We will advocate for the addition of the provisions as the bill continues through the legislative process.