Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund

In 1988 (and twice since then), Minnesota voters approved a constitutional amendment to dedicate lottery proceeds to the protection, conservation, preservation and enhancement of "the state's air, water, land, fish, wildlife, and other natural resources." 

Dubbed the Environment & Natural Resources Trust Fund (ENRTF), it has invested over $700 million into more than 1,700 research and restoration projects statewide since its inception. That includes successful FMR habitat projects at Spring Lake Park Reserve and Hampton Woods in Dakota County.

Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund
Protecting the Environment & Natural Resources Trust Fund
August 18, 2022
Protecting and extending one of Minnesota's bedrock environmental funding sources is a top priority for FMR. Read more
A blue and golden sky as the sun sets over the Mississippi River in Minneiska, Minnesota.
How FMR's priorities for the Mississippi River fared in the 2023 session
May 25, 2023
FMR made progress on every single one of its priorities this legislative session. Here's a roundup of everything that happened. Read more
A collage showing parts of five different photos, all from this legislative session: Two FMR staffers posing with fish postcards in the Capitol; an FMR staffer testifying at a May 1 hearing; A state senator posing with children following a hearing; legislators on a tour at the Forever Green Initiative facilities; printed papers with the FMR logo, shown with the Capitol building in the background.
A win for the great outdoors: Voters will get to rededicate lottery funds to the environment
May 23, 2023
Lottery funds for the Great Outdoors will be back on the ballot — though without some sought-after new revenue. Read more
Loon plus text: "#MNLEG Final Update"
Our 2023 legislative priorities
January 3, 2023
From clean-water crops to invasive carp, here's a rundown of what we hope to accomplish at the Capitol. Read more
The top of the Minnesota Capitol building in St. Paul.
Passed (with a side of controversy): Environment & Natural Resources Trust Fund appropriation
by Trevor Russell
June 16, 2022

On the final weekend of the legislative session, lawmakers finalized $70.88 million in spending from the state’s Environment & Natural Resources Trust Fund. It includes some great projects and a fair amount of controversy.  >>

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How FMR's priorities fared this legislative session
by Trevor Russell
May 24, 2022

Despite a historic surplus, this year's legislative session was disappointing from FMR's standpoint. Here's where our priorities stand, with a few bright spots included.  >>

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Will Minnesota get the lead out this session?
by Trevor Russell
April 12, 2022

Numerous bills addressing lead pollution and lead in drinking water are moving forward at the Legislature this session. Here's how Minnesota could get the lead out of schools, drinking water pipes and more.  >>

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Upcoming Events

Partner event: Hastings' Party in the Park
Tuesday, July 30, 2024 - 5:30pm to 8:00pm
Rotary Pavilion at Levee Park, Hastings
Mississippi River Gorge paddle and cleanup [FULL]
Saturday, August 3, 2024 - 9:00am to 2:00pm
Mississippi River Gorge, Minneapolis
Partner event — Spirit of Water: A Celebration with Mississippi River [RESCHEDULED]
New date: Saturday, August 10, 2024 - 5:00pm to 8:00pm
Hidden Falls Regional Park, St. Paul

See all Upcoming Events