Protect the Environment & Natural Resources Trust Fund

In 1988, Minnesota voters approved a constitutional amendment dedicating lottery proceeds to protecting, conserving, preserving and enhancing "the state's air, water, land, fish, wildlife, and other natural resources." 

Since then, the fund (officially known as the Environment & Natural Resources Trust Fund or ENRTF) has supported over a thousand research and restoration projects in natural areas and communities throughout the state, including successful FMR habitat projects at Spring Lake Park ReserveHampton Woods and many other FMR restoration sites.

FMR has long supported this funding source alongside many environmental, natural resource and outdoor recreation groups. And Minnesota voters have renewed the amendment each time it's been on the ballot.

From advocating for the amendment's renewal at the ballot box to ensuring that legislators spend the trust fund in ways that honor the will of Minnesota's voters, FMR will continue to protect the fund for decades to come.

Protect the Environment & Natural Resources Trust Fund
Status check: Where our river priorities stand ahead of a special session

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Which Mississippi River priorities passed before the deadline? And which ones will need to be handled in a special session? Here's where things stand. Read more
The Minnesota Capitol building exterior. Text says "MNLEG 2025"
How 6 Mississippi River priorities are faring at the Capitol

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We're into the final weeks of the legislative session. Here's the latest on how our priorities for the Mississippi River are faring. Read more
The interior of the Minnesota Senate chambers. Text says "MNLEG25."
Take action: Help protect community conservation funding

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More than 77% of Minnesota voters approved this program, which helps ensure smaller organizations and communities can fairly access conservation funding. Read more
Gloved hands holding a small plant at a volunteer event. Text says "MNLEG 2025"
3 things River Guardians can be proud of from 2024

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River Guardians participated in a record-setting number of advocacy events with FMR in 2024, and contributed to two big wins for the river. Read more
River Guardians at Forever Green tour
A resounding victory for conservation funding in Minnesota

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Voters throughout the state showed up for Minnesota’s great outdoors this election, ensuring projects that protect air, land, water and wildlife continue to receive funding for years to come.  Read more
What the lottery-backed environment fund has made possible for the Mississippi River

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Vote YES to rededicate lottery funds to our great outdoors this fall. This fund has helped uncover the hidden risks of triclosan, restore 1,000+ acres of habitat, figure out the best way to deter invasive carp, advance clean-water crops and more. Read more
Pine Bend Bluffs SNA in the fall with a view of the river from bluffs
This election season, join us to support the lottery-backed environment fund

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Thousands of environmental projects throughout Minnesota depend on our vote this fall. As we approach the 2024 general election, here's how you can support this critical fund as an organization or individual. Read more
A loon on the Mississippi River

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Upcoming Events

Saturday, May 31, 2025 - 2:30pm to 6:00pm
North 20 Brewing, Rosemount
Apply by June 1, 2025
F-O-K Creatives gallery near Harriet Island in St. Paul
Tuesday, June 3, 2025 - 6:00pm to 8:00pm
Southwest Park Ponding Basin, Hastings