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
Our 2023 legislative priorities
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

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

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?

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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Our letter on the Senate's controversial environment omnibus bill

Earlier this week, the Minnesota Senate's Environment and Natural Resources Finance and Policy Omnibus Bill includes some helpful provisions, but also includes cuts to state environmental agencies, a package of policy rollbacks, and a raid on a constitutionally dedicated environmental fund.  >>

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Star Tribune commentary: Don't let environmental funding fall prey to political games

The recent commentary calls on the Legislature to drop a controversial “poison pill” provision that is blocking the use of an important dedicated environmental fund in Minnesota.  >>

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Revised 2020 state budget outlook casts a shadow on environmental funding

A few months ago, Minnesota was looking at a sizable budget surplus. Now we've got a projected $2.4 billion deficit. What does that mean for clean water funding this legislative session?  >>

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Wednesday, December 11, 2024 - 6:00pm to 8:00pm
Friends of the Mississippi River office in St. Paul
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