Lessard Heritage Council begins reviewing habitat funding proposals

A 12-member panel appointed by Governor Pawlenty and legislative leaders has begun work on recommending how to spend $80 to $90 million per year of funding from the Clean Water, Land and Legacy Amendment for fish and wildlife habitat protection. Voters OK'd the amendment in the November 4th election.

The amendment sets aside one-third of annual revenues from a three-eighths cent sales tax increase for the habitat work, which is expected to benefit key areas in the Mississippi River watershed. The sales tax increase takes effect July 1, 2009.

The Lessard Outdoor Heritage Council will make recommendations to the Governor and Legislature on appropriations of money from the Outdoor Heritage Fund that "take into consideration recommendations of the Minnesota Conservation and Preservation Plan that directly relate to the restoration, protection, and enhancement of wetlands, prairies, forests, and habitat for fish, game, and wildlife, and that prevent forest fragmentation, encourage forest consolidation, and expand restored native prairie."

The council consists of 12 members, four each appointed by the Governor, the Speaker of the Minnesota House of Representatives and the Majority Leader of the State Senate. The Statewide Conservation and Preservation Plan "charts long-term strategies for addressing critical issues and trends impacting Minnesota's environment and natural resources."