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
How FMR's priorities for the Mississippi River fared — 2026

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This session featured calm, chaos and a late boost from River Guardians that helped make it a big success for the river. Read more
A collage of scenes from the Capitol this session, featuring FMR staff, lawmakers and partners.
Take action: Urge lawmakers to pass environmental funding bills

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More than 150 projects that benefit clean water and the outdoors depend on this funding. Send a message to your legislators, urging them to approve these bills. Read more
Skunk cabbage at Rosemount Preserve
The final stretch: What to watch for as the session nears its end

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Checking in on FMR's river priorities, including environmental guardrails on new jet fuel, conservation funding, a carp deterrent deadline and more. Read more
Minnesota Capitol in the evening.
How FMR's priorities for the Mississippi River fared — 2025

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Which Mississippi River priorities passed before the deadline? And which ones had to be handled in a special session? Here's a roundup of what happened. Read more
The Minnesota Capitol building exterior with an FMR River Guardians bullhorn in front.. Text says "MNLEG 2025 final update"
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

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Upcoming Events

Tuesday, May 26, 2026 - 6:00pm to 8:00pm
Near the Mississippi River backwaters, St. Paul Park
Wednesday, May 27, 2026 - 7:00pm
Dual Citizen Brewing, St. Paul
Thursday, May 28, 2026 - 6:00pm to 8:00pm
Part of the Northern Dakota County Greenway, Rosemount