Washington County voters: Help spread the word to vote 'yes'
FMR volunteers tending Grey Cloud Dunes Scientific & Natural Area in Cottage Grove in Washington County. (Photo by Paul Raymaker)
This election season, FMR has a special request for Washington County voters: please spread the word about the importance of voting ‘yes’ for your local environment on Tuesday, November 3.
In addition to voting for public representatives, residents can help protect drinking water and natural resources throughout the county. But, there’s a catch: If a voter skips this question on the ballot and doesn't weigh in, it counts as a “no” vote.
What’s on the ballot?
Washington County voters will soon decide whether to renew the county's Land and Water Legacy Program.
If a majority of voters select “yes,” this will improve the water quality of rivers, lakes and streams, including the St. Croix and Mississippi rivers, protect drinking water sources, and preserve and improve wetlands, woodlands and wildlife habitat.
The program has protected and restored 1,900 acres of habitat across the county, including FMR-restoration sites such as Cottage Grove Ravine Regional Park.
Referendum-backed funds would support protection along both the St. Croix and Mississippi rivers, including the county’s Mississippi Bend priority area. This stretch of the river includes many FMR restoration sites in St. Paul Park and Cottage Grove. New projects in this stretch could help protect and restore a growing habitat corridor that connects FMR and Department of Natural Resources parks and natural areas such as Riverside Park, Grey Cloud Dunes Scientific & Natural Area, and River Oaks Park.
Critical (and smartly used) funding for water and habitat
Once approved, the program will raise about $40 million, costing the average Washington County homeowner about $25 a year.
Partners like FMR worked with county officials to leverage funds from the previous referendum (now fully allocated) to strategically deliver a high return on that investment.
Commissioner Stan Karwoski informed the Pioneer Press, “The $20 million that we have appropriated (in 2006), it's really had the buying power of about $53 million when we match that with other grants, city partners, non-profit partners. That buying power has been significant. That's 1,900 acres that have been protected."
Sharing is caring
Most Minnesota voters want to protect drinking water and natural areas. The statewide Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund passed in the fall of 2024 with over 77% of the vote.
But since skipping the question counts as a "no," it's especially important to ask friends, family, clubmates or coworkers to look for the question regarding the "Preservation of Water Quality, Wildlife Habitat and Natural Areas" on their ballot and vote "yes."
Thank you in advance for sharing this article or otherwise spreading the word! Watch FMR's Facebook and Instagram for posts to reshare as well.
Become a River Guardian
Sign up and we'll email you when important river issues arise. We make it quick and easy to contact decision-makers. River Guardians are also invited to special social hours and other events about legislative and metro river corridor issues.