Held-up outdoors projects, issues piled high for Minnesota lawmakers Minnesota legislators who care about fish, wildlife and other natural resources are poised for a five-month session expected to be dominated by fiscal matters and COVID-19 precautions. January 8, 2021 9:33am Text size Copy shortlink:
Minnesota legislators who care about fish, wildlife and other natural resources are poised to consider wolf hunting, lowering the daily limit for walleyes, and reining in wake boats during a five-month session expected to be dominated by fiscal matters and COVID-19 precautions.
Department of Natural Resources (DNR) officials will propose a new budget later this month and explain how last year s surge in fishing, boating, hiking, camping, trail riding, state park usage and increases in some types of hunting mattered to the agency s bottom line.
Minnesotans missed out while fund sat untouched
Last year, the state Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund was left in limbo. Minnesotans deserve better this year. 12:54 am, Jan. 7, 2021 ×
In 1988, Minnesota voters approved a state constitutional amendment to dedicate a portion of lottery proceeds to a state Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund.
That amendment has been renewed by voters twice.
Last year, $64 million in funding for dozens of projects under that fund sat in limbo as the Minnesota Senate declined to pass it.
Each year, dozens of projects apply for funding, which the 17-member Legislative-Citizen Commission on Minnesota Resources sifts through. They then recommend which proposals should get funding. Last year, the LCCMR declined to endorse the Senate funding proposal after $1.5 million in wastewater infrastructure funding was added without the group’s input or recommendation.
Heintzeman named GOP lead on House Environment Finance and Policy Committee
Heintzeman also serves on the Legislative-Citizen Commission on Minnesota Resources, the Subcommittee on Minnesota Water Policy, and the Legislative Water Commission.
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Rep. Josh Heintzeman
Rep. Josh Heintzeman, R-Nisswa, was appointed to serve as the lead Republican on the House’s Environment Finance and Policy Committee when the 2021 legislative session begins Jan. 5. In my new role, I plan to work hard to preserve Minnesota’s natural resources while providing a check on burdensome rules and job-killing regulations from the Department of Natural Resources and Pollution Control Agency, Heintzeman said in a news release. It is a privilege to represent an area of the state blessed with world-class lakes and outdoor recreational opportunities. As legislators, we must strike a balance on policies that enrich our God-given natural resources while avoidi