LCCMR to hold public events on future state funding for environment and natural resources projects

SAINT PAUL, MN (04/12/2024) (readMedia)-- (St. Paul, MN – April 12, 2024) – The Legislative-Citizen Commission on Minnesota Resources (LCCMR), a 17-member state commission made up of legislators and citizens, will host a series of public listening sessions to help determine priorities for future spending from the Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund (ENRTF). The public's input will help the LCCMR develop a new strategic plan to guide funding decisions for special environment, natural resources, and outdoor recreation projects for the next six years.

Members of the public are invited to learn more about the LCCMR and the ENRTF, and tell state-decision makers what environment, natural resource, and outdoor recreation issues they believe need funding. Everyone, including those who have never been involved with the ENRTF and/or LCCMR, are welcome and encouraged to attend.

People are encouraged to indicate their interest in attending through a quick form, although completing the form is not required to attend. See below for more details:

Saint Paul Listening Session

Date: Friday, April 26, 2024, from 5:00 – 7:00 PM

Location: Amherst H. Wilder Foundation (main lobby)

451 Lexington Parkway North

Saint Paul, Minnesota 55104

Details: Join anytime for an open-house style event. Light refreshments will be provided. Free parking is available on-site.

Brainerd Listening Session

Date: Friday, May 3, 2024, from 12:00 – 1:00 PM

Location: Central Lakes College; Room C205 (Central Building)

501 West College Drive

Brainerd, MN 56401

Details: LCCMR members will be hosting a facilitated discussion. Light refreshments will be provided. Free parking is available on-site.

Detroit Lakes Listening Session

Date: Friday, May 3, 2024, from 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM

Location: Becker County Historical Society and Museum (Event Hall)

714 Summit Ave

Detroit Lakes, MN 56501

Details: Join anytime for an open-house style event. Light refreshments will be provided. Free parking is available on-site.

Saint Cloud Listening Session

Date: Saturday, May 4, 2024, from 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM

Location: Oblivion Coffeebar & Mercantile

27 7th Avenue

Saint Cloud, MN 56303

Details: LCCMR members will be hosting a facilitated discussion. Light refreshments will be provided.

Members of the public are also invited to take a survey and share their opinion with state decision-makers on the important environment, natural resource, and outdoor recreation issues across Minnesota in need of funding. All voices are welcome and encouraged to participate in the public survey: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/D52JVQC.

Find additional information about LCCMR strategic planning efforts on the website, at: bit.ly/LCCMR_strategic_plan

The Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund is a permanent dedicated fund in the Minnesota state treasury that was established by 77% voter approval of a constitutional amendment in 1988. The amendment directs 40% of the net proceeds of the Minnesota State Lottery, into the ENRTF until the year 2025. Since 1991, approximately $1 billion from the ENRTF has been spent on over 1,600 projects that protect and enhance Minnesota's environment and natural resources in every county in the state.

Currently, the ENRTF provides $80-90 million per year for projects across the state through a competitive application process. To learn more about the ENRTF, visit https://www.lccmr.mn.gov/ and follow @mnenrtf on Facebook and X (formerly Twitter).

The Legislative-Citizen Commission on Minnesota Resources is made up of 5 state senators, 5 state representatives, and 7 citizen members. The function of the LCCMR is to make funding recommendation to the Minnesota State Legislature for special environment and natural resource projects, primarily from the ENRTF. The LCCMR developed from a program initiated in 1963.

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