The agriculture industry in Minnesota has a large impact on the health of our environment and economy, and we believe a strong omnibus with provisions that protect and strengthen our waters, lands, and communities would be a vital use of our historic budget surplus. Conservation Minnesota submitted the following letter in support of HF4366, the Omnibus for Agriculture, Housing, and Broadband.
What happens in St. Paul and Washington DC matters, it’s important to remember that much of the work that protects the Minnesota we love is happening at the local level in communities across the state. Conservation Minnesota is the only organization currently hosting gatherings of environment commission members from across the state.
Minnesota small towns and urban areas alike are at risk for having lead-contaminated drinking water. Bipartisan bills to pay for lead service line replacement have been introduced in the Minnesota Legislature, and federal grants could be made available to Minnesota communities, but state legislators need to get bills across the finish line before the session ends on May 23rd.
In 2019, Conservation Minnesota played a crucial role, alongside our national partners, in helping to permanently reauthorize the Land & Water Conservation Fund (LWCF). On May 6th Secretary Haaland announced that $61 million of ORLP grants will be distributed this year to 26 metro areas across the country with three Minnesota parks slated to receive $9 million each.
The perfectly manicured lawn has been a symbol of the American Dream since the 1800s. But a new trend from across the pond might change that. The No Mow May campaign allows homeowners to rethink yard maintenance while helping the environment.
