Paul Austin

Paul Austin

Position
Executive Director

Pronouns: he/him

How I contribute to the CM team: I work on building partnerships, creating a culture of innovation, and getting out of the way of our amazing team.

Relevant experience: Mayor, Marketer, Manager, and Clinton Administration Appointee

What I like about the CM team: It is inspiring to work with people so committed to bringing Minnesotans together around shared values and solving problems.

Favorite MN places: Standing next to Paul & Babe on the shore of Lake Bemidji or on the log that bridges the Mississippi River headwaters

Outdoor activity: Hiking anywhere, but especially along the rivers that pour into Lake Superior.

I am the CM team member most likely to: Baffle millennials by speaking in 1980’s song lyrics

Best outdoor advice: Kids get happier when they go outside, but there is no app that reminds them.

Influential quote: It is amazing what you can accomplish if you do not care who gets the credit. —Harry S. Truman

Our Team

Articles by Paul Austin

lake in the foreground mountain in the distance
Eagle Mountain, our state’s loftiest elevation. From this vantage point across Whale Lake, the 2301-foot peak may look modest, but it becomes more impressive the closer you get!
by
Paul Austin

A historic legislative session just wrapped up—legislators passed landmark policies to address our state’s most important conservation issues and provide lasting benefits to every community. Almost all of the policies Conservation Minnesota worked on during this session became law! Read about the highlights.

Saint Paul Capitol with daffodils blooming in foreground
by
Paul Austin

This legislative session brought some of our largest victories ever, and while there is always more to do, we couldn’t be more excited by what we accomplished together this year. 

Worker in hard hat works on solar panel
by
Paul Austin

Now that the Minnesota Senate has passed the 100% Clean Energy bill, it’s time to celebrate the biggest action ever to address the climate crisis.

Three men installing solar panels
Solar Installation
by
Paul Austin

Yesterday the Minnesota House passed the 100% Clean Energy by 2040 bill, House File 7. “The Minnesota House of Representatives brought us one step closer to our biggest action ever to address the climate crisis. This historic piece of legislation will expand our economy, reduce dangerous pollution, and protect our Great Outdoors for future generations,” said Paul Austin, Executive Director of Conservation Minnesota.

Aerial view of wooded area in autumn
Autumnal view near Duluth
by
Paul Austin

To create a future that addresses historic disparities and ensures that no community is disproportionately impacted by pollution, we need responsible, forward-looking leaders willing to take courageous actions. At Conservation Minnesota we're creating resources to make sure voters and candidates understand our pressing conservation issues