Current Priorities
Leaders in the Field
To engage our expansive network of Minnesotans and their leaders, we have built a team of regional managers who work with individuals and local communities to make progress on conservation issues. Their work varies based on the needs and goals of each community. Examples include organizing local clean-ups and issue forums, creating local sustainability commissions, approving energy conservation and climate action plans, and helping pass local land preservation and parks measures.
Our regional managers also keep local officials informed about key conservation issues being debated at the state level and opportunities to make a difference in those decisions.
On Saturday, November 16th about 35 people gathered to hear Representative Shelly Christensen (DFL-39B) speak at an environmental issue-based town hall.
On Wednesday, October 30th I went to a great event at the Ridgedale Library that showed how the community is working to protect and restore its open spaces.
When we think about debates around conservation and environmental issues, a lot of folks think about what goes on at the state Capitol or in Washington, DC. To be sure, those big debates are important, but it’s also important to remember that a lot of the work it takes to protect the Minnesota we love happens at other levels of government.
I recently hosted a town hall event with legislators from Apple Valley, Eagan, and Rosemount to discuss conservation issues. Senators Jim Carlson and Greg Clausen and Representatives Robert Bierman and John Huot were all kind enough to join us at the School of Environmental Studies in Apple Valley to talk with constituents about their environmental concerns.