Happening

The historic investments made by the governor and elected officials this year are supporting every corner of our state. We outline some of the ways their commitment to enhancing infrastructure, protecting the health of all Minnesotans, and broadening recreational opportunities are encouraging community stewardship and ensuring future vitality.

Each August, farm families and agriculture leaders descend on 50 acres of farmland in Southeastern Minnesota’s Redwood County for Farmfest. Conservation Minnesota hosted our very first booth at Farmfest this year, where we engaged with attendees about climate-smart agriculture funding that was significantly increased in the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA).

Our first term with Community Stewards based in Moorhead, Bemidji, and Winona ends this month. Over their 7-month term, Stewards reached over 800 people and hosted over 30 events. Our Stewards led educational and service projects, working with local citizens to help mitigate the impacts of climate change and improve conservation.

As we reflect on Juneteenth—an official state holiday as of this year—it’s important to acknowledge the ways that racism has seeped into different parts of our everyday lives. Inequalities and systematic barriers bleed into every system, big and small, of our society. The world of conservation and outdoor recreation is no different. We must do more to intentionally create a welcoming and inclusive outdoor recreation culture in Minnesota.

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.

Conservation Crew students from across the state gathered at Elm Creek Park Reserve in Maple Grove on May 6th for the annual Conservation Celebration to recognize their accomplishments and share their projects from the 2022–2023 year with peers. Four schools were awarded for their work based on their creativity, impact, resourcefulness, execution, and presentation.

Conservation Minnesota convenes a conference of environment commission members from across Minnesota each year. Environment commissioners from 15 cities came together in Minnetonka on May 20th to make connections, discuss challenges, and share ideas on how to act on conservation at the local level.

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. 

The Hmong community has a rich agricultural heritage. Without their contributions, local markets would see less small-scale sustainable farming, affordable fresh produce, and culturally relevant foods. Despite this, many Hmong farmers and other farmers of color face disadvantages and struggle to find their footing among an agricultural system built for generations around White farmers.

Today, the Governor Walz will sign the bipartisan lead drinking water replacement bill. The bill dedicates $240 million to the inventory and replacement of dangerous lead service lines and creates a goal to replace all lead pipes in the next ten years. It’s a momentous step toward protecting Minnesota kids from toxic lead exposure.