Current Priorities
Minnesotans prioritize public lands
During the economic downturn in 2008, Minnesotans overwhelmingly voted in favor of increasing their sales tax to pass the Clean Water, Land, & Legacy Amendment. A decade later, two Minnesota communities chose again to invest in parks and green spaces. Conservation Minnesota was there to help.
Minnesotans value our parks and natural areas, and we've shown up to invest in these spaces.
Success in Brooklyn Park & Rochester
In 2018, Brooklyn Park asked residents to vote on a plan to reinvest in neighborhood and community parks. And in 2020, Rochester considered a referendum to protect water quality, natural areas, and park improvements.
Conservation Minnesota regional managers worked with local citizens groups and the Trust for Public Land (TPL)—the national leader in state and local funding referendums—to educate voters about the community benefits of these ballot measures.
In the weeks before the elections, we shared information about the referendums with tens of thousands of residents, ensuring voters were aware of what was on their ballot and the impact it would have on their unique community.
On Election Day, Brooklyn Park’s referendum was supported by 63% of voters, approving critical investments in the community’s quality of life. And 64% of Rochester voted yes to protect water quality, natural areas, and park improvements. The referendums’ success showed that protecting our Great Outdoors is a Minnesota value.
Accessible parks and public spaces play a major role in Minnesotans’ quality of life.
The importance of local partnerships
Conservation Minnesota protects the Great Outdoors in the Minnesota we love through work at the local level. By creating partnerships with local groups and listening to the needs of community members, we identify opportunities to make a difference.
