How three decades of lottery proceeds are impacting people and the planet
Minnesotans pride ourselves on the abundant natural beauty of our state. That’s reflected in how we choose to invest our public funds. In 1988, more than three in four Minnesota voters approved a constitutional amendment to establish the Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund (ENRTF) using a portion of proceeds from the Minnesota State Lottery.
Since then, a strong majority of voters has extended this funding, and it will be on the ballot for renewal again in November. Unless a majority of voters select “yes” on the ballot, this critical source of funding will end later this year. Leaving the measure blank on the ballot will be counted as a “no” vote.
Since the ENRTF was established, it has provided about $1billion to conserve and protect our water, land and wildlife across the state. Lawmakers approved $80 million in conservation funding through the trust fund during the 2024 legislative session.
The Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund benefits all Minnesotans by:
• protecting ecosystems and wildlife habitat
• bolstering outdoor recreation
• aiding local communities
• improving health outcomes
• promoting environmental equity
• boosting agricultural resilience
• supporting successful businesses and well-paying jobs
If passed the ENRTF will also create an additional community grants program to help remove barriers that have made it difficult for Native Nations, small nonprofits, organizations led by Black, Indigenous and People of Color, and rural communities to access state funds.
The ENRTF has funded a diverse range of projects across the state, from peatland restoration research to the development of new campsites and trails for all Minnesotans to enjoy. While the mix of projects changes each year, in 2023, the majority of funding was used to restore and protect habitat, and preserve land for parks and recreation.
Learn more about the ENRTF at MNGreatOutdoors.org. To view a sample ballot for the November election and find your polling place visit myballotmn.sos.mn.gov.
Reprint permission granted by The Nature Conservancy.