Clean Water, Land and Legacy Amendment

Minnesota’s Great Outdoors is what makes our state so special. Our abundant lakes and rivers, rolling prairie lands, noble forests, and lush parks and trails contribute to our state’s jobs and economy, the health of our families, and our treasured Minnesota way of life.

Our deep appreciation for our Great Outdoors led to the overwhelming passage of the Clean Water, Land and Legacy Amendment in 2008. The Minnesota Constitution now specifies that dedicated money from the amendment must supplement traditional sources of funding for these purposes and not be used as a substitute. As elected officials continue to grapple with the worst budget crisis in our state’s history, the Minnesota Environmental Partnership is committed to upholding the voters’ overwhelming mandate to pass on a Great Outdoors legacy to our children and grandchildren.

In the last decade, the Minnesota Legislature has at times shown its commitment to our Great Outdoors by allocating over 22 percent of the funds in the capital investments bill to environmental and conservation projects. Even in difficult financial times, elected officials must protect our Great Outdoors by maintaining this traditional level of funding. We cannot allow constitutionally-protected funds for our lakes, rivers and streams, natural areas and wildlife habitat, and parks and trails to be raided to solve short-term state budget problems.

The capital investment projects supported by MEP member organizations are smart investments that create needed jobs and protect our waters, natural lands, and access to the outdoors.