On Election Day 2008, voters across Minnesota chose to invest in the future of our state by passing an amendment to preserve our natural resources and cultural heritage. I was one of the authors of this amendment, and was proud to see Minnesotans offer their support.

The Clean Water, Wildlife, Cultural Heritage and Natural Areas Amendment, commonly known as the Legacy Amendment, raised the sales tax by three-eighths of 1 percent and designated four separate areas to receive funding. Outdoor heritage and clean water both receive 33 percent of the funds generated, parks and trails gets 14.25 percent and arts/cultural heritage receives 19.75 percent. Interested community members and advocates quickly began to weigh in on how this money should be spent. From the start, it seemed the outdoor heritage component generated the most passion and enthusiasm.

The Lessard-Sams Outdoor Heritage Council was created to receive input from taxpayers, especially hunters, wildlife enthusiasts, anglers and conservation groups, on what specific projects should be funded in this category. This council (made up of legislators and stakeholders) listens to every request for funding, which this year included 240 proposals.

A total of 48 projects were approved by the council, at a price tag of $26 million. This list of projects was sent to the Legislature for final consideration and passage. As a member of the Cultural and Outdoor Resources Finance Division, I co-authored the bill (HF2882) that approves funding for these projects. Since the council started making recommendations two years ago, the Legislature has fully funded all council recommendations.

As with any new program, there is always a learning curve. Currently, the definition of the word “protect” in the phrase “and may be spent only to restore, protect, and enhance wetlands, prairies and forests” has come under fire. Conservation groups would like the $26 million in appropriations to be spent on projects that “directly” benefit fish, game and wildlife, especially the purchasing of new land. Members of the House interpret the word “protect” to mean that in addition to new land purchases, money should also be spent to take care of the land we already own.

Support for this definition was provided by a recent report from the Office of the Legislative Auditor that said the Department of Natural Resources doesn’t appear to have enough money to manage the land it already owns. Officials admitted they are not sure how much money has been spent on thousands of acres of conservation easements. Many of these easements haven’t been inspected in years so the cost of upkeep is not known. More than 100 of these lands don’t even qualify under current law as a conservation easement. This is much like fixing a leaky roof before the entire roof needs to be replaced. It is a wise use of dollars to maintain the land we own before it becomes too polluted or too run down to be used.

The Legacy Amendment was meant for the entire state of Minnesota and the funds are meant to be spent across the entire state, as well. In the case of the outdoors heritage funds, it makes sense that southern Minnesota would include purchasing more land as a part of our recommendations, while northern Minnesota may decide it is in their best interest to focus their efforts on maintaining land that is already publicly owned. In both cases, it makes sense that recommendations and requests start at the local level, with people that understand what is most needed in their region of the state.

The passage of Legacy Amendment by the voters of Minnesota was a statement of dedication to our children that our state’s resources would be available to them and their children, too. Whether your personal passion is with the outdoor heritage fund, the clean water fund, the parks and trails fund, or the arts and cultural heritage fund, Minnesota has made a commitment to support a quality of life that our children and grandchildren will cherish for years to come.

As always, it is an honor to serve. Please continue to contact me with your questions and suggestions addressing our state budget shortfall. I can be reached at 651-296-8216 or by e-mail at rep.robin.brown@house.mn. I look forward to hearing from you.

Robin Brown, DFL-Moscow Township, is the state representative for District 27A.