Minnesotans for Our Great Outdoors Campaign

Last month’s newsletter highlighted GMPT’s endorsement of the Minnesotans for Our Great Outdoors campaign to support reauthorizing the dedication of lottery proceeds to the Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund (ENRTF). The lottery dedication is incredibly important because this funding provides significant benefits to GMPT members by offering financing for specific projects and competitive grant funds.

Thirty years ago, 77% of Minnesotans voted in favor of using a portion of state lottery proceeds to build the ENRTF.  Since then, over $1 billion has been invested to help restore and protect our land, water, and wildlife!

These funds benefit Minnesota in so many ways:

• Land acquisition for habitat, parks, & recreational trails
• Land & water protection & restoration projects
• Environmental education & programming
• Invasive species & native wildlife research
• Pollution, climate change, & renewable energy
• Natural Resource data & information

This fall’s election will bring this question before voters to decide:   “Shall the Minnesota Constitution be amended to protect drinking water sources and the water quality of lakes, rivers, and streams; conserve wildlife habitat and natural areas; improve air quality; and expand access to parks and trails by extending the transfer of proceeds from the state-operated lottery to the environment and natural resources trust fund, and to dedicate the proceeds for these purposes?”

How you can help:

1) Spread the Word
Join the growing number of supporters! Minnesotans for Our Great Outdoors is still in the process of growing the coalition of support. If you have connections with businesses, local governments, and/or civic organizations that aren’t yet on this list of supporters, contact them! To make outreach easy, you can use this email template and this endorsement form.

2) Share your Stories
To gear up for the public launch and discussion, the campaign needs more stories about projects funded by the lottery. If your organization knows of current or past projects, please fill out this form. Any project funded by the lottery is worth talking about! Sharing project success stories is a crucial part of the effort to grow support and pass the constitutional amendment in November. 

3) Host an Event
If you are interested in hosting an information session for your members, board, or staff, please contact the Campaign Coordinator at avery@conservationminnesota.org.

If you have questions or would like to learn more about the campaign, please reach out to the Engagement & Coalition Coordinator for Minnesotans for our Great Outdoors Campaign at avery@conservationminnesota.org.