SAINT PAUL, Minn. (March 5, 2019) – Today, Governor Tim Walz signed a bill that provides $102 million in general obligation bonds for critical environmental and infrastructure projects across the state of Minnesota. Audubon Minnesota and a broad coalition of conservation and environmental groups pushed for this measure to ensure that the previously diverted funds from the citizen-driven Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund are put toward their intended use to protect, conserve and preserve Minnesota’s natural resources.
Rebeccah Sanders, Audubon’s Vice President for the Upper Mississippi Flyway and Great Lakes, issued the following statement:
“The Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund plays a critical role in bird conservation throughout Minnesota. Audubon Minnesota utilizes dollars from the Trust Fund to implement projects that make communities more bird-friendly for migratory species. We also work to restore wetlands and Mississippi River floodplain forests that provide crucial habitat for Bald Eagles and Cerulean Warblers.”
“Audubon is encouraged to see a bipartisan effort to uphold the constitution and the appropriate use of funds that were designated by voters to protect, conserve, preserve, and enhance the state’s natural resources.”
Since 1991, the Trust Fund has provided more than $600 million to approximately 1,600 projects around the state that have enriched Minnesota’s natural heritage, greatly benefiting birds, wildlife, and communities throughout the state.
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Contact: Ashley Peters, Communications Manager, 952-715-1209
The National Audubon Society protects birds and the places they need, today and tomorrow. Audubon works throughout the Americas using science, advocacy, education, and on-the-ground conservation. State programs, nature centers, chapters, and partners give Audubon an unparalleled wingspan that reaches millions of people each year to inform, inspire, and unite diverse communities in conservation action. A nonprofit conservation organization since 1905, Audubon believes in a world in which people and wildlife thrive. Audubon Minnesota is a regional office of Audubon, learn more at mn.audubon.org and follow us on Facebook and Twitter.
