Conservationists request more than $200 million from Outdoor Heritage Fund

Minnesota conservation organizations submitted 44 requests totaling more than $202 million for consideration by the Lessard-Sams Outdoor Heritage Council.

Local units of government, conservation districts, school districts, non-governmental organizations and state agencies requested funds for programs to protect, restore, and enhance habitat for fish, game and wildlife. The Lessard-Sams Outdoor Heritage Council were scheduled to meet August 16 to select requests to be heard by the council.  Hearing dates for selected projects are August 24 and 25.

The Council anticipates recommending to the 2011 legislature $86 million in conservation efforts from the Outdoor Heritage Fund. The Outdoor Heritage Fund receives one-third of the dedicated money from an increase in the sales tax through the constitutional amendment creating the Outdoor Heritage, Clean Water, Parks and Trails and Arts and Cultural Heritage.

All requests can be viewed on the council website.