News for Immediate Release
April 24, 2018
Contact: Katie McKalip, 406-240-9262, [email protected]
Backcountry Hunters & Anglers gather to celebrate public lands
and 10th anniversary of MN Legacy Amendment
PAUL, Minn. – The Minnesota Chapter of Backcountry Hunters & Anglers is hosting Minnesota Public Lands Day at the capitol tomorrow to celebrate public lands and waters and the 10th anniversary of Minnesota’s Clean Water, Land and Legacy Amendment.
Sportsmen and women will be gathering to voice their support of natural resource funding programs such as the Legacy Amendment. The Wednesday rally is expected to be the largest gathering of hunters and anglers on behalf of public lands conservation and funding in more than a decade.
“Minnesota’s public land and water legacy is the backbone of our opportunities to hunt, fish and pursue other outdoor recreation,” said Minnesota BHA board member Mark Norquist. “These places provide clean water and spaces to roam, and they contribute to healthy communities. Minnesota Public Lands Day is an opportunity for Minnesota’s hunters and anglers to stand together in support of access to these lands and show continued support for the Legacy Amendment.”
Funding from the Legacy Amendment has improved access to hunting, fishing and other outdoor recreation across public lands in the state of Minnesota. Sustainable use of these public lands and waters contributes to $16.7 billion in consumer spending annually generated by Minnesota’s outdoor recreation economy and supports 140,000 jobs. Increasingly, however, some interests seek to limit the use of these monies for acquiring new public lands and pursuing access projects.
BHA partners emphasized the importance of Wednesday’s rally.
“Minnesota’s sporting and outdoor community has been a catalyst for Pheasants Forever to continue our important work for permanent habitat protection and enhancement throughout the state,” said Eran Sandquist, Pheasants Forever’s state coordinator in Minnesota. “Keeping public land in public hands is critical for sustaining hunting and conservation traditions in the Land of 10,000 Lakes, and it all begins with advocacy efforts by our members and supporters at the Rally for Minnesota’s Public Lands.”
“Minnesotans have always stood behind funding and policies protecting our public lands and waters – and our access to them,” said Jason Dinsmore, executive director of the Minnesota Conservation Federation. “Now we are joining together to send this message loud and clear.”
Minnesota Public Lands Day is co-sponsored by BHA and Anglers for Habitat, Delta Waterfowl Foundation, Ducks Unlimited, Minnesota Conservation Federation, Minnesota Deer Hunters Association, Minnesota Outdoor Heritage Alliance, Pheasants Forever, Ruffed Grouse Society and Sportsmen for the Boundary Waters.
The rally will take place at the Minnesota State Capitol Rotunda on Wednesday, April 25th at 3 p.m. Speakers include local sportsmen and women, natural resource managers, elected officials and kids who rely on public lands and waters. Learn more and RSVP.
Backcountry Hunters & Anglers is the sportsmen’s voice
for our wild public lands, waters and wildlife.
Learn more about BHA:
About Backcountry Hunters & Anglers
The Voice For Our Wild Public Lands, Waters & Wildlife.