Minnesotans will see a proposed constitutional amendment on the ballot as they head to the polls for the general election. It is called “Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund Renewal”.

Currently, 40 percent of the Minnesota State Lottery profits go to the Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund (ENRTF). This fund supports projects that protect the state’s natural resources, support local communities, improve ecosystems, and promote outdoor recreation. 

Minnesota BHA supports the renewal of the ENRTF Fund and needs you to Vote "YES" on your ballot!

Voting NO or not answering will count as a "NO" vote, so we need you to vote "YES" for it to count in favor. 

This trust fund is set to expire in 2025. The proposed amendment would extend it until 2050, and would introduce new guidelines which would prevent the lottery funds from being used for wastewater infrastructure and other non-natural resource-focused initiatives. 

The History:

In 1988, 77% of voters approved an amendment to dedicate state lottery proceeds to fund conservation activities. Since then, voters have twice renewed this funding, which contributes to Great Outdoors projects.

Since its first appropriations in 1991, ENRTF has provided over $1 billion in stable, long-term funding for innovative projects in natural resource management. Today, the lottery funds over $70 million annually to help protect our Great Outdoors and ensure every Minnesotan can enjoy and benefit from a healthy, thriving environment. 

Where Can I Find this Question?

The ballot question will be on the front of the ballot. This will be the same for every voter, regardless of which county they reside in. Sample ballots are currently available from the Secretary of State. The ballot amendment language reads:

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?

What happens to the money if the ENRTF doesn't get extended?

If more than 50% of Minnesotans vote "NO" or do not answer, the lottery funds will not be dedicated to natural resources. Those funds would go back into a general fund, where legislators may decide to spend that funding in other ways that don't benefit the Great Outdoors.  

VOTE YES to the "Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund Renewal" on your ballot this election.

Whether you are a Democratic, Republican, Independent, or Unaffiliated, the renewal of the ENRTF affects our outdoor heritage and the opportunities of generations to come. 

Join Us November 2nd as we celebrate Minnesota's Great Outdoors and our outdoor legacy with a "Vote YES for Public Land" Hunt with Special Guest Hank Shaw. RSVP Here

Join BHA or Donate today to support our mission in Minnesota!