Building on his efforts to reform the way natural resources are managed in Minnesota, Governor Pawlenty today signed an executive order creating the Conservation Legacy Council (CLC).

The CLC will be comprised of 15 members – 11 public members and four legislators – who will provide advice and recommendations to the Governor on how the state can better govern and fund conservation, protection and enhancement of the state’s natural resources.

The CLC will create a long-term strategic vision for natural resource and conservation management, governance and funding, Governor Pawlenty said.

“Our beautiful lakes, streams, prairies and forests help define who we are as a state. They bring great pride and enjoyment to our people. We need to take proper care of them for future generations,” Governor Pawlenty said. “That responsibility needs to rise above political considerations and two-year legislative cycles. The CLC will bring a strategic, long-term approach to managing our natural resources.”

Citizens who are interested in serving on the CLC will be able to apply through the Secretary of State’s open appointments process. The open positions will be posted on September 4 and applications are due by September 26. The CLC will begin meeting in October.

Currently, various government programs and the Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund are funding the protection, enhancement and improvement of our State’s natural resources. However the current funding and delivery structure may not be sufficient to ensure that Minnesotans will continue to have access to quality hunting, fishing, and enjoyment of the state natural resources.

The Conservation Legacy Council will review and consider how natural resources are currently governed and funded and will recommend future state government operated or managed activities relating to fish game and wildlife habitat protection and restoration, water quality protection and enhancement, forestry activities, prairie restoration, and biological diversity.

Once the CLC determines its governance and funding recommendations, it will develop a strategic plan for the State to implement reform efforts. The Council will consider partnerships between governmental entities, non-governmental entities, organizations, land owners and others in it process.

The Minnesota Constitution dedicates a portion of the State’s lottery proceeds to the Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund and assets of the Fund are dedicated to the “protection, conservation, preservation and enhancement of the state’s air, water, land, fish, wildlife, and other natural resources.”

Yesterday, Governor Pawlenty named five citizen member nominees to the new 17-member Legislative-Citizen Commission on Minnesota Resources (LCCMR). The LCCMR was created in legislation proposed by the Governor and signed into law earlier this year. It replaces the Legislative Commission on Minnesota Resources (LCMR) as the body that makes funding recommendations to the Legislature from the Environment and Natural Resource Trust Fund for special environment and natural resource projects.

“Minnesota’s natural resources are critical assets that benefit all people of the State and preserving them requires a comprehensive, long-term and sustainable model for the governance, management and funding,” Governor Pawlenty said. “The CLC will be able to build consensus among the wide variety of people and groups interested in preserving and enhancing our natural resources and work with the Governor and legislature to make sure we’re doing that as effectively as possible.”