The following is the text of Executive Order 06-12 signed by Governor Pawlenty on August 18, 2006 which provides for the creation of the Governor’s Conservation Legacy Council:

I, TIM PAWLENTY, GOVERNOR OF THE STATE OF MINNESOTA, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and applicable statutes, do hereby issue this executive order:

WHEREAS, Minnesota’s lands, waters, fish, wildlife and other natural resources are critical assets that benefit all people of the State and preserving these assets requires development of a comprehensive, long-term and sustainable model for the governance, management and funding of the State’s natural resources; and

WHEREAS, the Minnesota Constitution was amended in 1998 to recognize that hunting and fishing are a valued part of our heritage that must be forever preserved for the people and managed by law for the public good; and

WHEREAS, 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;” and

WHEREAS, existing government programs and the Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund represent an important source of funding for 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 be able to have continued access to the legacy of quality hunting, fishing, and enjoyment of Minnesota’s natural resources; and

WHEREAS, the input and advice of knowledgeable citizens with natural resource expertise and experience will provide valuable insight into developing long-term and sustainable strategies for the future governance, management and funding of Minnesota’s natural resources.

NOW, THEREFORE, I hereby order the creation of the Governor’s Conservation Legacy Council (“Council”).

1. The Council will be comprised of up to 15 members appointed as follows:

a). The Governor will appoint up to 11 public members.

i). Public members must be residents of Minnesota who are outdoor enthusiasts and who represent a wide range of Minnesota’s outdoor interests including, but not limited to, hunting, fishing, conservation and recreation.
ii). Public members will include residents from geographically diverse areas of the State.

b). The Legislature may, at its discretion, appoint four legislators to serve as members of the Council:

i). The Majority Leader of the Senate may appoint two Senators, one from the minority and one from the majority caucus.
ii). The Speaker of the House of Representatives may appoint two Representatives, one from the minority and one from the majority caucus.

c). The Governor will designate a public member to serve as the chair.

d). The Governor will fill any vacancies in the positions for public members. The Majority Leader will fill vacancies for the legislative members from the Senate and the Speaker will fill vacancies of members from the House of Representatives.

e). Council members will serve a two-year term. Council members will serve on a voluntary basis and are not eligible for per-diem or payment of expenses. The Senate or House of Representatives may allow for per diem or other payment of expenses to legislative members from legislative funds.

2. The Council’s responsibilities include providing advice and recommendations to the Governor on matters relating to the development of a sustainable governance and funding model which will create a lasting legacy for the conservation, protection and enhancement of the state’s natural resources and which will establish Minnesota as the nation’s leading conservation state.

a). The Council’s focus must be on developing recommendations that provide for a sustainable governance and funding model for the conservation, protection and enhancement of the State’s water, land, fish, wildlife and other natural resources.
b). The Council should emphasize developing a strategic plan for the State to achieve the recommended governance and funding models.
c). The Council must consider in its recommendations governance and funding models that incorporate partnerships between governmental entities, non-governmental entities, organizations, land owners and others.
d). The Council should consider governance and funding as to all current and recommended future state government operated or managed activities relating to natural resources; including, fish game and wildlife habitat protection and restoration, water quality protection and enhancement, forestry activities, prairie restoration, and biological diversity.

3. The Council will meet beginning in October 2006, following the completion of the open appointment process.