Outdoor Heritage Fund bill would direct $168 million to restoration, council asks for targeted extensions

The Lessard‑Sams Outdoor Heritage Council presented its annual funding recommendations under Senate File 770 on the Outdoor Heritage Fund, asking the Senate committee to lay the bill over for possible inclusion.

The council’s executive director, Mark Johnson, told the committee the bill packages about $168 million in recommended appropriations to restore, protect and enhance Minnesota habitat, covering prairie, forest, wetland and other habitat projects across the state. Johnson said the council’s recommendations result in both enhancement work (the largest share by acres) and fee or easement acquisitions. He described the council’s review process and follow‑up on unfinished projects and urged members to contact his office for specific accomplishment plans and project details.

Why it matters: The Outdoor Heritage Fund is one of four funds created by the 2008 Clean Water, Land and Legacy constitutional amendment. The fund directs a fixed share of sales tax revenue to habitat work statewide. Projects funded through the fund directly affect public lands,…