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LCCMR approves consent package despite concerns about Friends of the Boundary Waters as fiscal agent
Summary
The commission approved three ML 2026 work plans on a consent agenda amid objections that one project lists Friends of the Boundary Waters as a no-cost fiscal agent and concerns about political crossover; the consent motion passed 11–4.
The LCCMR approved three ML 2026 work plans on its consent agenda after debate over one project's fiscal-agent arrangement. Representative Heintzeman urged caution, saying fiscal agents should avoid political crossover, and flagged that the group Friends of the Boundary Waters appears to have shared staff and political activity with another organization. "It even share[s] the same executive director with the wing that provides trips to kids, that side of their activities, as well as the anti mining political side of that organization," Heintzeman said during public discussion.
Staff confirmed that Friends of the Boundary Waters was listed as the fiscal agent for Adaptive Wilderness Within Reach on the consent sheet and explained that fiscal agents sometimes act at no cost to help small organizations with limited capacity. Several members defended small-proposal access to the fund and the practice of using fiscal agents; Commissioner Moore and others said small organizations often need a charitable fiscal agent to participate.
After discussion, Representative Jordan moved to approve the consent agenda and the commission recorded a roll-call vote of 11 yes and 4 no. Members opposing the consent vote cited concern about the particular fiscal-agent relationship and the appearance of political entanglement; proponents said the practice is common and can enable access for small groups. Staff noted any member can pull a project from consent for separate consideration.
